November 17, 2014

Adventist Life

As a regular subscriber to a magazine that’s full of decorating ideas and design trends, I discovered that the editor added a unique column titled “I Am Traditional.” I find the column fascinating because it features a woman who has a successful career in the business world; yet despite her high-powered, fast-paced, and cutting-edge working environment, she considers herself to be traditional.

Doesn’t that seem somewhat of an oxymoron? How is it possible to be a savvy and competitive professional in the twenty-first century and yet consider yourself to be traditional? Apparently it’s possible, because these career specialists go on to share the more traditional moments or activities they treasure.

It often occurs to me when reading the monthly article that this exposé on opposites could shed some light on the unsavory practice of branding Christians as either liberal or conservative. Why is it we can’t be a little of both? I’ve wondered.

Systematic Labeling

One recent Sabbath afternoon I found myself in the delightful company of friends. Among them were new acquaintances. As it happened on this occasion, issues facing the church became the topic of conversation. Each one expressed their observations and opinions until suddenly an uncomfortable feeling prevailed. It became clear that the comments were being considered “conservative versus liberal,” and therefore so was the person expressing the thoughts. It felt as if each person were labeled, then and there, and would for all time be branded as such. It seemed to me that there was so much more to learn about one another, but the branding had made its ugly imprint, and there was no escaping.

Because the practice of branding Adventist Christians as liberal or conservative is not that unusual, it’s likely that most of us have been forced to take a look at ourselves. Are we where we want to be, or have we been labeled unfairly? Is labeling an unattractive trait within the Adventist community?

“How would your life be different if . . . you stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter?
Let today be the day . . . you look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.”
—Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

It would appear that some have labeled themselves as one or the other and wear the badge proudly. In other words, some pride themselves on being liberal. They boast and treat lightly things that the more conservative minds would find offensive, thereby separating themselves from some of the traditions of the church. The conservatives then shake their heads in disgust at the lack of respect for the traditions of the past. There also are some who wonder why it’s so unpopular to be a “middle of the road” Christian. Can’t we hold dear some of the precious truths of the Bible and practice some of the traditions of the early church, and yet still explore and be open to new ideas and practices that may be more relevant today?

What About Me?

As for me, I’m certain I’ve been put by others into some sort of box, yet I don’t think of myself as an extremely liberal Christian or a totally conservative one either. I like to consider myself a practical thinker on issues.

Generally my life choices sweep from one end of the pendulum to the other. I like to embrace new ideas but also save some of the traditional ones.

For example, iPads are great, and I couldn’t possibly get along without the Internet and e-mail, but I still love to write personal notes to keep the beautiful art of letter writing alive.

So much is available for easy food preparation. One can purchase every kind of bakery item imaginable, but I love to bake my own pies, make granola, and prepare delicious meals our grandkids rave about.

My iPhone is pretty much with me wherever I go. What a miraculous invention! I can do business on the run. I’m one of those who text, not to the extreme, but what a convenience it is!

Sabbath dinner? We are never more blessed than when we sit around our dining room table with family and friends to enjoy a special Sabbath meal. A noisy bustling restaurant may be an easier alternative, but for me it defeats the purpose of Sabbath.

Music written by the greatest composers of all time bursting forth with grandeur through the pipes of an organ thrills my soul and lifts me to the courts of heaven. I don’t have to pretend to love alternative worship styles just to be cool. I know what feeds my soul and how I connect through worship.

But there you go—you’ve just branded me as a “conservative”! Don’t be too hasty, though, because at the right time and place, I thoroughly enjoy a praise team, a rousing Gaither concert, and a variety of other music. Some call that liberal.

A Divisive Practice

I believe labeling is offensive and even divisive. Some talk about being in one camp or the other regarding issues that more often than not result in confusion, doubt, and “a disconnect” with God. The two camps rarely come together in agreement. The unhealthy environment stunts church growth and discipleship.

Fortunately we have a wise and wonderful God who is not concerned with labels and will in the final judgment sort through the degree to which we practice our Christianity. In His wisdom He will know if our lives are aligned with His plan for us. He will distinguish the nonessential from the important and the skeptic from the faithful. That job is not ours.

It’s probably a good idea, and likely more beneficial, to leave the state of our Christianity in the hands of God.

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