Sunday, August 07, 2011

Sal, what type of evangelical are you again?

Ah, one of my favorite questions. I often confuse people who get to know me when I tell them I am an evangelical - especially when they know my libertarian instincts and Dutchesque view of getting in other peoples' business.

Well - via Pyromaniacs, I found a quote that I like; a lot. Ponder.
Pharisaical legalists are not content to live life in the power of the Spirit, cultivate discernment, and avoid things that are clearly profane or immoral; they make lists of rules that prohibit Christians from practically everything but church activities. It's not enough to avoid gambling; they insist that good Christians will avoid card-playing altogether. They're not content with doing things in moderation and with self-control, they make rules that call for strict abstinence from everything doubtful—and they try to impose those rules on other Christians—saddling people with a yoke that they imagine exists somewhere in the white spaces of Scripture.

You want rules? Here's a good one to start with: When it comes to the question of spiritual duties, where Scripture stops speaking, we should, too.
Verily, the Church of the Salamander is a quirky place; we'll hug your neck, dunk 'ya, give you a beer, a New American Standard study Bible, and send you on your way with an invite to Wednesday Bible study.