tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133392377387982719.post7089752506899739799..comments2022-10-28T23:22:52.631-07:00Comments on Along the Way ...: June 3, 2014 - Along the way ...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06282060546539360976noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133392377387982719.post-81806697295356694572014-06-10T13:44:28.316-07:002014-06-10T13:44:28.316-07:00Sonya, I agree that individualism, which may in fa...Sonya, I agree that individualism, which may in fact be a result of existentialist tendencies, is a problem in today's world and in the church. However, I am not sure that existentialism itself necessarily has to lead toward individualism. Experience can also be shared experience that brings us together and unites us with a common purpose. I believe experiencing God as He is (the Living God) to be a powerful endorsement of true faith in God's promise met in Jesus. The things we here about in scripture are confirmed by our shared experience of the joy, peace, and comfort of knowing God. <br /><br />Nevertheless, I appreciate your concerns and I agree that we must resist the tendency toward individualism in our faith and our everyday life. We need one another, as God has made us for community, even as He has made us for Himself. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06282060546539360976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133392377387982719.post-24837104146367526272014-06-05T17:47:10.571-07:002014-06-05T17:47:10.571-07:00Hi Pastor Joe,
The topic of existentialism is a b...Hi Pastor Joe,<br /><br />The topic of existentialism is a broad and confusing topic to research...I have done some reading and listened to a couple of speakers and intend to do more. But here are some thoughts.<br /><br />Secular existentialism seems to say our existence is validated by our personal experiences. We have to look into ourselves and determine what is worth while and make our decisions in life based on our past experiences. It is very individualistic. Many of the sources I looked into did not acknowledge God or an afterlife. And many of the sources referred to hopelessness and despair.<br /><br />While Christians have a difference basis of beliefs and absolutes I can see areas where existentialism has had its affects on the church today. Our relationship with Christ has to be personal and real. Yet to base our faith primarily on what we experience and not on what we 'know' to be true puts us on a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs with little stability because experience and emotions are so closely connected. This leaves us constantly needing another 'experience' to validate our faith.<br /><br />Another concern is the emphasis on individualism and the impact that has on corporate kingdom living. We see many churches where attendance is down and the second service is discontinued, giving is down, individual taste in worship styles has caused riffs in congregations, to name a few things; all causing a lack of unity of the corporate body of the church. <br /><br />I want to do more reading on the subject and identify some biblical principles that can be applied. Looking forward to more comments and discussion. <br /><br />For God's Glory, <br /><br />SonyaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com