Kraemer: steps to renewal

Friday, April 8, 2016
    Commemoration of William Augustus Muhlenberg of New York, Priest, 1877
Meditation:
    [Jesus:] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
    —Matthew 10:16 (NIV)
Quotation:
    If one thing is clear as soon as the Church becomes serious about its missionary and ministerial calling for the world, it is that two difficult roads in particular have to be trodden: first, the road towards overcoming the scantiness of its knowledge of the world of today, and its ignoring of what really goes on in the world under its surface; secondly, the road towards reforming its spirit, atmosphere, and inherited structure, in so far as they give no room for new vitality.
    ... What can and must be said and resaid, with all gratitude for what in many places is already happening, is that a fearless scrutiny and revision of structure is one of the most urgent aspects of a renewal of the Church.
    ... Hendrik Kraemer (1888-1965), A Theology of the Laity, London: Lutterworth Press, 1958, p. 177 (see the book)
    See also Matt. 10:16; Isa. 42:9; Luke 10:3; 43:19; 1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 5:15-17; Phil. 2:14-16; 1 Thess. 5:22; Rev. 21:5
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, may You be glorified in all the activities of Your church. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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