A notable emphasis of the emerging movement is orthopraxy, that is, right living. The contention is that how a person lives is more important than what he or she believes. Many will immediately claim that we need both or that orthopraxy flows from orthodoxy. Most in the emerging movement agree we need both, but they contest the second claim: Experience does not prove that those who believe the right things live the right way. No matter how much sense the traditional connection makes, it does not necessarily work itself out in practice. ...
Jesus declared that we will be judged according to how we treat the least of these (Matt. 25:31-46) and that the wise man is the one who practices the words of Jesus (Matt. 7:24-27). In addition, every judgment scene in the Bible is portrayed as a judgment based on works; no judgment scene looks like a theological articulation test.
2 comments:
I suspect those with orthopraxy do have orthodoxy - its just that we don't understand what orthodoxy we need. Possibly believing strongly in God's acceptance of all in Christ,or concern for the poor, may be more important than stance on election, or women's ordination..........
The fact that the emerging church even exists shows that the orthodoxy/orthopraxy connection has not always been clear.
Good quote!
Post a Comment