a. Christians at this stage are generally unaware that there is a journey to be taken. They typically have a traditional belief in God, whom they see, again typically, much as they were taught in Sunday School. Often this “omnipotent” being is “out there” somewhere, a judge as well as an stern educator.
b. Christians at this stage also typically have a traditional understanding of Jesus as “saviour,” born to redeem us by dying for our sins, but don’t tend to have much of an understanding of what that means.
c. Faith, however, does not play a significant part in the life of these folk; there remains a clear separation between “secular” life and one’s Christian practice. Typically, “Christian practice” consists primarily in attending Sunday worship, in serving on committees, and in contributing financially.
d. Christian life is about being a faithful church member, attending church services, support church activities, and trying to live ethically. Work, family, and leisure remain separate from life in the church.
e. Personal/family finances are essentially designed around living well; charitable and church giving seen as discretionary.
f. Time is managed essentially with “secular” work and family priorities in mind; little or no time is budgeted for spiritual practices outside Sunday church attendance, which can be displaced by family and work priorities.
If this position is no longer satisfying to you…
- You might wish to explore your life in terms of the great Biblical themes – Exile, Exodus, Expiation. What story are you living out of? From time to time, Harcourt offers a session on “The Picture on the Puzzlebox” which explores these themes. Check the Bulletin and the Harcourt Herald for announcements.
- You might want to think of joining a small group at church which focusses on personal crises, on ultimate questions, and on understanding these in terms of the great Biblical narratives.
- You might talk to a Spiritual Companion to start you on your journey.
- You might consider reading some new approaches to the Christian faith, as found in the Reference page of this website.