The congregation that loves with the intellect
Faith is not just a jump in into the unknown
Many people would like to be challenged to think about faith, life, and meaning. They are not frightened of a challenging presentation or a good debate. They have questions and look for answers. The argument that says ‘That is something you just have to accept’ is not enough for them. This does not only apply to adults but also too many young people who would like to see their questions are taken seriously. What can you offer them?
We love God with all our heart, mind and soul. (Matthew 22: 37). Faith is more than emotion, more than an experience. You can think about faith and you can get people to think about it. At the Areopagus Paul entered into a debate with the philosophers of his days (Acts 17). He showed them that he was familiar with their way of thinking and at the same time he was clear about the message of the Gospel.
Congregations that follow this approach are often congregations that have leaders who are well educated, or they are congregations in a university town. But it can also be a congregation in a wealthy commuter town with many intellectuals.
‘Apologetics’, ‘defending the Christian faith with reasonable arguments’ has since long been a subject at the theological colleges and universities. Faith is not exclusively a jump into the unknown; you can think about it, it has a degree of reasonableness about it. There are congregations that respond to this. Take for example the book by Tim Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Scepticism[1], or, older, C. S. Lewis ‘Mere Christianity’[2]. There is a wide choice of literature from varying perspectives that can help to draw up a programme. Other theologians like Erik Borgman also appeal to many people, including to those who do not belong to a church.
A number of suggestions
- A church ‘pub’ on a Friday evening, a thesis, somebody to introduce it and discussion afterwards
- Presentations about current affairs subjects, but also about theological questions
- A debate between proponents and opponents around a thesis or an ethical question
- A series of lectures about ‘difficult questions’ (from a list drawn up by outsiders)
- A book review
- A service for young people which deals with questions from young people.
In Houten, Netherlands a monthly service is held called ‘Deepening’ by and for young people, though older people are very welcome. The subjects for discussion are chosen by the young people, who formulate the questions to be put to a speaker. During the service there is an opportunity for discussion and questions.
In Delft Churches Together organized ‘Hot Potatoes’[3], a series of lectures for church people, seekers and skeptics.
Possible approach for the church council
- Decide as church if this approach would be suitable for your church.
- Get a number of people together who could draw up a plan for this. Think of people with a network of possible speakers; those who are speakers themselves or are able to lead a debate, but also people who are good organisers and can make sure that there is a good atmosphere. Also involve people ‘from outside’ in these plans.
- Good promotion is essential.
- Make a programme for the whole year.
- Stimulate the congregation to invite their acquaintances in a targeted manner. ‘This is something you are bound to find appealing, this subject will interest you.’
- Make sure there is a hospitable atmosphere and follow-up opportunities: courses or discussion groups.
[1] In alle redelijkheid, christelijk geloof voor welwillende sceptici, Tim Keller
[2] Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
[3] Hete Hangijzers
