pluralism

The American Creed and the Christian Creed: “We Believe in One Lord” v. “There are Many Lords” Chris Altrock – Sunday Night Series – March 20, 2011

by chrisaltrock
March 28, 2011

Bounded Sets and Centered Sets

A friend and I were recently talking about the Christian faith. Her daughter, who lives in another city, had decided to start looking around for another church. The daughter was dissatisfied with the church she was attending. My friend, her mother, was worried that her daughter wasn’t going to seriously investigate what other churches taught and would end up making a decision about a new church home on factors that were somewhat superficial. The discussion raised the whole issue of what makes a church really a church, and what makes a Christian really a Christian? Are there beliefs and practices that are essential to what it means to be a Christian and a congregation of Christians? In addition, that same friend had recently heard a Christian speaker talking about how good it was to see so many of the walls coming down that once divided different Christian groups from one another. This led us into a discussion about the Christian faith in general. What are the defining beliefs of Christianity? What makes a Christian group truly a Christian group?Read More »The American Creed and the Christian Creed: “We Believe in One Lord” v. “There are Many Lords” Chris Altrock – Sunday Night Series – March 20, 2011

Meant for More Than Just Us (Eph. 4:6)

by chrisaltrock
February 11, 2010

Chris Altrock – February 7, 2010

While traveling recently to the Philippines, I was reminded of the human tendency to create boundaries.

For example, at the Memphis International Airport there is a clear boundary regarding where you can and cannot park. You can park in long-term lots and short-term lots. But you cannot park in the drop-off zone near the entrance to the airport. Security guards at the drop-off zone ensure that you can barely get out of the car before they whistle for your loved one to move the vehicle. You can park there (short-term and long-term lots), but you cannot park here (drop-off zone). Thus, the morning of our trip, we bid a quick farewell to Beverly Ralston who deposited David and me at the drop off zone at the airport.
Read More »Meant for More Than Just Us (Eph. 4:6)

Saving For Christmas: Jesus is Savior Above All and For All (Lk. 2:1-14)

by chrisaltrock
December 21, 2009

This Friday most of us will celebrate Christmas, a day on which we mark the birth of Jesus. Author Max Lucado reflects on the many ways people view this Jesus whose birth Christmas celebrates.[1] Some, Lucado writes, see Jesus as the “Rabbit’s-Foot-Redeemer.” Jesus is a good-luck charm. The Rabbit’s-Foot-Redeemer’s specialty is getting you out of a jam. If you can’t find a parking space, just ask him. If you need help quickly, just pull him out. Others, Lucado writes, see Jesus as the “Aladdin’s-Lamp-Redeemer.” Whatever you wish is his command. He’ll give you new jobs, pink Cadillacs, and improved spouses. And when you’re done with him, he’ll go back into the lamp. Third, some view Jesus as a “Monty-Hall-Redeemer.” He’s ready to make a deal. If you will put on a coat and tie, or dress and hose, 52 Sundays a year and endure sermons and contributions, he’ll make sure you get the heavenly prize behind door number 3.

The (re)Born Identity of Security: Remembering Who You’ve Become Through Baptism (Col. 2:6-23; Gal. 3:15-4:7)

by chrisaltrock
July 6, 2009

“The Bourne Identity” was a 2002 film based on a book by Robert Ludlum.[1] “The Bourne Identity” begins with the crew of an Italian fishing boat sighting a man floating unconscious in the sea. After pulling him out, the crew of the boat discovers gunshots in the man’s back. While treating these wounds, the ship’s medical officer finds a device embedded in the man’s hip. The device contains the number of a safe deposit box in Zurich. Eventually, the man regains consciousness. He doesn’t know where he is or who he is. Over the next few days, the man learns he is fluent in several languages and can perform uncommon tasks like navigating and tying exotic knots. Still he cannot remember anything about who he is. When the ship docks, the man travels to Zürich to investigate the safe deposit box which the item in his hip had indicated. He finds the bank and the box. Inside are several passports containing his picture (all under different names and nationalities), large amounts of assorted currencies, and a gun. He picks the first passport. It claims his name is Jason Bourne. The rest of the movie records Jason Bourne’s search for his true identity.