Dec 19, 2006

who needs church? - part 4

So what is your perception of the church's role in the world (and eternity, for that matter)? This may not be accurate on a scientific level, but perhaps this quiz can generate some discussion. If you have some time to take it, post your results and your thoughts on them when you can.

6 comments:

Jessica said...

You scored as Kingdom as a Christianised Society.

Christians shouldn't withdraw from the world, but by being present in it they can transform it. The kingdom is not only spiritual, but social, political, and cultural.

75% Kingdom as a Christianised Society
75%The Kingdom is mystical communion
67%The Kingdom as a counter-system

Not sure what my thoughts are yet......I definitely think Christians should shape culture and society. I think I step back when it comes to politics. I definitely think we should vote and be involved but struggle with some of the items we push and how we push them. I wonder if the ends justifies the means kind of thing.

Katie said...

I struggled with this quiz, mostly because I wanted a definition of what they considered the church to be. That can change my answers pretty significantly

Very thought provoking questions though. It made me really dig deep to find what I actually believe the church's role to be in society or politics.

Anonymous said...

The Kingdom is mystical communion 75%
The Kingdom as Earthly Utopia 67%
The Kingdom as a counter-system 67%

"Mystical Communion" I thought I had a much more practical approach to The Kingdom. You know, more hands on . . .

"Earthly Utopia" that sounds like I'm a communist or something touchy-feely.

I believe The Kingdom of God is in the hearts of people and The Church is the tangible manifestation of that. once you become a follower of Jesus you are part of His Church whether you choose to take an active role or not.

Carolanne said...

I scored as "Kingdom as a Christianised Society".

Christians shouldn't withdraw from the world, but by being present in it they can transform it. The kingdom is not only spiritual, but social, political, and cultural.

Kingdom as a Christianised Society 83%
The Kingdom is a Future Hope 75%

I found the quiz difficult because I wasn't sure what they were really asking. However, I do agree that we are to be present in our world and as Scott says, we are part of the body of Christ (the church) whether or not we take an active part in it.
I think we tend to live in our comfort zones and expect others to serve us with as little commitment on our part as possible. We do need to be more active about who we are in Christ and how that affects our attitudes and actions.

tonymyles said...

I'd post my results, but after three shots at it there was a difference everytime. It's interesting, isn't it? I found myself lost in the undefined wording, too. What I took away from it, though, was some good Q&A about where I am at with God.

Which, perhaps, is an issue in itself. When a church is in a direction that we aren't slanted, we think it's not quite so biblical.

tonymyles said...

Good insights, Mike. I think you're on to something in regards to how much we can overemphasize communal faith at the expense of a personal one. Perhaps the reverse is true, too... we all seem to tend to err one way or the other. As you shared about the practices you engage in I was reminded of the centering prayer of St. Ignatius. If you get a chance, check out this link and let me know your thoughts : http://www.beliefnet.com/story/184/story_18401_1.html