Marcus talked about an “earlier paradigm” and an “emerging paradigm” taking place within Christianity. The earlier paradigm was based on the idea that Jesus died for our sins, because “God so loved the world,” and that believing in Him would not only provide forgiveness but passage into heaven after this life. Securing a place in the next life, “being saved,” was primarily what this life was about. And Christianity was “the only way.” That is the abbreviated conventional default setting for Christian belief. This earlier paradigm shaped how many people saw Jesus, and why he was important, and what Christianity was about. Including Marcus. The earlier paradigm may still be functional and bedrock for many.
Marcus’s public work addressed those for whom the earlier paradigm was no longer persuasive or meaningful or believable. Marc addressed those who were seeking “another way home” or simply another way. He described what he calls an “emerging paradigm” within Christianity which is breaking gravity with the earlier paradigm. The emerging paradigm affirms the importance of the historical Jesus, acknowledges that Scripture is a human product (the Scriptures are our story about God, not God’s story about us) and are shaped by their cultural linguistic setting. A metaphorical or symbolic reading of the Scriptures is more faithful and fruitful than a literalistic one. The emerging paradigm is not dependent on “beliefs.” The heart of Christianity Marc would defend affirms something more vast and inclusive and generative than doctrinal or creedal statements. For early paradigm folks this might all sound too squishy. Too many slippery slopes. And maybe not altogether Christian.
In his last book, Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most, Marc shares aspects of his Christian journey from early beliefs through later events and experiences that changed his understanding of what the Christian journey is. “Conversion” experiences, (I once thought or believed that, but now I see another way), changed many of his convictions. “Christian convictions.” He references a somewhat technical triad that helped him see his own development. I use the word development not in a hierarchical way, more in an expansive way. We all “develop” and change in time and with time. That is a good thing! A must. (And we might remember, all things change when we do.)
The triad Marc uses to describe aspects of his own journey is based on the work of Paul Ricoeur. Ricoeur describes the movement from pre-critical naivete, to critical thinking, to post-critical naivete or what Marc called post-critical affirmation. When we were children we thought like a child. There is openness and unmediated absorption of our early experiences. As we continue to engage in the world or are confronted by it we struggle to integrate the wonder and tragedy of life. This integration, a difficult task, for Ricoeur involves critical thinking. Then, at some distant day, realizing wonders do not keep us from griefs, and griefs do not put asunder wonder, we come to another place of awareness and acceptance. And with eyes wide open we choose to say Yes to this life amidst all that has been and all that will be. This is a cry of the heart. What Ricoeur calls post-critical naivete or what Marcus calls post- experience affirmation.
I think we go through similar stages in our understanding of Christian life as well. I will say more about this and the emerging paradigm next time.
Take some time to reflect on your spiritual or Christian journey. Share your story with a friend or small group. And embrace with humility (and gratitude) that our ideas change. Our perceptions change. Our understandings change. No need to apologize for where we have been or what we believe. Then or now. Take time to reflect on your own experiences and conversions, your ongoing questions and puzzlements, how they are shaping or redefining your convictions, your doubts and loves.
I welcome any reflections you wish to share. Please read this month’s latest post and Continue the Conversation.
