One of the biggest differences between Christian culture in Ukraine and the States would be the emphasis here on suffering. This is partly a matter of Ukraine's tortured history, and partly something inherent in Orthodoxy. Many times it seems to cross over into something unhealthy -- suffering as an end in itself. But overall I think they do a good job recognizing the value of trials, the ways God uses difficulty in our life to mold us into the image of his Son.
Too often, American churches lack a theology of suffering. I grew up in Happy-Clappy churches where "the joy of the Lord is your strength," and that smile better not waver. When I moved into a conservative Presbyterian church, one of the things I came to love was their recognition that while we work to alleviate suffering, it still has a valuable place in a Believer's life. It's a sculpting tool in the hands of God.
My favorite Christian magazine, Modern Reformation, devoted this month to the theology of suffering and Blues music. I was shocked to see that U2's Bono wrote an article called The Bible & The Blues.
Two of the other articles are online:
Singing the Blues with Jesus and Aint It Hard: Suffering & Hope in the Blues
Posted by Discoshaman at janvier 10, 2005 03:19 AM | TrackBack
I believe that article is a reprint of Bono's essay on the Psalms from 4-5 years back. You can read it here
http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=668
I think the same contrast could be noted between the church in many countries and the church in America. Our short-sightedness on the subject of suffering is apparent when considering China, Cuba, Sudan, and plenty of other countries that have high levels of persicution. Having grown up in "Happy-Clappy" churches myself, I've seen first hand how detrimental the pentecostal name it and claim it mentality can be to a believer's sanctification and to the life of a church. One thing I love about Reformed theology is the acknowledgment that God in His sovereignty has allowed suffering. So often growing up I heard that Satan or sin was always the root cause of suffering. I was rarely instructed that Satan is unable to go beyond the limits that God has placed. I'm amazed that "Happy-Clappy" churches are able to maintain any presence on the mission field at all when persecution comes.
Thanks for the interesting links and excellent blogging, as always.
why "shocked" at U2? just curious :)
Posted by: Rasselas at janvier 11, 2005 04:48 AMBeth-
Thanks for the head's up. . . I don't get the dead tree version, so it'll be nice to be able to read the article.
Ryan-
Good to see you, man! How's the family? It's interesting you mention Happy-Clappy and missions. Muslim countries are, of course, pretty much the toughest fields around. Calvinists have a very good reputation in Muslim missions -- they tough it out.
Rasselas-
Because Bono is a world-famous type guy, and while he's been gaining popularity in the Reformed world, I wasn't expecting to see him writing something for a Calvinist magazine. :-)
Posted by: Discoshaman at janvier 11, 2005 05:27 AMThe family's great. Thanks for asking! It's good to see you too...I've actually been reading the site almost daily for a while now. For the last few months I've not felt knowledgable enough to comment. The situation in Ukraine is fascinating and you have many intelligent people visiting here, so it's been great just to sit back and soak it all in.
"...they tough it out"-that's for sure. I've heard many stories, as I'm sure you have, of reformed missionaries going 8 or 10 years without a single convert and still faithfully preaching the gospel. That's a testimony to God's grace and a solid belief that He is in control of suffering. What amazes me is the huge pentecostal presence in places like Peru, where the shining path and poverty have taken huge tolls on believers.
Posted by: Ryan at janvier 11, 2005 05:48 PMwow did he actually write something for Modern Reformation??? or did they just reprint his intro
from the psalms pocket version?
thanks
I use your site and Orange Ukraine to keep up on the news of what is happening here since I don't speak Russian, but I was pleasantly surprised to read your theology comments. I tend to agree with the comments about the American church as a whole. It is much too self centered and many churches seem to have turned God into a "Sugar Daddy" who is just there to get them nice cars and houses.
What church do you attend here in Kyiv? I wuld love to visit. Thanks again and keep up the good work.