Do Not Disavow

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Do Not Disavow By: Rick Davis   When Charlemagne established law Salic in barb’rous land, The gospel flourished, and he saw Christ’s praise on every hand.   (“Do you approve his methods now?”) I do not disavow.   King Godfrey took Jerusalem From bloody paynim hands And brought a halt to Musselmen Invading Christian lands.   (“He did some mean things anyhow!”) I do not disavow.   King Richard with his scarlet shield And passant lions ‘bossed Rode forth again unto the field To regain what was lost.   (“His deeds at Acre you allow?”) I do not disavow.   Unto the Germans Luther brought The gospel full restored, And Calvin at Geneva taught The glory of the Lord.   (“The Jews? Servetus? Holy cow!”) I do not disavow.   Stonewall and Lee like knights of old Fought for their native soil, The true and lovely to uphold Against the tyrant’s spoil.   (“Those vile racists ...
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Leaving the Theological Ghettos

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Another thing I've noticed as a teacher in a Christian Classical school is the amazing learning opportunities that come from stepping outside of our theological ghettos. I'm thrilled that in every discussion-oriented class I teach there is at least one Lutheran and one Roman Catholic. Let's face it, classes full of Baptists and Presbyterians get a little mundane. It's nice to spice it up a bit. The only real discussion Baptists and Presbyterians have is Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Throw in some Lutherans, Catholics, an Anglican or two for good measure, and some Pentecostals, and you've got a recipe for educational excitement!

In all seriousness though, it is important to share and discuss in the realm of what C.S. Lewis called "Mere Christianity." Despite denominational commitments, the actual writings Martin Luther often sound a bit too Reformed for the comfort of many Lutherans, and the actual writings of John Calvin often sound a bit too Arminian for good Presbyterians. And that's a good thing. Few things irritate me more than people who, when asked about their religion, respond "I'm Presbyterian," or "I'm Lutheran," or "I'm Methodist." NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!! You are a CHRISTIAN! There is only ONE, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. When we begin to think that our section of Christendom has it all figured out and no longer needs the rest of the Church, we risk slipping into a theological narrowness that deadens our ability to love Christ's Bride.

So, as an exhortation to my brief sermon, read broadly. Humble yourself, and see what you can learn from someone who is either upstream in the theological estuary, i.e. medieval Christians, or someone who is in a different tributary of the great river that is Christ's Church.

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