Thursday, February 09, 2006

Deconversion

Deconvert: to disavow a previous conversion experience so that a new way of thinking/believing/living can take shape.

Well, that's my attempt at a definition. I first heard the word at a Reggie McNeal conference this week, and it's a word that - the more I ponder it - creates in me an entire new way of thinking (I'm being deconverted, I guess).

Deconversion is what Paul experienced on the road to Damascus. Before Paul could be converted to Christianity, he had to be "deconverted" from Pharisaical Judaism. Before Jesus could plant a new life in him - a grace-filled life of free communion with Jesus - he had to be untethered from a religion of artificial morality and outward regulations. Once deconverted from the Pharisaical code of 600 plus steps to a perfect religious life, the way could then be open to enter freely into a liberating and dynamic dance with Jesus. His new life was so full of transforming joy that he could rejoice in his imprisonment, relish in claim to be the world's worst sinner, and accept a painful thorn as a sign of God's loving presence.

Deconversion is what we need. It's what the church needs. Christianity is often "churchianity." Christianity has become "religion" again. Attending services, serving committees, counting members, voting Republican, dressing correctly, acknowledging creeds... all of these things have been added to the faith. We've taking the fundamentals of Christ-following and added our own set of rules to ensure we are really pleasing God. As McNeal said, "We aren't like the Pharisees; we is'em."

Several times in history, when Judaism and Christianity became to outwardly religious with little heart, people have risen up to change the church's direction. What only a few revolutionaries could see ten years ago, many young leaders are seeing now. It's becoming clear that the church of tomorrow will make some major shifts. Future believers will simply live out the gospel with other believers, embracing accountability over a cup of coffee, sharing life together beyond small groups, and engaging in mission activity without filtering through the organized church. If this seems confusing, then the confusion merely show much "deconversion" we need. What we're describing is Acts 2 stuff! It's the early church being reborn!

I've been deconverting for a while now, working out [literally working to the outside] the "joy" of my salvation. And the great part is, I'm rediscovering just how thrilling the walk with Jesus can be.

1 Comments:

Blogger Brandon said...

Ironically, I feel the digital age is creating a great opportunity for the church of Acts to grow. With email, ipods, TiVo and long commutes we are becoming more and more isolated. Its creating a social need that was once satisfied with tight nit communities and the extended family. This creates an awesome opportunity for the church to fill. As we become more distant from our neighbors the greater our desire is to make a connection. A real connection. At the same time, the newer generation is becoming more and more disatisfied and suspicious of traditional institutions (corporations, political parties, the brick and mortar church). This brings great challenges but also great opportunities for Christians to grow the church through alternative means.

12:31 AM  

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