tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20132153.post3995111682837461021..comments2024-01-28T03:39:57.181-06:00Comments on Sean Michael Lucas: The Necessity of InstitutionsSean Michael Lucashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06911661966197928859noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20132153.post-30677752914323008602008-07-17T21:29:00.000-05:002008-07-17T21:29:00.000-05:00Very good thoughts. Perhaps evangelicalism has bee...Very good thoughts. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps evangelicalism has been a two edged sword in this area- promoting renewal within denominations yet often sharply criticizing (and often with good cause) established structures. <BR/><BR/>As a 22yr. old that has made extensive rounds in conservative Christianity, I am rather alarmed at the anti-institutional attitude among my generation. Maybe that is, in part, a product of postmodernism. But, it certainly does not bode well for established denominations. <BR/><BR/>Again, some great thoughts to ponder!<BR/><BR/>-David Petersen<BR/>University of KentuckyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20132153.post-65748152836432087342008-07-11T10:35:00.000-05:002008-07-11T10:35:00.000-05:00Sean,Thanks for this. Insightful and irenic, as a...Sean,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for this. Insightful and irenic, as always.<BR/><BR/>The danger always is, however, for institutions to become sclerotic, old wineskins, and mere shells of their former vitality.<BR/><BR/>This is the way of all flesh, and we need to beware of institutionalism: supporting an institution for the institution's sake.<BR/><BR/>Those of us who have left mainline denominations for newer wineskins have faced that sort of thinking even from among our own families.<BR/><BR/>Still, you are right. Authenticity and community have been pitted against institutions. Satan is so good at causing us to pit things against each other, which really serve one another. For instance: reverence vs. intimacy. The two are friends, but how often do we see them as enemies? So, too, I fear, with community and institution.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the thoughts and may God continue to bless your work.<BR/><BR/>Ken Pierce<BR/>Jackson MSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com