We started a new series of messages yesterday called "Junk Drawer Theology". The whole idea behind the series is that just as most of us have what we might call a junk drawer in our house or apartment somewhere filled with extra things we found lying around, we all have another type of junk drawer that is filled with beliefs and ideas that we've picked up from things we've seen, read, or heard from others. Then, when we face a situation in life that calls for us to clarify what we believe or to choose how we will act, we run to the junk drawer and rummage around trying to find something that will fit and help us make sense of the situation. So many of you have responded by inviting friends and family to church with you for this series. I heard great feed back from many of you in how the entire service impacted people you invited who are predominately unchurched.
Heading into this series, I've known that these topics aren't exactly easy to address and work through and may even illicit negative response from some. Even within the church, especially among younger generations, we've blurred the lines between "relevance" and "tolerance". Relevance is a biblical concept. Tolerance, as defined by our culture, is not. Webster’s Dictionary defines tolerance this way: "To recognize and respect other’s beliefs, practices, etc..without sharing them."
So according to this definition, tolerance values and accepts people whatever their belief or lifestyle without necessarily approving of their beliefs and behavior. I support that 100%. Jesus was the perfect model for this. Jesus as a Jew, spoke freely and respectfully to a Samaritan woman, shared meals with tax collectors and even touched the lepers – all of which were taboo for a Jewish man in those days.
But here’s what we have to be aware of – in this postmodern era, the word tolerance is starting to take on a new meaning.
According to the book The New Tolerance, About 80% of the time when you hear the word tolerance the understood definition is this: "Every individual’s beliefs, values, lifestyles and perception of truth claims are equal." And so tolerance is being redefined. So when many people say practice tolerance what they are saying is that to believe that everyone’s religious beliefs are true as long as it true to them – and that all life-style and behavior choice are valid as long as it feels right for the individual.
The tension I live with week in and week out when it comes to preaching is communicating not only the parts of the Bible that feel warm and fuzzy, but also those parts that are somewhat difficult. There is a natural "offense" that comes from the gospel message that is going to make some people uncomfortable. My focus is to communicate that natural offense without being offensive--very different thing.
I'd be interested to hear from you some of the different types of "junk drawer" belief statements that you are hearing at work, school, in your families, or neighborhoods. Send them to me--you never know, we might do a series called "Junk Drawer Theology: Part 2"! 
The service on Sunday was wonderful, just the right amount of singing, and it was touching to hear Andy's solo. Your sermon was right on target. I've also heard this described as cafeteria theology. While we need to be unyielding in our faith, we must also show great compassion when bringing people to our Lord. The tough part lies in finding that balance. Before coming to TPCC, we belonged to the Catholic Church. Now, you know Catholics and Jews have the market cornered on guilt and shame and one of the many things that drew us to TPCC, was the joy we could have in a direct relationship with Jesus. I don't want to waiver when talking with someone about the church, but I also don't want to be one of those "in your face" Christians that turn everyone off, even other Christians. So my question is, where is the balance? Thanks for a great start to what will be an enlightening series.
Posted by: Terrie | August 25, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I loved the video before the sermon - it really made me think about what people really believe regarding salvation and eternal life.
One bit of JDT that I've heard is "God helps those that help themselves." I believe that Ben Franklin coined this phrase, and people believe it to be true.
Posted by: Jose Lopez | August 25, 2008 at 06:05 PM
A friend of mine lost her baby boy an hour after birth and they have received numerous cards, etc. telling them that he is an angel in heaven now or that "God needed him more than we did". There are so many things people say after a death occurs that are just theologically wrong, but they think it will make the grieving feel better. In this case, both parents have the masters degrees from a seminary and studied systematic theology, so it just makes them more sad that their friends and family are so mixed up.
Posted by: Jen | August 25, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Aaron,
Great job! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
bob
Posted by: Bob Smith | August 28, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Aaron: Last weekend my 12 yr. old granddaughter was baptized by immersion in a nearby lake sponsored by her church. Has I watched this most heart-warming event, I overheard a person remark,"Why would anyone think they would be made clean by being dunked into this dirty muddy water? Another comment made later that day(and I've heard this a number of times over the past) was, "I've never been baptized but I'm a good person. I'm nice to people. I never killed anyone. I might not go to church all the time but I don't think I have to be baptized to go to heaven". How does one answer these questions without being offensive or preachey? Maybe this could be another item in that "Junk drawer"
Posted by: Arlene Chmielewski | August 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Aaron: Last weekend my 12 yr. old granddaughter was baptized by immersion in a nearby lake sponsored by her church. Has I watched this most heart-warming event, I overheard a person remark,"Why would anyone think they would be made clean by being dunked into this dirty muddy water? Another comment made later that day(and I've heard this a number of times over the past) was, "I've never been baptized but I'm a good person. I'm nice to people. I never killed anyone. I might not go to church all the time but I don't think I have to be baptized to go to heaven". How does one answer these questions without being offensive or preachey? Maybe this could be another item in that "Junk drawer"
Posted by: Arlene Chmielewski | August 28, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Arlene,
Great questions...I preached a sermon that addresses most of your questions this past Spring. The sermon was called "Reasons to Get Wet". It's on the website as well as iTunes. I'd recommend listening to that. If you still have questions, we can talk.
AB
Posted by: Aaron Brockett | August 29, 2008 at 10:58 AM