Eugene Peterson on page 16 of his book entitled Eat This Book, had this to say regarding the differences between our modern culture’s spirituality, and that of the Christian way:
“It has become characteristic of our burgeoning, contemporary spirituality in its various manifestations to take the sovereign self as text. But the results are not encouraging: the groundswell of interest in spirituality as this new millennium has opened up does not seem to be producing any discernible outpouring of energetic justice and faithful love, two of the more obvious accompaniments of a healthy and holy Christian life. In fact, we have arrived at a point now when the term “spirituality” is more apt to call to mind dabblers in transcendence than lives of rigor, exuberance, goodness, and justice-the kinds of lives historically associated with this word.
Christians can hardly fail to take account of the popularity of these self-sovereign spiritualities, sometimes to be impressed by some of the spiritual pyrotechnics, occasionally even to ooh and aah over them. But mature reflection doesn’t provide encouragement to go in for them ourselves. In contrast to the self-serving and glamorous spiritualities, ours is a pedestrian way, literally pedestrian: we put one foot in front of the other as we follow Jesus. And in order to know who he is, where he is going, and how to walk in his steps, we reach for a book, the book, and read it.
I think Peterson is on to something with this thought. This modern, self obsessed, and fragmented spirituality directly mirrors the social fragmentation and self-worship that our consumerist society idolizes. Christianity runs wonderfully counter to our culture by having everyone follow one path, to one God, using one book and one Spirit to help guide us to him.
Josh,
Beautiful post. Yes, the culture of consumerism has undoubtedly affected the Christian spiritual way. One reason I love the fourth century monastics so much is that they off the kind of counter-culture of which Peterson speaks. They took with them the holy word into the desert, and there they began to be transformed into a life of “of rigor, exuberance, goodness, and justice”—not to mention a life of joy in all they did, giving all glory back to Christ. We don’t need to become monastics to live this kind of life, but we must be attached to Christ above all else.
Peterson’s book A Long Obedience is also very good at depicting this type of discipleship and commitment over against the flair of modern spirituality. Great quote!
It’s been three or four years since reading this Peterson work. Time to pull it out again. Thanks for the reminder, Josh
JohnDave: Very true! The philosophies behind the monastic practices could be very helpful for Christians seeking an alternative to what society offers as a value set. I’m saddened by how strong the desire to please myself, and acquire possessions can be sometimes. Although the more I look to Christ the less desirable those things are. To resist the ideologies of society requires help from God.
@Brian: I will have to try and read that soon. Thanks!
@Clayton: Thank you for introducing me to the wisdom of Peterson! I don’t think you can read much Peterson without having your boundaries and mind stretched. Great stuff!