SPIRITUALITY - 7/12/11

SPIRITUALITY

Today I am hearing more and more about being "spiritual but not religious." Recently an event—a Moonlight Festival at Nashville's Center of Symmetry—was held that "was aimed at the spiritual but not religious crowd—people who want to explore alternative ways to connect with God" (The [Nashville] Tennessean, June 27, 2011). Such events as the newspaper went on to describe made me to wonder if people really understand what spirituality is.   

A little over thirty years ago, Dr. James O. Baird, then Chancellor of Oklahoma Christian University, gave a speech at the Fort Worth Lectures titled, "What Does it Mean to Be Spiritual?"  Dr. Baird began by telling of a woman who divided a congregation of the Lord's people because of her charismatic (Pentecostal) teachings. In spite of her divisive doctrines she was described as "mistaken but very spiritual." Baird also told of a young couple who forsook the Lord's church and attached themselves to a tambourine shaking, guitar playing, body swaying, hand-clapping, and so-called "tongue-speaking group."  When asked the reason for their change, they said, "We wanted something more spiritual." Incidents such as these cause a thoughtful person to wonder if such people have ever given the slightest attention to what the New Testament says about spirituality.  My observation is that such people as those described by Dr. Baird and those who attended the Moonlight Festival at Nashville's Center of Symmetry are not really concerned with what God has revealed in His word about the true meaning of spirituality, but only about their own subjective views of the matter.

My experience with people who profess to be "spiritual but not religious" shows them to be people who have very little interest in meeting with Christians to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).  Such people are bored with what they label "traditional church services."  The singing of "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" (Colossians 3:16) in a worship assembly, engaging in corporate prayer directed to the Heavenly Father, communing with Christ in the observance of His Supper, hearing a message from the word of God, and giving a monetary contribution to the Cause of the Lord does not appeal to such so-called "spiritual but not religious" folks!  They can "experience God" through tarot readings, lighting candles, burning incense, attending workshops on spiritual healing, working in their garden, being out on the golf course or on the lake or up in the mountains, or just "chilling out" at home! Never mind the command, "And let us consider one another so as to stir up to love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).  I do not know how a Christian thinks he/she can be "spiritual" while ignoring this instruction.

Over fifty years ago, E. W. McMillan wrote a book titled The Minister's Spiritual Life.  I obtained and read brother McMillan's book. I found the material to be extremely helpful in understanding the proper, biblical concept of spirituality.   I found it beneficial for me as a person striving to develop the spirituality that God requires of all His children.  Among the topics discussed were: "The Minister's Spiritual Life," "Spirituality Toward God," "Roots Which Feed Spirituality," and "Am I Spiritual."  Among the matters brother Mac emphasized was the fact that true spirituality: 1) Is greatly concerned about right attitudes and motives, 2) places more emphasis on the eternal than on the temporal, and 3) is more interested in the ultimate than in the immediate.

I would challenge all of us to a sense of urgency for developing a truly spiritual life. Let us sincerely "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6).  May we come to understand that spirituality cannot be developed apart from the true teaching of Christ, apart from the church, and apart from the regular and faithful assembling with other Christians to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).

Hugh Fulford   

July 12, 2011