I watched a youtube video a couple of days ago in which Mark Driscoll talks about how the church has been "chickified" and that we need a more "manly" ministry. He talks about how when he looks back in the Bible, he doesn't see little wimps but King David and other men who saddled up and slaughtered other people. These are "men," not the wussy pastors we see now, he says. The church has been fluffed up by female characteristics that eclipse the manliness of our church.
Hmmm....my first thought is: is this language even justified? I wonder how many women are turned off my simply hearing this? It doesn't seem necessary to me to speak in this manner. Secondly, is the epitomy of manliness David, Solomon, Zerubbabel, etc., or is it Adam and Jesus? What is the picture we are given of Adam? It is one of harmony in the garden and servanthood. And Jesus? God forbid he would actually let someone injure him and not strike back as a powerful warrior of the Davidic line!
Of course, I'm not saying that we should be passive (as if that is even a "female" characteristic in the first place). Jesus denounced the corruption of the elitists and so on, but the overall message of Jesus was that of peacemaking and loving in word and deed. It is true that our church has overly emphasized God's love (as if that's even possible) and neglected other aspects of his character (justice, wrath, jealousy, etc.; this would be, more accurately, the church's problem), but that doesn't mean that it has been "chickified" (!). What is trying to be said, that love is a quality only to be found in women? Are men to be stoics in church when they sing of God's amazing grace or are they able to weep as Jesus did (though for other reasons)? I can't see the logic of these kinds of statements in the least.
I Want Your Advice!
1 day ago
5 comments:
I think when Mark Driscoll is saying the church is "chickified" he is meaning something of the sort of Kentucky Fried Chicken and that his church always has chicken when they have potlucks and he is sick of it. I say you invite him to our church potlucks where we have awesome food! haha
Yeah, random I know.
You have a special quality of not just taking what other people say as being correct just because they have big names but you are willing to challenge what they say when you think it is not correct. That is a special quality and something that I think will make you a great scholar. You are able to challenge people and you don't simply take facts at face value. As I like to tease you are an over achiever. That is a huge compliment.
Oh and by the way, I agree with what you said. Why are some characteristics tagged as female and others as male. It is our culture who has done that. God did not create Adam and say "ok you have to love Eve, but you can't show your love or express it in words, that is way too girly. You have to be manly about it. She will know you love her because you are with her." This isn't to say that men and women aren't different because we are (thank goodness), but it doesn't mean that men cannot be emotional or that women can't be strong and stoic. I really like what Craig Hill was saying in class on yesterday about how we need to fight stereotypes of men and women. Why can't men enjoy shopping without being homosexual, and why cant a woman enjoy watching sports without being "one of those girls" (direct quote Kristen has gotten because she is into baseball). What is wrong with being "one of those girls" or enjoying to dress well. Haha, I know I rant, especially when it comes to this topic, i know i know...
So I figured since this was my first long overdue comment on your blog I'd make it long, give you a little study break! :-D
Haha, all girls are soo long winded, they talk sooo much! Now boys on the other hand are short and straight to the point. So how was your day Sam..."oh it was good, how about you" "Well I woke up and went to the bathroom and........." hahahahahahah!
hahah, sweet thanks. It's definitely hard to differentiate between our culture, the culture of the Bible, and the normative aspect of Scripture. Like Thoeness says though, "we shouldn't punt to mystery on the first down"!
Kelsey, If he came to our church, he would say we have been "short-rib-ified".
I love most of what Driscoll says, but this makes me a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it is because I am one of those pastors he is smacking and I'm a bit defensive. Yes, I do have lots of "product" in my hair, I listen to Caedmon's Call, and have worn a pink shirt from time to time. (In which case I want to say to Mark, "If you are such a man, why the rings and choker necklace?!?")
I agree in principle that our church culture has been influenced by the feminist movement and many men (including pastors) have abdicated responsibility on many issues.
I also agree that many have preached an image of Jesus that my 4th grade niece can beat up. Instead, Jesus is MAN and will come on a horse (bare-back I'm sure), a tattoo down his leg saying "King of kings and Lord of lords" and with a sword coming out of his mouth slaying his enemies. That is a warrior!
However, I don't think that pastors become real men if they get tattoos, watch UFC, ride motorcycles, and reject all "product" for their hair.
I think we have missed the point on what a man is and what a manly pastor is. I don't think it matters what your hair or skin looks like, what sports you watch, etc. I think what matters is 1) Do you stand up and take responsibility, 2) do you love others like Christ loves the Church, 3) do you love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Anyway, I happen to love a good KFC at a potluck so go ahead and call me "chickified".
I have heard good things about Mark Driscoll (unfortunately I have not been able to read any of his works)...
I have had issues against the present situation of the church as well. "I could sing of your love forever" and ever and ever and ever typifies the problem. I just cannot sing this song, it seems as this should be a song sung to a lover or something.
With that said, I will say that the emotions are an essential part of our humanity and should not be suppressed. I agree with your solution man (balancing this with a regard for God's other attributes)...
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