Some Comments on Paradigm Shifts
We have considered the radical difference between our Greek-based culture and the Hebrew worldview. Many readers have asked, “But how to I move from one way of thinking to another? How can my community accomplish this transition?” When I was in New Orleans last month, I had a long conversation with Matt Woodward about this issue. Perhaps it would be helpful to you too. So, here it is.
[audio:https://skipmoen.com/audio/paradigm-shifts.mp3](To listen, hit the Play button above, or right-click here, select “Save as…” and download the file to your computer.)
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WOW! This was great! Personally I would love to hear from Matt on what he is doing to create community. I would love to hear his story. I would love to talk to him.
On another point, this echoed a lot of what G_d has been guiding me through over the past several years. I have been using the term worldview in conjunction with paradigm shift. I have said that when someone is confronted with a paradigm shift they are forced to look back and maybe deal with the idea that idea of how they have been living their life has been a lie. For example, I use my brother John. In speaking with him he has come to the edge at times in accepting that shift yet I have noticed that he stops because he is not ready to accept that he has been wrong all these years. He believes that he would have to admit that the past 45 years of his life was a lie and that all those people that he has believed in are wrong and it is just to hard for him to deal with.
A friend of mine who is a pastor has told me that he once spoke to a couple who evetually told him that they agree with what he was saying and even see the evidence however they could not “accept” it because to do so whould be admitting that they were living and believing a lie and they were not ready to accept that.
Skip this is so important. This idea invades and is intwined in our lives to such an extent that I do not believe any of us understand to what an extent. This is were empathy, patience, love and faith and trust in Him to do the good work comes in.
Sometimes I get so frustrated that I have so much more empathy for the “pagans” then those that are supposedly “saved”. I get synical and give up on the supposed believers that I just want to abandon them; but I know I can’t. My wife recently told me that I am getting grumpy and she doesn’t want to be married to a grunoy old man. I guess I hurt to much. Hurt not for me but for them.
I see so many hurting and desire to help. I reach out but they resist. I see them bleeding and offer to help but they politely say thanks but no thanks. In this past year alone my wife and I have known over 5 “christian” couples that have seperated and divorced. Several where the wife/mother left the family. I have reached out to the men who I have known and offered help, just to grab a cup of coffee and listen, but they politely refuse. I see them going back to their old paradaigms seeking answers and not finding any.
I ramble and I apologize.
Help me learn to do this. Help me learn to create community.
Tim,
let me first say i apologize. i just read your post tonight for the first time. I never actually looked at the recordings because i already have them from when Skip was here.
Also, i understand to a degree what you are going through. These are discussions that i have often with people. It’s hard to share truth and teach about things that are different and sometimes even opposite to what people have believed for years.
Regarding community, that too is not so easy. A couple things i have learned is that community is intentional. We live in a culture that is anti community. Just look at technology, Apple has made a fortune creating things so people no longer have to be in community. I can just text, tweet, Facebook, bump, etc. etc… You have to intentionally create opportunities for community.
The second thing i learned is that community is like family. Sometimes its fun, but sometimes its really really tough. Tough conversations sometimes need to be had, sometimes confrontation, and a lot of encouragement.
Community is tough. This journey of pursuing the Jewish Yeshua makes it even the more tougher.
Grace and Peace to you on this journey,
Matt
Hi Tim,
I just read this and feel for you, for I have found myself in the exact same place. The pain and frustration subside for a moment when I focus on 2 things:
Every person is where they are. We don´t blame the blind for being blind. Everyone struggles and does as much as they are able to with the tools they have at that moment in life – the couples divorcing do not wish to be there, and I´m sure they have struggled to avoid reaching that point. They can´t, not won´t. We usually all give 150%, and we screw up. We can only be there to love them, but we will never be able to explain the beauty of a flower to a blind person. And only God can produce growth.
People will only listen and take advice when they ask for it, or when there is an open heart. We tend to go around wanting to “help” when no one is asking, and it usually comes through as judgement or “spiritual superiority.” I have stopped offering unsolicited advice or trying to teach people who don´t want to learn. How many times did Yeshua seek someone who wasn´t looking for Him first? He responded to questions asked.
We see the mess and the pain and hurt and our heart breaks, and we rush to try to help. But it´s my opinion that we are disrespectful to others when we offer our version of help, without consideration to whether they are capable or willing to recieve it.
Community happens when all members are willing to be in it. Forcing it is modern “church building” theology.
I would say, relax, look around you to those God has already sent seeking your direction or advice and focus on building community with them. And remain open to anyone that wants to join it.
I hope that helps.