Introduction to The De-/Re- Construction Forum: Why? Who? What? How?

[Reimagine Curator]

 

 

The De-/Re-Construction Forum

 Phil Miglioratti

WHY? this Forum

• Christians are called/commanded to "not be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking." Romans 12:2
  • We are convinced this "new way of thinking" is a continuing reexamination of Scripture, so that, we confirm accurate beliefs but also discern anything that needs correction.

• We are convicned "Jesus is the answer" ... but "what's the question?" real people are really asking?

• Our journey has been both an
  • unlearning (deconstruction) process; identifying specific translations-explanations-applications that have been injected with a cultural ethos or infected by blindspots ... and 
  • a reimagiing (reconstruction) that is Spirit-led and Scripture-fed...
  • a journey to grow in faith as a result of reviewing and renewing my beliefs.
• No. I am not a conservative who is turning liberal. 
  • I am a Christ-follower who has always recognized the specturm of authentic Christianity has many distinct denominations and differening theories
    • Scholarly consensus affirms that authentic Christianity encompasses a wide variety of traditions, denominations, and theological frameworks. The global church spans diverse polities (e.g., episcopal, presbyterian, congregational) and theological emphases, all unified by the core tenets of the Christian faith (such as the Nicene Creed). {search}
  • Errors and mis-takes are not limited to "liberal" thinkers; conservatives are not immune from false coclusions. Jesus was radical ("to the root" of truth); neither a Pharisee nor a Sadducee.
    • "Both progressive ("liberal") and traditionalist ("conservative") movements have historically been susceptible to flawed conclusions, misinterpretations, and human limitations." {search}
• My goal is to grow in grace and knowledge 
  • "Some things in Paul’s letters are hard to understand, and some people explain these things falsely. Dear friends, be careful. Do not let those misguided people lead you away by their deception. Be careful so you will not fall from your strong faith.  But keep on growing in the grace (faith) and knowledge (beliefs) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to him now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:16-18 (my paraphrase)
     

 

WHAT? is our perspective

• Everyone needs to identify their beliefs, but no person is inerrant and no denomination has an infallible theological statement
• ...therefore, we are convicned we must surround certainty (our beliefs) with humility (willingness to listen, learn, even change)
• The difference between faith (trust; relational) and belief (explanations; theological) makes a difference
• It is crucial to undersatnd the distinction between deconstructing and reconstructing
• Both are essential and beneficial
  • Yes, they can co-exist

 

WHO? are the contrubtors

• Phil Miglioratti, the Reimagine.Network curator
• Featured Contributors to the Reimagine.Network who share our vision
• Guest-Posts your curator has identificed from across the specturm who are asking better questions that are critical to rethinking
• Interviews with thougth-leaders

 

HOW? do I/we move forward

• Pray. For Holy Spirit discernement and direction. For courage to follow those instructions.
• Recognize that you can learn how to think even from persons you do not agree with. 
• Remember, you are reprogaming your mind how to think about issues, not what to think; start with questions not conclusions.
• You may end up with the same belief but with a different comprehension of what it means to your life and ministry.

© Reimagine.Network

Permission to Post - Print - Promote