marginalization: Problem or Opportunity

[George Demetrion]

Thank you for raising this issue, Janet,

There have been some moves in this direction, including important conversations between evangelicals and Eastern Orthodoxy (the forgotten branch of Christianity in the West).  Here is a lecture that may be if interest (https://www.ancientfaith.com/specials/kallistos_lectures/what_can_evangelicals_and_orthodox_learn_from_one_another).

The Journal, First Things, also contains significant essays written by evangelicals and Catholics, typically from a conservative theological and political position (https://www.firstthings.com/).

Both of these represent important work, giving us much fruit for thought.  perhaps there is something in the lecture or one of the articles that pique your interest that we can discuss here.

The issue of the marginal status of prophetic Christianity is also discussed by Douglas J. Hall in his book, Thinking the Faith.  I include a discussion of Hall's interpretation of this issue in the last chapter of In Quest of a Vital Protestant Center (I'm not advertising, I mad a big $72 in royalties last year.  I think I'll keep my day job). 

Hall does not see this marginal status as a problem, but a God given reality in the breakdown of Constantinian dominance that has held sway over the relationship between Christ and culture since the dawning of the Medieval period.  Hall sees things quite differently from Kallistos Ware and the writers of First Things.  All have important things to say.

There is much fruit for exploration here.

Best wishes,

George

_____________________________

As a layperson, I have no real "standing," but I'd like to see some exploration of the need to reach out to other Christians- Protestant and Catholic- regarding the increasing marginalization of Christianity in our American culture. What discussions are on-going? etc.

Janet