"The development of Christian character takes place, first and foremost, in community. Men and women intent on growth gather together, turn their chairs to each other and engage each other in dialogue. With agape and humility we open ourselves and, at the same time, build into the lives of each other. We encourage each other to avoid extremes and discover what our unique place is within the community that is the Body of Christ."
I agree. This is biblical fellowship, accountability, and part of our sanctification.

hmm... yeah. so it's easy to burn out on something you're doing for the sake of doing, or merely doing because you think that's what's required. it's better to be sincere and steady than on a foundationless flight of showmanship. not that this specific case is the norm, but why do so many pastor's kids "go wrong?" (forgive the metaphor, but just using another "extreme example.") it's usually an inundation of too much of what they haven't gotten a chance to figure out for themselves. you can't meet an expectation of something that one hasn't let permeate one's entire life philosophy/world-view (that's probably the same thing, yes?). acting 24/7 is tough.
on another article note:
Bible-thumping is probably not the best way to convince people of Christ's overwhelming love. that same love that unites believers, that reveals Truth. people will get the message even if i'm not quoting Scripture every time i speak.

not sure exactly what i'm saying any more, except for the fact that it's possible to be "high" on a completely new outlook on life (can we say "new year's resolutions? ha!), but unless the change is more than a feeling, a crash is probably inevitable. go with the energy that comes with the feeling for now, but make sure there's something behind it, preferably an immutable source of goodness/love/Truth/omniscience/etc., or be sure to pad your bum with a more efficient back-up plan. good luck with that. since there is only one Answer. =>)
oh, dear. i've babbled. and on that curiosity, good nite. (you feelin' any better, btw?)

I'm reminded of something I think I remember you saying one time, Jon - about people who claim a balanced perspective: that's the claim they use because they think that they, themselves, are balanced. We all have the tendency to think we've arrived at the perfect balanced, reasonable, and non-extreme position. Not to say this guy doesn't have a couple good points, but to me it sounds like he's claiming that perfectly balanced perspective, which he arrived at by . . . his own reason (with the help of others)??? And it sounds like he's making up valid excuses for his own mediocre Christian walk. What about a commitment to the truth of God's Word, which does command us to be extreme in many ways?

Chaya,
I'd agree with your critique of his "balanced" position. I'm not sure though that I'd describe his walk as mediocre. I speak, of course, out of my own deep-rooted wariness of fiery-hearted, "hallelujah"-shouting, record-burning zeal. Not that I think that kind of fervor is in itself bad. I thought the point he was making was that red-hot zeal is not the prime Christian virtue. The condition commonly known as "being on fire for the Lord" is sometimes completely unrelated to true Christian growth. What we should be looking for is not necessarily more zeal (though zeal isn't bad), but the growth of agape love, humility, and community. The fiery zeal Donaldson criticizes is often completely deficient in all three of those qualities. Compare the guy who spends several months befriending his neighbor and the guy who targets innocent bystanders with his canned brimstone homily; which one loves enough to take the time to grapple with real-life questions and objections to the faith? The good neighbor. But which one do we think of as zealous? The street preacher gets that label. Compare the guy who takes the time to think through the implications of "not of the world" and the guy who hears one sermon and promptly burns all his records, smashes the TV, and makes his daughters start taking their fashion cues from Little House on the Prairie. Which one is exhibiting more thoughtfulness and humility?

I am, of course, setting up false dichotomies with these examples. A person can have a solid biblical philosophy of dress and still be a Laura Ingalls clone. Street preaching and relationship-based evangelism aren't mutually exlusive. I use those examples just to illustrate that true Christian spirituality doesn't have to described as "zealous" to be true Christian spirituality. Donaldson is making a plea for the kind of love that truly builds:

"The development of Christian character takes place, first and foremost, in community. Men and women intent on growth gather together, turn their chairs to each other and engage each other in dialogue. With agape and humility we open ourselves and, at the same time, build into the lives of each other."

This is extreme. But a different kind of extreme than the kind I described. A better kind, in my opinion.

Main point well taken. Though - from my very balanced perspective - I would say both extremes are a bit imbalanced. . .(Humor intended :)

Well, I would have to agree with you. Though I still assert that I am balanced-er than thou.

No! I'm balanced-er-est! Really I am! Sliggy, I think I liked your comment [the one with the false dichotomy] even better than the article. Aside from contemplating the fact in American politics that each candidate must be "moderate," it is interesting to consider how we all believe that we have arrived at the answers to being balanced. Unfortunately, that often results in settling to be a "silent witness." I know in my own life I have missed opportunities to share God's love because I rationalize, "Oh, they can just see the difference in my life. That's enough." I know since each of us has different "bents" or strengths, the answer is different, but I have found it most helpful to consider: 1, what would I need to be said to me if I were in that person's shoes; and 2, in eternity, will it be of more value if I do say that needful thing. I don't know that will help anyone else, but it has helped me.

Good, thoughts, Bunton.

How's life?

i'm refreshed by that article. but i have one caveat: how does personal time in communication with God through the Word and prayer fit into that equation. The problem with Plato especially is his dependence on personal observation to form his worldview. Where does divine revelation fit into a rationalist's perspective? God must also have a say in the development of our Christian character.

But I do appreciate the Christian community and their help in the development of MY character. Sometimes I wish that some people would do more than just rely on the God to do all the "growing" in others lives.

Good question, Zach. I can't speak for the author, but my guess would be that he didn't say anything about Scripture/prayer only because that wasn't the main focus of his argument. He would say (I imagine) that of course that time-alone-with-God communion is very important, but it's not immediately important to the topic at hand. If he mentioned every topic that is somehow related to his point, the article would be 5x the length it is. Just my guess.

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