Contrarian Thinking

My husband, James, has been on a reading binge lately. Partly, imo, because the places that should be ground for him to experience growth, have been barren and dry. He's searching and trying to find ways to stretch himself and learn something. He's inspired me a bit because I just don't read books much anymore. I prefer reading material that I can sit down with and get through in one sitting....think magazines and newspapers.

Well, he received a book from a friend for free. It's by Larry Osborne and it's called A Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God: Spirituality for the Rest of Us. He read it a while ago and would read me bits and pieces that struck him. I thought it was a book that I'd like to digest.

We're currently at a pretty conservative church and not thinking like the guy in charge often is associated with not thinking correctly and even rebellion. I think Larry might be onto something.

Larry says:

It's the end result that matters, not the pathwe take to get there. If something produces a great walk with God for you, it's a great path to take. If not, it's probably a waste of time, even if lots of other folks highly recommend it.

How true! Larry's not talking about "whatever path" in the all paths lead to the same place. Please know he's talking about the tools we use. What may work for someone, might not be what God has called me to. God is such a personal God and because He created me and knows me, He knows how I will best grow.

He goes on to say:

The way we're wired really matter. Whenever we project what works for us onto everyone else, we create frustration and legalism.

Ouch.

What about these methods we're told are requirements. We should do x and x and x and it will equal the highest of spiritual maturity and the holiest of Christians. We must pray for hours on end, read the Bible and the scholars and throw in the latest trend in Christian books.

Osborne brings up the subject of all of this reading. Where did that leave those before the press was invented. Were they never able to obtain an intimate and true relationship with their Maker and Saviour? What about dislexics? Are they doomed to mediocrity in their walk with Christ?

Sure makes one think.

Osborne continues:

I was also puzzled by our widespread emphasis on proper doctrine as central to having a good relationship with God . . . that caused me to wonder if sound doctrine is perhaps more the result of knowing and pleasing God than the primary and indispensable first step before He shows up.

I was blessed enough to be able to attend a Christian college where I felt the freedom to explore my faith as a young adult. I took the time to wade through what I was always told, what had been taught to me, and what I spent time talking to God about and searching and searching for more information on.

Those years of searching and growing were important for me as an individual to validate my true personal beliefs. Not ones that had just been passed down but ones that I took ownership for. I find that knowing doctrine is important because I feel inadequate to share my faith if I don't even understand it. But I think Larry shares a good point. Maybe sound doctine is a result of my relationship with God than my relationship a result of sound doctrine.

Those were simply some thoughts on Chapter 1. So much to chew on. So much to think about. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please share if you have any.