Monday, February 2, 2009
The story continues
I had the opportunity to preach a redacted version of "The Goals and Perils of Community Life" at Northminster Presbyterian in Diamond Bar yesterday. I continue to be amazed at the reception I receive when I talk about introverts in the Church. An amusing trend is people who come up to me and say "I never talk to the pastor after the service but I just had to say thank you." Introverts are coming out of the closet!
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Well, if they're coming out, they'd better be bringing a banjo or a casserole!
ReplyDeleteSouthern Baptists, of whom I am one, are notoriously indifferent toward— if not downright intolerant of— introverts. I know, because I'm one of those, too. Ours is a denomination obsessed with socializing, as opposed to true, intimate fellowship. Anybody who isn't deliriously transported by rock-concert services, or unfailingly on hand for endless meetings and workshops, breakfasts and brunches and dinners, ladies' teas and men's golf, youth pizza blasts and all-night lock-ins... well, that sort of person's spirituality, if any, is deemed highly suspect.
We are bludgeoned with Bible verses such as, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren," and denounced for "...forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. " If you're not there, your best smile pasted on, and amply evidencing the joy of the Lord by schmoozing, laughing, downing another doughnut, and reliving the glories of last night's ball game— well, maybe it's time to ask yourself if your heart's really right after all.
I'm sorry if this sounds resentful and self-excusing, but whatever my own spiritual shortcomings may be (and I freely confess to many), I find it deeply troubling that backslapping gregariousness and supercharged social activity seem to be regarded as necessary evidences of true Christianity. Something is fundamentally wrong with those who "come to the garden alone" or prefer the still, small voice to deafening drums. (I'd like to see Eutychus fall asleep during one of our services!)
Introverted? You need to get right with God, and get with it! After all, how are you going to be happy in Heaven if you won't even come to the Thursday night bean supper?
"I'm sorry if this sounds resentful and self-excusing, but whatever my own spiritual shortcomings may be (and I freely confess to many), I find it deeply troubling that backslapping gregariousness and supercharged social activity seem to be regarded as necessary evidences of true Christianity."
ReplyDeleteNo, no, you are right on! I always find it interesting that Jesus chided Martha, the whirlwind of purposful activity and hospitality, and not Mary, who chose to sit and listen, something most extraverts would classify as "doing nothing".