The problem with theological litmus tests…

Have you ever felt unfairly labeled?

One problem with theological litmus tests is that they’re binary.  You’re either one thing or another.  Sure categories and stereotypes provide quick summaries about where people stand, but I generally find that people use them to push others to the side – what we quickly term “right”or “left,” conservative or liberal.

In conversations with other youth worker in recent months, I’ve heard more frustration regarding being labeled than I can remember.  Have you felt labeled unfairly?  

I even find left-leaning (see? I just did it!) folks who advocate centered-set thinking drawing lines in the sand too, “If you don’t believe this, then you’re just X” and yet fight  to not be labeled themselves in any direction.  And I’m sure I do this as well. The thing is that we don’t always know we’re doing it.  But we do it and it’s not helpful for the Church and its mission to the world.

The one that drives me crazy most often is how we theological types so quickly dismiss others’ views, if they perceive those views as (whoops, more labels coming!) mainline, charismatic, evangelical, or not.  The problem is that many litmus tests aren’t often concerned with core theological issues. They’re sometimes about peripheral matters and require minutiae-tic (yes, I made up a word) analysis of small texts of Scripture, if Scripture is even consulted at all in the discussion.

Here’s where the problem with theological litmus tests hits home to me.  I grew up in a mainline tradition, but with a strong commitment to following Christ, studying God’s word, and to evangelistic missions.  And, to be honest, I often feel most at home in mainline settings.  However, I teach at a fantastic evangelical school where, when you’re on campus, you can sense that God is active and at work.  I care deeply about evangelism. I enjoy being involved in Charismatic traditions because (I am a musician?… no that’s not it) I believe that the Holy Spirit changes and sanctifies lives.  I live in a Mennonite community where personal piety matters and quiet simple living provide a daily reminder that all of our consumeristic strivings may thwart the work that God wants to do in our souls. I feel at home in all faith communities. All of them shape my faith each week.

My head spins at times as I look left to friends who lay out a series of litmus tests to see if I align with them or else I’m “evangelical” as if that’s a bad thing.  I look right to folks who lay out litmus tests that keep changing year to year and aren’t even near the core tenets of the faith at times.  Some of these litmus tests are political, others quite reactionary, but many will fade in 20 years and join the dusty room of cultural concerns that masqueraded as theological or spiritual.

And then there’s the label of “youth worker.”  Heh heh.

Thanks for letting me vent a bit.  Where have you felt limited by a “litmus test?”  How have some of the labels that people have given you not adequately represented the diversity and depth that you possess?

 

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