One of my great pleasures in life is going out for a first-class meal in a good restaurant.
In the days of high salaries and no kids (I'm horrified to admit I'm now talking about the late 80s / early 90s) eating out was a weekly event. Nowadays, it is a rare treat and all-too-often involves selecting the cheapest item on the menu, rather than opting for a delicious first-choice.
A la carte menus are part of our life and culture. Increasingly, we expect a high level of choice and personalisation in almost every sphere.
This morning, I read a thought-provoking article today evaluating Contemporary Catholicism in Ireland (http://www.catholicireland.net/pages/index.php?nd=198&art=2042) and in the process spotted this desciption:
"A-la-carte Catholics" - those who choose whichever doctrines and moral guidelines suit themselves, while ignoring the remainder
At the same time I received an email from someone highlighting the trend of DIY spirituality.
How much do Christians pick and choose their beliefs? Are we in danger of making our own religion, based on the doctrines and practices that suit us?
I've come across a number of people recently who, in strongly advocating a particular belief or practice, ignore Bible references that contradict their viewpoint. These include people from reformed backgrounds as well as those from emergent thinking. It made me wonder.
Is my faith a-la-carte? Do I conveniently ignore any scripture reference that might challenge my 'pet' theories or opinions? Does selective amnesia kick in when a Bible truth threatens to get in the way of my chosen behaviour?
Food for thought!
RGW
(aka The Editor)
3 comments:
What a challenge!
All faith is a-la-carte, because all faith goes against rationality. All believers ignore the fact that God is imaginary or that prayer does nothing.
Above Anonymous comment was written by Realist.
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