during the course of multiple bible studies and prayer meetings with Japanese students, i've observed a few patterns..one, its a lot about personal interpretation of scripture and what the Bible says to people who are far removed from Bible times and culture..second, there's a lot of vagueness about what Bible passages actually mean in everyday application..third, Bible reading often degenerates into problem presentation and therapy..
this is a problem with all churches in Asia but it has been brought out into the clear greatly through this mission trip...right now i would like to tell these Japanese brothers and sisters of mine who have been kind and welcoming that there is a need to look beyond ourselves and our problems and to the greatness and glory of God. The sense of awe and wonder at the great God of the Universe who created everything and sent His Son to die in our place is often lost in the clamour of depressed Christian psychoanalysis that passes for Bible study.
being critical for the sake of being critical is not what i want, but to give genuine constructive criticism that helps Jesus' Church grow stronger..and i wonder how, in Japan, one can encourage their Christian brothers and sisters to look to Jesus and truly worship Him as Lord and Master with the kind of joy that Paul shows in the Bible? any suggestions?
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Hey Jono, and anyone else listening a mere 8.5 years later.
ReplyDeleteWe've been living and learning Japanese language and culture for 5.5 years now and just wanted to stop in and say thanks for this post Jono. After attending many more Bible studies in different places, this post is still on the money!!
May we look to the greatness and glory of God.