Thoughts from here and there…The Congregational Way: What does it provide us?
Joe Polhemus, the late editor of the Congregationalist, published by the National Association sent an e-mail message inviting me, and anyone else to address his concern which is as follows:
“The current issue of The Congregationalist, now languishing at the printer for several weeks, carries seven short definitions of the Congregational Way by seven Congregationalists, including Arthur Rouner, Jr.
“We talk at length about the merits of the Way, but when asked for specifics we get varied, sometimes vague, answers. If our Way is relevant, which I am sure it is, I believe we have a responsibility to articulate it in concise terms.
“I would welcome your definitions, in 150 words or less, by September 7, to be considered for publication in the Oct./Nov. issue of one of Christendom’s great publication. No prizes are being contemplated.”
The date has come and gone and I did not write anything for the Congregationalist. Mr. Polhemus’ concern is a genuine one, and one that ought to gain the attention of all who claim to be Congregationalists.
Specifically, what are the merits of the Way? What benefits do we acquire from our membership in the Congregational Christian Church?
If I were going to write a definition in 150 words the point that I would emphasize is FREEDOM! I would approach the meaning of freedom in this way.
In Congregationalism we have and must have freedom of choice, for good or ill. My reading of the biblical material defends this position. God created us and gave us choice. The first human used choice badly by eating fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God does not physically, emotionally or psychology restrain their choice, and neither does he ours. Choice is one of the qualities that defines what it means to be human.
In Congregationalism we are free from creeds and statements of faith. Creeds and Statements of Faith have their place. What often happens is that creeds and Statements of Faith become fixed once and for all time. It is at this point that they become restrictive to spiritual development. God wants us to grow. Growth towards spiritual maturity is the work of a lifetime. It never ends. Dependence on a creed has the tendency to stifle growth by allowing us to believe that we know all that there is to know. This is not true.
Well, I am already at 261 words in this response, but let me add one more thought. In addition to freedom of choice and freedom for growth there is in Congregationalism the freedom to be.
I was startled and comforted when one day when I read, “God is not so much interested in what we do, but why we do it.” We cannot do enough work to satisfy the claim of God on us, we can only love. God helps us to develop the understanding and the capacity to be loving people. Even as you pastor in Congregationalism I am only one amongst equals. We are together in Christ, above all else, people who love and care for one another.
Mr. Polhemus wrote: “We talk at length about the merits of the Way, but when asked for specifics we get varied, sometimes vague, answers. If our Way is relevant, which I am sure it is, I believe we have a responsibility to articulate it in concise terms.” I hope that what I have tried to share with you in this brief article articulates the benefits of our Way in concise terms. I am delighted and proud (in the best meaning of the word) to be a Congregationalist.