We All Make God in Our Own Image
The last few weeks I have been teaching on two paradigms for mission thinking: Bounded Set and Centered Set. Without going into too much detail I’ll simply summarize the focus of each.
Bounded Set focuses on the acceptance of core beliefs (doctrine, dogma, theology, belief, practice, tradition, etc) as a way of defining if you’re in or not. Accepting the core beliefs is essential to being a follower – or being orthodox – or what have you.
Centered Set focuses on the orientation of the heart toward Jesus. The question comes down to whether or not we are actively responding to the invitation of Jesus, which is simply ‘Follow me.’
The challenge to Centered Set thinking centers around relativism. Concerns are raised that ask whether or not simply ‘following Jesus’ is up to the individual person if there are no precursers of doctrine, theology, etc. Isn’t this a slippery slope that leads to relativism and simply making Jesus into our own image – saying what we want him to say for our own agendas?
It’s a worthwhile concern. However, the potential is there for both the Bounded and Centered Sets. Those in the Bounded Set adhere to a set of doctrines or theology that reflect the God they believe in. Sure, they use Scripture – but like everyone – they use scripture to reflect their own position. This is why, depending on the faith tradition you’re a part of, different aspects or characteristics of God are emphasized over others. In short, I believe those who operate within a Bounded Set paradigm are just as likely to make Jesus into their own image as those who come from a Centered Set position.
What is central here is the issue of surrender central in Jesus’ words, ‘Follow me.’ Following puts us in a subordinate role. We are behind the rabbi or listening to the rabbi. We are the ones being taught and submitting ourselves to the teaching of Jesus, who is the ‘me’. We don’t follow doctrine or theology. They are helpful, but they are not Jesus. This is where I fear we have placed the wrong emphasis on knowledge over a relationship of discipleship with a God who was revealed as the person of Jesus.
Jesus is living theology breathed onto us by the Spirit. Scripture is the basis for hearing the words of our rabbi. We are not students of theology or doctrine or tradition. These are good things – when the guide us to Jesus. If they are not guiding us to Jesus – and if they’re simply the end that determines who is in or out – then they no longer serve their intended purpose and end up being harmful and not helpful.
The slippery slope of making God in our own image is not only slid down by erasing the lines of who is in and who is out. It also happens when the lines are drawn too tightly. The potential is always there. We slide when we stop doing the very simple thing Jesus asks us to do: Follow me.
This may sound simple – and it is – and it’s not.