DISQUS

Brenton · 2 years ago

What a great interview. Thanks Marcel and Chris.

Last night my mom asked me what my vision is for the future of Adventism. I fumbled through an attempt to explain my desire for Adventism to be defined first through love and community rather than by doctrine and belief. Then, I tried to express my desire for new and progressive ideas to be respectfully contemplated rather than demonized. After struggling to find the right words, I finally said, "I would like to see the church listen to Chris Blake."

I stand by that last statement.

Julie Smith, MS · 2 years ago

Thanks for the great interview. I especially appreciate what Chris said regarding his belief in Righteousness by Love instead of Righteousness by Faith. Love is the great compeller, changer, and attractor. The church will only change as it falls in love with All That God Is. As we fall in love, everything else falls into place. Thanks for all the great thoughts and blessings to you, Chris in your ministry and journey.

Nathan Brown · 2 years ago

Thanks for this interview. From my (limited_ perspective, Chris Blake is one of the pioneers of innovative Adventist writing.
I was also reminded by some of the comments and by Chris-Blake-imagined-as-GC-president of a comment I came across recently from the current GC president: "It is more important to be kind than it is to be right" (Jan Paulsen).
We need more leadesr and voices like this.
Thank you, Chris, for being one fo them.

Travis Walker · 2 years ago

Great Interview!

Makes me wish that I had attended Union College instead of Andrews. What do we have to do to get him in the Seminary?

I really appreciated his comments about making the words liberal and conservative illegal! Vilification of new methods and ideas in our church is one of the biggest obstacles we face right now.

However I'm curious what he meant when he said, "I’d elucidate Jon Paulien’s statement, “The great Adventist heresy is making clear what is unclear and making unclear what is clear.”

I can tell the Chris is a guy who engages society like Jesus did. He doesn't just sit in an ivory tower criticizing or defending it. I really respect that. The only way we as a church is going to change the world is by engaging people where there at, not by bringing them to us first!

Thanks again and I will definitely get my hands on his new book!

Daneen · 2 years ago

I've long heard rumors that I had to meet this "Chris Blake guy"--now I know why. I read this outloud to my husband and we both kept nodding and saying "Yes--that's exactly right!" I love the emphasis on peace-making, not just peace-loving, and, well, actually, I love all the ideas! Where do I vote to get him elected? : )

francini · 2 years ago

I'd vote for Blake as President!! Too bad I don't really see it happening in this generation... Should we be forever stuck in the boring SDA ways?

I love the "fundamentals" part, take the fun and we're all "da mentals"... how true!

It would be so refreshing to see our administrators and Pastors maintain a firm loyalty to our core SDA beliefs and yet be open to this down-to-earth, Christ-like thinking. Our church would explode with the real freedom that the Gospel brings, Freedom in truth and action.

Blake is sure an inspiration.

matthewgamble.com · 2 years ago

While I have never met Chris Blake, I did attend a Jack Johnson/Ben Harper concert with his son and now daughter-in-law. Them some great people!

What needs to be done to make the subtle, yet extremely necessary change in the baptismal certificate? I have to wonder if we would remain so isolated with our elitist mentality we taught that we were a part of the remnant church as opposed to "THE REMNANT CHURCH OF BIBLE PROPHECY".

Chris Blake for President! Jack Johnson for worship leader!

Karah · 2 years ago

I'm in the process of reading and re-reading Blakes "Swimming" book, and constantly find myself saying out loud "Aaaaagggh! Why aren't we doing that ALREADY?!" or "See? Now THAT'S an idea that would really be successful!" I think it should be required reading for all pastors, teachers, and church members for that matter.

Excellent interview Marcel, and Chris, I especially like your idea of an exit interview for members who leave. What better way to improve our communication and create an environment of productive change than by finding out why they're leaving?

Thank you both for your contributions to our church and our world!

S. Peter C · 2 years ago

As a older Seventh-Day Adventist Preacher (38 years in the work) I say "Chris for president" The only things that I would add is to change the way the money flows,pay workers more, cut out Unions and indeed ordane women now. S.Peter C.

Jeff · 2 years ago

I appreciated Matthew's response: "Chris Blake for President! Jack Johnson for worship leader!"

Those two names blend well since they both believe "love is the answer" and that "I can make peace on earth with my own two hands."

And, yes, I'd love to be back in his classroom this semester to study peace and violence in their many forms.