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Ask a Question . . .or "Thou Shall Not Steal"

I’m . . . “borrowing” (hope you don’t mind Jordan) an idea from another indie blogger. While I am not a Gnostic in the classical sense I enjoy Jordan Stratford’s Ecclesia Gnostica In Nova Albion blog. Therein, if I’m reading correctly, he has “Ask A Gnostic Priest” Giving readers an opportunity to ask a question – any question and (assuming it is a thoughtful question and not someone being . . .Oh my! Dare I use the English colloquial . . .”a wanker” (te he he – such titillation) he will post an answer.

So I invite you, dear readers, to take advantage of me. . .Oh my! You KNOW what I mean!

What “qualifies me” to serve in this way, you might ask? Well. . . I’m a “classically” trained theologian, and during my time of servitude at the feet of various universities I’ve taken advantage of their libraries to research OC/IC history. I’ve been an active Indie for over a decade and along the way have met some very sincere and interesting people, as well as the truly horrible and manipulative charlatans. These experiences and encounters have shaped and re-shaped my thinking about our heritage, the state of the movement, and my own community’s aspirations.

So, any honest question relating to theology, church history, or OC/IC issues is invited. If I cannot answer it for you, I’ll do what I can to point you toward someone who can.

26/01/2007 | Filed under Ask An Indie Theologian.

  • john plummer

    OK! In your opinion, what are the most important distinctives of the independent movement? (And feel free to tag a whole bunch of other people to answer, too!)

  • john plummer

    And other one – What are key resources in classical theology that modern indie folks can draw upon in finding our unique way forward?

  • Alexis

    Hmmm . . . . I can think of a host of distinctive characteristics . . .which, in my mind, are the most important. . .I need a day or so to sit with that. . . it dawns on me that my “favourites” may not necessarily be the most “important” . . . . hmmm . . . please stand by (grin).

  • Alexis

    OH Hey! Now the Second question! (key resources in classical theology) That’s hitting a button very close to my heart!

    For one thing, I think we would really benefit from re-examining (i.e. “re-understanding” the theology of the incarnation, and the thinking behind asceticism) . . .but let me have a little time to write a fuller explanation as to why.

    PS: I also owe Boze readers and John’s (Priestcraft) readers a “position paper” on why I disagree with the practice of sole celebration of the Eucharist.

  • Jim Huffman

    Dear Bishop Alexis,

    Thanks for a fine blog. I don’t always agree with you, but find your writing stimulating, and thoughtful. My question … I’m a conservative newbie to the indie movement. Mostly Lutheran in theology, not so Lutheran in ecclesiology. I feel a call to ordination, after some 25 years of lay service in a Lutheran parish. Do you have an church body (or bodies) you would recommend? Any thoughts deeply appreciated.

    Jim Huffman

  • Alexis

    Thanks for your comments Jim. Thank God you (and others) don’t always agree with me – otherwise this would be a very boring exercise (grin).

    Church body to reommend . . . hmmm .. . .

    my first thought is to look local, go visit communities, get to know different communities associated with different bishops & synods.

    Give yourself plenty of time to find a home. There is no hurry.

    Consider what it was that drew you to the indie community – and look for a bishop/community that best matches that attraction.

    Build relationships within the wider community.

    I I’m not answering your question directly (sorry) without knowing you personally I don’t think it would be pastorally responsible, shall we say, to point you to Bp. X, or Synod Y.

    If you would like – you can email me (visit my community’s web page – sidebar links – and from there you’ll be able to click & type) – and we can talk more and that might be useful for you. Also I cannot recommend enough – that you ought to introduce yourself to Bp. John Plummer (Priestcraft blog – see links side bar) as he knows tons of people in the wider movement that I only know by name.

  • Jim Huffman

    Thanks for your kind suggestions. I’ll take them under consideration.

    My problem with meeting folks is that I live in an area (North Carolina) which is Baptist country. (Some 57% of the population). The nearest indie congregation is 35 miles away. The next nearest — that I know of — is 70 miles. Nevertheless, I’m willing to drive. : )

    all the best,

    Jim

  • Alexis

    Hi Jim,

    It is one of the difficulties in our community that – depending on where you are – we can be rather thin on the ground.

    One tool that does help to bridge the gap that my folks have enjoyed experimenting with over the past year or so is SKYPE (http://www.skype.com). It’s a free multi-media VOIP service – I love it.

    Using SKYPE we’ve done discussion groups, evening prayer, and video conferences, as well as teaching sessions. Obviously it does have some limitations – but we found it is an effective tool for bringing people together in fellowship.

    It means that establishing a relationship with a bishop or a community outside your immediate area becomes more . . . possible, and you can travel for face to face events when its convenient.

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