Stuart Murray's book Church After Christendom, which I have been reading for my Theology and Culture course at Fuller has been a very insightful read.
The idea of the Church operating from the margins in a subversive, prophetic manner intrigues me.
Murray on acknowledging that the Church is now marginalized in the West:
Acknowledging this is a matter of honesty, not defeatism. Responding to the challenge of post-Christendom without accepting this marginality is counter-productive. We are not starting at the right point, so our assumptions will be skewed and our expectations unrealistic. Furthermore, our self-image, attitudes, tone of voice and ways of relating will further damage the already tarnished reputation of an institution associated with a fading culture characterised by oppression, moralism and hypocrisy.
Murray then addresses "need-oriented evangelism" which became pervasive during Christendom saying:
When the church becomes a powerful institution, a particular way of telling the story solidifies and attains normative status, marginalising alternatives. It can also function as a control mechanism, enhancing the church's status.
One more challenging quote that requires some reflection and gives a glimpse of hope:
Marginal post-Christendom churches may rediscover a radical gospel that subverts condescending 'need-oriented evangelism' (that leaves unchallenged an unjust status quo) and reconnects evangelism with social justice. If the gospel is truly good news to the poor, we have not been preaching the gospel, for the rich and the powerful have not found it disturbing and the poor have not found it liberating.
That last sentence will stick with me for awhile.
