To submit every tradition
"The hallmark of an authentic evangelicalism is not the uncritical repetition of old traditions, but the willingness to submit every tradition, however ancient, to fresh Biblical scrutiny and, if necessary, reform" (John Stott, "Basic Stott," Christianity Today, Jan.8, 1996)
This quote was cited in The Problem With Preaching, a year-old article I just discovered. The author says this:
"Preaching" as it is practiced in churches today (& in the past) has little biblical basis - the "preaching" that occurs is extra-biblical (outside the bible). In the New Testament, preaching was always linked to preaching of the gospel or kingdom to those that are outside or on the edge of the kingdom - the Greek verbs used in the NT to portray preaching are found overwhelmingly in situations which are outside church meetings and evangelistic in nature. In contrast, in our churches today we "preach to the choir" – most people sitting in churches listening to sermons are Christians, and most have been there listening to sermons for many years – our preaching is actually teaching about Christianity to a predominantly Christian audience, week after week for the rest of their lives.
He lays out a pretty strong case for his stance, and I’d recommend y’all read this article–if for nothing else than to get a fresh perspective on something we typically take for granted in the Church.
September 4th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Okay, I’m halfway through the article (it’s a long one!) and have had to say many times, “Hmm. That’s a good point.”
I wonder , since the article is 10 years old, if he has changed his views or still holds these. I have to agree I can only remember a handful of sermons, and a few more discussions about them afterward. I’m half afraid to send this to my dad who is a preacher, but he is open-minded, so I think I’ll give it a whirl. From my heart, though, I must say I love to hear the “old, old story of Jesus and His love” on Sundays. If I ever tire of it, shame on me, not the preacher!