“What doesn’t kill your makes you stronger” While not explicitly theological, this phrase was often used in my theologically conservative family of origin to minimize legitimate hurt, pain, and suffering—things which are uncomfortable to address since God is supposed to be in control.
In theory, it's going in the right direction. But in my experience, nearly everyone I've ever heard say that is coming from a perspective that to me is the epitome of "Christianity is a controlling religion."
Yes, if the gospel is not used for love, healing, and restoring relationship it is misused. When people “proof text” (I think that’s what it’s called?) my spidey senses tingle.
I heard a quote that the Bible is more concerned about how we think than exactly what we think. It wants us to dance with lady wisdom than tell us all the answers for every situation.
I was asked this week to "please pray for-insert name(s) here- salvation".... here's my question back- what do you mean by that???
I also get nervous when I hear people (or music) that talks about 'leaving this world behind'. This feeds a dangerous theology that what happens here and now doesn't matter (and that doesn't-in any way- line up with what Jesus said).
Sometimes the phrase- “We are so blessed” causes me pause and can be cringy for me- I guess because it’s often said in reference to wealth and possessions- Or it feels like it’s said as though their “Blessedness” is earned /deserved because they are faithful and if others are not as “blessed” then they must be sinning… ?
This is lovely! Thank you for these. These red flags also seem so psychologically messed up and create so much fear and division. I love God, but not all the dogma.
I agree with those red flags. For me, any statement or phrase or word, that somehow indicates that the speaker/writer believes their perspective to be "the truth." Often conservative Christian books are given titles that state or at least imply the contents of their book is "the truth." What I do wholeheartedly agree with is that "bad theologies" are damaging to the one who embraces them and "good theologies" are helpful to those who embrace them. That is very subjective and has little to do with "the truth" about who God is, how God works, or what is God's will for humanity.
And bad theologies are bad for those who don’t embrace them, while good theologies are also good for those who don’t embrace them. All that to say, our theologies impact us, of course, but also others.
also... love (love, love) this quote:
Good theology liberates and heals.
Bad theology oppresses and harms.
So true!!
AMEN!!!!
Thank you!
“What doesn’t kill your makes you stronger” While not explicitly theological, this phrase was often used in my theologically conservative family of origin to minimize legitimate hurt, pain, and suffering—things which are uncomfortable to address since God is supposed to be in control.
Oooffff. That one. Yes.
Hit enter too soon on the first one lol
"Christianity is a relationship, not a religion."
In theory, it's going in the right direction. But in my experience, nearly everyone I've ever heard say that is coming from a perspective that to me is the epitome of "Christianity is a controlling religion."
Yes 💯
Your theological “spidysence” is spot on!
Thank you! 🙌
Yes, if the gospel is not used for love, healing, and restoring relationship it is misused. When people “proof text” (I think that’s what it’s called?) my spidey senses tingle.
I heard a quote that the Bible is more concerned about how we think than exactly what we think. It wants us to dance with lady wisdom than tell us all the answers for every situation.
Yes! Love that!
This is a pretty comprehensive list! I would add “A woman’s place is (or isn’t)”…fill in the blank. 🙄
YES 👏
Good stuff. I like it.
Thank you!
I was asked this week to "please pray for-insert name(s) here- salvation".... here's my question back- what do you mean by that???
I also get nervous when I hear people (or music) that talks about 'leaving this world behind'. This feeds a dangerous theology that what happens here and now doesn't matter (and that doesn't-in any way- line up with what Jesus said).
Agreed! I always want to ask, “What do you mean by salvation?”
Also agreed on the evacuation theology!
Sometimes the phrase- “We are so blessed” causes me pause and can be cringy for me- I guess because it’s often said in reference to wealth and possessions- Or it feels like it’s said as though their “Blessedness” is earned /deserved because they are faithful and if others are not as “blessed” then they must be sinning… ?
YES! 💯
This is lovely! Thank you for these. These red flags also seem so psychologically messed up and create so much fear and division. I love God, but not all the dogma.
I agree with those red flags. For me, any statement or phrase or word, that somehow indicates that the speaker/writer believes their perspective to be "the truth." Often conservative Christian books are given titles that state or at least imply the contents of their book is "the truth." What I do wholeheartedly agree with is that "bad theologies" are damaging to the one who embraces them and "good theologies" are helpful to those who embrace them. That is very subjective and has little to do with "the truth" about who God is, how God works, or what is God's will for humanity.
And bad theologies are bad for those who don’t embrace them, while good theologies are also good for those who don’t embrace them. All that to say, our theologies impact us, of course, but also others.
Well, God is in control.
“Well” stated with a sigh and intonation suggesting God did it, we don’t like but “God is in control.”