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GWR_02
Taking a brief look at
paradigms.
"Paradigm" is word that not
everyone may know. We are nevertheless all powerfully affected by
our paradigms. There are paradigms which guide our wisdom and understanding
throughout art, culture, religion and technology of every age. We
become trapped in these understandings which are taught us as laws
or "fact" by teachers and leaders. Paradigms are a system that attempt
to answer questions about essential facts. We are generally blind
to question or to escape from the paradigms that are set in place
for us. It takes imagination and even courage to dare to look at paradigms
critically. It is outside of the paradigms that discovery occurs.
These lead to break throughs in science, art, or religious thought.
- Paradigms: define
but also limit our understanding. They are pre-suppositions of
how things are done or how things have to be.
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Paradigms: limit our ability to function
outside of that paradigm - or consider information that allows
understanding outside of the paradigm. They are in a sense glass walls or ceilings in the domain of
that paradigm.
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Religion is another of many domains where paradigms exist.
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Paradigm Breakers may be considered radical, even blasphemous
or heretical
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Paradigms of science or
cosmology have often been in conflict with religious teaching
and dogma. Religious authorities were frequently intolerant of
new ways of thinking. Whether about the earth and solar system
as envisioned by Copernicus or Newton or teachings that are outside
of their own orthodoxy. Old ways of thinking do not receive a
new paradigm without resistance and tension.
Examples
of religious paradigms
1.
The Church is the "house of God"
2. A Church
is where you go to worship.
3. All human
beings are the children of God
4.
Religious (Spiritual) knowledge is the domain of the clergy or priesthood
5. Heaven
is the place you go when you die
6. Believers
must be properly under the headship (covering) of a church authority
or pastor
7.
The saints and disciples are Biblical personalities
from another by-gone age
8. Signs,
wonders and the miraculous have passed away in modern times
9. The new
covenant excludes the root and foundation of the covenants of Judaism
Some
Scripture-Based, outside-the-paradigm
view points
Biblical
Support For Contrary Views to the Above Paradigms.
1. The
church is comprised of each person who believes and has been born
into the kingdom of God. Each believer is described as a 'living stone'
that forms the greater house, also known as the body of Christ
2. You do not go to a church rather each believer is a component of
the the Church (Ekklesia Christ's called-out body.) You and others
are called to come together in Jesus' name. Whenever two or three
gather in His name, you become an assembly of believers Christ the
Messiah is manifested. The Ekklesia. He has called us OUT of darkness
into the glorious light of the sons and daughters of God. (See link:
Why Should Christians Gather?)
3. The Jews sought to stone Jesus when he inferred that God was his
father. There was no such designation as 'children of God' until Jesus
pronounced this doctrine on our behalf and taught his disciples to
pray, " Our Father... " Furthermore, no man comes to the Father except
through Jesus Christ, the door. Others in the world are not children
of God. Jn 1:12 - for those who believe on His name he gives the power
(exousia = authority) to become the sons (children) of God.
4. The priesthood has actually been eliminated in the new covenant
Gospel of the Kingdom. In the days of Moses, the people of Israel
rejected God's plan to become a nation of kings and priests (Exodus
19:) and demanded that Moses and Aaron become the intermediaries before
God on their behalf. Since the founding of the church (also the day
of Pentecost) The fire of God fell on each believer and they received
the Power (Gk.dunamis) to be witnesses of the wonderful works of God.
Gradually after the original apostles passed from the scene, the priesthood
insinuated itself back into the world of Christianity and has held
believers captive until this time. The ecclesiastical traditions of
formal religion dominate the whole world of Christendom today.
5. Heaven. Jesus prayer among other matters, include every petition
that is essential to the life of faith. It begins, after glorifying
the Father, with the theme of connecting the realm of the heavenly
(The Kingdom of Heaven) which is the realm of the Spirit with this
world. Let thy Kingdom come. Let Thy will be done.
On earth as in Heaven! This revelation of the Kingdom can be experienced
two ways; First, in this present dispensation, while we live as people
'born of and led by the Spirit.' We have overlooked that which is
that which prevails at the present most fundamental in the religious
experience. (The Lord's prayer or the Disciple's prayer.) Heaven is
a continuing reality but on a Spiritual (non intellectual) plane.
Heaven was presented by Jesus as accessible by his disciples. How
can heavenly things become accessible? Only through a Spirit-born
and spirit-governed life in which the natural man has been transformed.
The "new man" with his natural limits subdued and crucified by the
POWER OF God. Access to heavenly things is gained by losing one's
self awareness, self-identity and self-governed life. Jesus said,
"I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am you may be also.
- -" To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord - -
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day - - I heard - - and behold -
- I see - -. Physical death is the ultimate loss of self control.
"Carrying the cross" is about losing our preoccupation with self so
that Christ's life may manifest within us.
6. The concept of pastoral authority (or covering) is a feature of
the tradition-bound, priest-led institutional church. From early times
priests were designated clergy and the general congregation of pew-sitting
listeners was designated laity. In this system the laity functions
primarily as a personal support system that supports the institutional
church. (Ownership of a flock of God permits the overseers to make
merchandise of them.) Pastoral leadership should not be a distinctive
superior class but as examples to disciples who are maturing in their
own leadership. John writes regarding this misuse of authority: Read
about Diotrophes in 3 John and in The Revelation see: (Nicolaitinism.
See Rev. 2 and Rev. 3) This answers the question of human headship;
The Lord is my shepherd - My sheep hear my voice - - "There is
one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus." Also
we are told in " Matt. 23: 7-11.
to call no man master; call no man Rabbi; call no man Father. "I
extend the assumption that the term "pastor" fits the criterion
of religious titles that set leaders apart. We do not follow a man
(person.) Servant leadership is the correct model.
7. We who believe and have received the transforming gift of New Life,
are called to be Saints, for we are all called to be "in Christ Jesus",
seated in heavenly places. We are exhorted to grow up in the knowledge
of Him until we reach the fullness of Him. (Ephesians 4:13.) The only
question is how do we grow and how are we discipled? The pastoral
leadership (discipleship) paradigm is only partially effective as
it does not prepare all brothers and sisters for leadership and full
participation in the things of God. There is a continuing notion that
some are called into the ministry and then seek to be trained in "the
ministry." I have heard this countless times. Discipleship is what
the great commission seeks to produce. "Make disciples of all nations
- - ." (Matt. 28:19) Discipleship is best realized through Koinonia
meaning mutual participation and sharing of the God life in fellowship.
(It is my position that there is no Ekklesia without Koinonia!) Those
called out of the world into the body of Christ have within them the
essence of Jesus' love. These believers are drawn to value and share
their fellow brothers and sisters that make up the body. A number
of authors are adding to the same message that I promote here. We
see liberty in the body being promoted and the trend to come out from
institutional religious systems." Mega Shift" by James Rutz and other
web published writings which teach the full gospel message free of
institutional religious connection: One of my own published titles
is found under the title, "The
Gospel Without Religion."
8. Signs and wonders and miracles are either part of your religious
doctrine or they are not. Those who exclude this from their doctrines
do participate in the living reality of a church that is that first
delivered to the saints. (Jude 3) Miracles and supernatural that was
part of the Pentecostal awakening movement that began in the recent
century in 1906. But experiencing the supernatural seems to be waning
among the Pentecostal/Charismatic Christians today. If your paradigm
does not allow for the supernatural you will not see it because you
are essentially saying No to the experience. Today more supernatural
signs and wonders are in evidence than ever before. There is no more
powerful key concepts to understand than Paul's statement that the
gospel is the "POWER OF God" I have never heard a substantial teaching
on this phrase. Yet it is a key to our understanding the promise of
the gospel. The Power of God is all about what God does, is doing,
and will do. It is not about our ability to understand the Bible,
solve problems or transform ourselves. The "new creation" is a product
of the power of God. Spiritual gifts are a product of the power of
God!
9. The most amazing thing any believer can ever discover is that God
can and does reveal himself to us individually. The miraculous and
revelation awaits any who through the power of the Holy Spirit seek
first the kingdom and knock at heaven's door. Hebrews 11:7 is a powerful
key concept in realizing that some seem to never believe or receive
the gift of salvation. "- - whoever comes to God must FIRST believe
that he is and that he WILL REWARD those who diligently seek him.
(!) Hebrews 11:7
10. The paradigm of the Old covenant (Judaism) is the root into which
Christianity has been grafted. Christianity is actually nothing more
than Messianic Judaism in which we discover the wholeness and fulfillment
of God's word in which the Mashiac was foretold and depicted in typology,
from Genesis to the prophets and in the Psalms. He fulfills the promise
of the "One new man," Jew and Gentile joined under the Messiah. It
is unfortunate that the terminology of the Messiah was traded in for
the Greek term Kristos (the anointed one) This designation has reinforced
the deception that Judaic foundations has been replaced by Christianity
with a rejection of anything Jewish. We Gentiles by the grace of God
have been grafted into the vine of Israel. To disregard this HERITAGE
of our root and foundations is unbiblical and damnable. The Gentiles
in the age of the church is a distinct chapter and expression of God's
planned time-table in restoring his people Israel, The physical kingdom
and rule of the Messiah upon the earth is the culmination of God's
plan. It will be the reign of the Messiah for 1000 years upon the
earth.
11. Religious studies have prepared scholars to ordination thus to
qualify to become priests and overseers. They erroneously give the
laity to understand that they posses a particular power and authority
that the church goer does not have. We may well place our faith in
a priest to communicate with God on our behalf. If only the Christian
world knew and understood that there is but "one mediator between
God and man, the man Christ Jesus."
The
great questions of life that philosophers ask is:
"Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?
Where do
we go to seek wisdom and answers to the mysteries of life?
Do we inquire according to secular wisdom,
or religious teachings?
Or is there another?
How does Godly Wisdom contrast to secular
wisdom?
How does Godly Wisdom contrast with "religious"
wisdom?
3 PARADIGMS
OF WISDOM AND TRUTH
The Paradigm of Worldly Wisdom Contrasted
to Godly Wisdom
For
it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
(1Cor:1:19:KJV)
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom
knew not God,
it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them
that believe.
(-1Cor:1:21:KJV )
THE PARADIGM OF WORLDLY WISDOM
Worldly
wisdom extols and rewards self-exaltation and individuality Godly
wisdom (the Truth) says deny yourself take up your cross, die to yourself.
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom no man is "good
"Worldly wisdom is based upon observation
and the appearance of things
Godly wisdom (the Truth) The unseen things
are eternal and have a substance yet to be known by human reason.
Worldly wisdom is based upon "scientific" principle and measurable
phenomena.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that if you believe in the unseen
you have faith and will see the results manifested.
Worldly
wisdom is characterized by the domination (rulership) of the strong
and the mighty over the weak.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that God chooses the weak and the
insignificant to shame the wise and strong.
Worldly wisdom devalues humans with few assets, (the poor) having
childlike meekness and simplicity. Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals
that the greatest in the kingdom of God are like children. Humble,
trusting, and meek.
Worldly wisdom values and rewards intellectual achievement and scholarship.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that the wisdom of man is foolishness
to him.
Worldly wisdom recognizes
classes as inferior or superior rank and class, this is respect of
persons. Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that those who are
poor shall eventually receive the blessings of the kingdom. The proud
and the mighty he scatters and turns away.
Worldly wisdom's view of the "vast timeless
universe" diminishes or negates the need of a savior.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that God created the heaven and
the earth by wisdom and all things that are in it. And he called
his creation "good."
Worldly wisdom features "self preservation" as a principle
Godly
wisdom (the Truth) speaks of self sacrifice as a divine virtue
Worldly
wisdom believes life may well be over when one dies Godly wisdom
(the Truth) we are eternal beings who retain our own soul's
personal identity forever. Some will inherit eternal blessings and
others will inherit eternal separation from God.
Worldly wisdom presumes that God regards
any and all religion or faith as valid (democratically.)
Worldly wisdom presumes that God does not favor any one nation
over another. Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that one
nation is the chosen people of God. There is only one mediator
between God and man. Jesus the son of God, the king of the
Jews.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals that
one nation is the chosen people of God. The Bible established
upon infallible promises, states that there is only one mediator
between God and man. Jesus the son of God, the king of the
Jews.
Worldly
wisdom would suggest that (if there is a god) God is the same
but is called by many names.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) though there
are many gods there is but one God who is above all and
we can hold no god higher than He.
Worldly wisdom presumes that God is
essentially impersonal.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) says that we can become sons of God.
Adapted
into the family.
We are called to inherit the blessings and partake in His
divine nature.
Worldly wisdom (allowing religious belief) believes that all of
the human race are automatically "children
of God"
Godly wisdom (the Truth) Whoever believes on the Son
of God, Jesus
Christ has eternal life. Whoever has not the son has no life but
the
condemnation of God remains upon them.
Paradigm of
Religious Wisdom
In
the religious paradigm: the religious life centers around a "church
house"
In the religious paradigm: the church building is called the "Church"
In the religious paradigm: the traditional church features such
elemests as:
pulpits and pews, stained glass windows, organs and 'sacred music'
solemnity and formalism,
ecclesiastical garb, robes, orders of service, ritual, - -
designated ranks of clerical authority.
In the religious paradigm: a formally trained priest or clergy
"officiates" over the "services"
In the religious paradigm: a formal address or sermon delivered
to the faithful is called "preaching"
In the religious paradigm: one or two hours a week meet one's
religious requirements, involvement
In the religious paradigm: only the professionally trained clergy
are qualified to "minister"
In the religious paradigm: there is "respect of persons" - - a
heirarchy of spiritual rank or authority
In the religious paradigm: members may be totally disassociated
in worship or prayer
In the religious paradigm: a person's spiritual life is largely
governed, directed or sustained others
In the religious paradigm: the exploits of God and Saints are
in the dim past
In the religious paradigm: people are taught how to please God
with certain deeds or obligations
In the religious paradigm: there are may be particular duties
required to attain "good standing"
In the religious paradigm: one often may not experience God but
only hears about God
In the religious paradigm: one often
doesn't know if he/she qualifies for a heavenly reward, (is saved)
In the religious paradigm: Bible doctrine plus traditional
teachings form core doctrines
Paradigm of Godly Wisdom, (Modeled by Jesus)
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom: There are paradoxes
to the natural
instincts or wisdom of man
the least shall
be greatest;
The first shall be last;
many called but few chosen; we must
die (to ourselves) in order to live;
We must hate the things of this world;
we must be
like a child, God has hidden wisdom from the wise;
The unseen things are as great a reality as the seen. etc.
In
the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom man in his natural abilities
(I can do nothing of myself) can do nothing of value for
the kingdom of God
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom, the spiritual man is
totally dependant upon the guidance of the Spirit
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom we are in a perpetual
spiritual battle for survival and dominance in life
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom there is eternal life,
promised rewards and consequences
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model Jesus preached to those outside
pertaining to the Kingdom of God and taught his followers
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom only those who are born
of the
Spirit and led of the Spirit are the Children of God
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom people are discipled;
disciples are nurtured and matured and then charged with
ministry
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom ministry is through the
leading of the Holy Spirit
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom true worshipers worship
in Spirit and in Truth
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom, wisdom and insight is
hidden from the double minded and the unredeemed
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom we could memorize the
Bible and not fully know God and the truth- only the Spirit
reveals it.
See
Also Religious Terms and Their Non Religious Equivalents
Next Chapter
E
Book 1: The
Gospel Without Religion
All
Charles Pinkney Christian Articles
Interview
with a typical church goer:
Open church
versus traditional church experience
Frank Viola
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