Dinosaurs and Chameleons

 



Picture Credits: freeimages.com 


The title for this month’s blog came from a cracking book I am currently engrossed in called, The Wild Gospel[1]. Its author, Rev Dr Alison Morgan, discusses the importance of bringing the Gospel into the modern culture of postmodernity where we now find ourselves and how we make the church relevant to the times we live in. Published in 2004 and still very much pertinent in the context of our current times, I have found it both enthralling and disturbing (judging by the number of pages I have tabbed) because as a worship leader, it has certainly made me think a bit more deeply about how I frame the message I deliver on Sunday mornings. In addition, how I carry this message into my chaplaincy work within the emergency services, where I come into contact with people who find it difficult to have any faith given some of the appalling things they are confronted with on a daily basis. It also got me thinking about how this comes across in my writing, particularly my own personal blog where I discuss issues relating to faith. Before we get to that perhaps I should explain the use of the title – and the images.

 On page 184 of her book, Dr Morgan warns against the dangers of giving into the prevailing culture. She describes two dangers; the first is that in our faith practices we cling too rigidly to the past, failing to recognise and adapt to changing society so become irrelevant to the worldview of those we wish to be hearers – we become the dinosaurs. The second danger is that when we do make changes we do so on the basis that we are trying to “fit in” with the prevailing culture, by trying to adapt our message to blend in with the surroundings, rather than focusing on making it relevant i.e. we adopt the Chameleon position. Neither she concludes are conducive to being good messengers.   

 Whatever format we choose to express them in, words like language form part of our culture and often reflect our society values. Any casual look at the issues trending on social or in mainstream media provide sufficient clues to what I am referring to. As Christian people who choose to write either professionally as a living or as part of other activities, words are an important part of our literary tool boxes so regardless of genre, the words we use to express ourselves are an integral part of who we are and reflect our own values – based on the teachings of Christ – as much as the society we live in.

 An issue touched on in the book is also an issue prevalent throughout our modern world, namely the conflict that sometimes arises between scientific facts - based on rational proof and values – which are based on ideas or beliefs for which no scientific fact can support as true. Our Christian faith for example, is based on the belief that Jesus Christ died and rose again. Bodily resurrection cannot be scientifically proven, yet it is the core of our system of religious belief and the inherent values we live by. The world at large may scorn at this idea or belief, yet for us, we take these values and ideas and translate them into the facts of our lived lives. Some of us are then blessed with an ability to put these facts into our own writings, which we hope will show how our faith and the Gospel message is even more relevant today than ever before. As Paul in Romans 12 verse 2 puts it, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed to the renewing of your mind… “  

Paul in Romans 12 also wrote about people not being afraid to use their talents as they have been allocated to them by God. In her blog from April 28th Sophia summed it up brilliantly when she wrote, “So, today, I want to encourage us to be bold about our talents and let God know how grateful, proud and privileged we are to be proclaiming the good news, no matter what form this might take.” Or Annmarie from April 20th, describing her move into the spoken word format via podcasting and Christian Radio, all of which can help truly transform how we communicate our faith and belief in the risen Lord not just as a value, but as a fact.

How we express ourselves can help in reaching people who find the traditional ways of the dinosaur unhelpful and lacking meaning, but who also find the ways of the chameleon (seeking to blend in with current fads and trends) confusing in understanding exactly what our message is.  

 If you haven’t read Alison Morgan’s book, I can heartily recommend it especially for those quiet times when you want to dip in and out. It is available on Amazon or Waterstones if you cannot get it at any local bookshop.  

 

Every Blessing for a very enjoyable and restful May Day Bank Holiday.

 

Michael Cronogue originally from London now resides in Walsall in West Midlands region of UK. Writer and blogger discussing matters of faith and theology on his website www.michaelcronogue.com



[1] Alison Morgan, The Wild Gospel: Bringing Truth to Life (Oxford, UK: Monarch Books, 2004)


Comments

  1. That sounds fascinating, Michael, and I do like the analogy of the dinosaurs and the chameleons. It's so easy to fade into the background if we're not careful.

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  2. A useful post, Michael. Here ar the links to the other 'More than Writers' you mentioned.
    Annmarie’s post


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  3. Brilliant writing! So scholarly written. I was very proud to see my name been referenced!! This goes to show that one never knows who reads our blogs as not all readers identify themselves. Same with our books and writings. We never know who our readers are! May God direct the right messages through us to the right people He wishes to bless for His glory. Lovely post. Thanks and blessings.

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  4. Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this thought provoking blog.

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  5. Thank you Maressa for your comments

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