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by Spencer Burke

I've been doing some listening and thinking lately.

It seems like the conversation about what the Church is today and should be in the future has become more and more heated lately. I have this theory about why this is, but before we get to there I need to make a few observations.

First, it seems that the fine art of practicing hospitality is becoming more and more endangered, especially in regards to conversations about theology and ecclesiology.

All it really takes is a quick glance at the many discussions going on in the media and on blogs across the blogosphere. The tone and tenor, on both sides, is often anything but gracious and hospitable.

I think we need to rediscover the lost art of practicing hospitality - the ability to host a discussion that is intellectually stimulating in an environment of commonality and safety. This does not mean that we have to agree on everything, but that we have a common respect for each other, each other's opinions, and for the intellectual integrity of the conversation.

Honestly, this is one of our greatest hopes for The OOZE, namely that this space, this electronic canvas, would be a hub of theological hospitality - where differing opinions and voices are welcome. We may not agree with one another, but hopefully this is a place where hospitable discussion and learning take place - as none of us has a corner of the fullness of truth. This is the beauty of what is happening on The OOZE and at events like Soularize.

N. T. Wright, the renowned theologian and Bishop of Durham, said this about his involvement at Soularize last fall, and I think he summed it up well:

"Soularize a hugely stimulating conversation; it's more than the sum of its parts. You bring together people from quite a variety of backgrounds and let them knock sparks off each other, talk to each other, listen to each other, sing a bit together, and hang out together. For me Soularize has been a wonderfully creative, exciting but relaxing experience."

But as I listen and observe, I have this theory that this kind of environment for dialogue is going to be more and more difficult in the near future. Here's why?

In the next three to five years, I foresee a change in the conversation regarding the Church. With a change of political climate, and the diminished platform and voice of religious fundamentalists has within the political arena, we may see an influx of people coming back from the political dialogue into the ecclesiological one. Perhaps with the same passion they lobbied the political system, those in the religious fundamentalist movement might come into the Church with a renewed sense of recapturing the "nostalgic" vision of what the "Church" is - the one that many have found wanting and have left almost completely. Will we see the same tactics of fear and intimidation? Will we hear more ad hominem attacks, using cliched innuendos like "un-Biblical," "un-orthodox," "un-Christian," and even "heretical"? Will we buy into these quick dismissals which threaten to disenfranchise and avoid the opportunity to engage in real, lasting dialogue? I hope not.

This is where you and I come in. I think more than ever we need to be people who choose to rise above this kind of dialogue and risk in engaging this discussion - to practice theological hospitality. I believe that we need to be the ones to lead by example, to intentionally create environments of gracious dialogue. We also need to show what respectful disagreement looks like in the midst of intellectual and theological tensions. If we are to see the Church, the beautiful expression of God in this world, move forward in being all that is should be, this kind of hospitality is not merely required; it is the way of Jesus.

So once again, it comes back to you and me. Will we choose to practice this kind of theological hospitality or not? Will our future be divisive or destructive, or will we choose to have our words be seasoned with grace and love?

Because in the end, we might become what we have fought so hard to change.

I invite you to read through the message boards and begin to engage with others. Perhaps you want to begin to test some of your thoughts by submitting an article. We want you to join in the conversation and invite a friend.

See you on the message boards!
Spencer... [more]