The Curse of Individualism in the Church

Sometimes I feel rather Shakespearean in my posts, although in all the wrong ways.  As a committed individualist I approached my Christian life, for most of my Christian life in individualistic terms.  I never gave thought to how my pursuit of my own spiritual growth negatively affected others.  Now, as a pastor I see myself all too often.  So, I feel Shakespearean in the "methinks the lady doth protest too loudly" sense.  But protest I will.   Just because damaged the cause doesn't mean I can't help others avoid my folly. 

Came across the following words in Mike Horton's book Made In America. 

The Puritan was concerned that even his calling served the neighborhood or commonwealth rather than himself.  He hardly doted on himself.  Even religious activities were not to be done from selfish motives.  God has justified him, having punished Christ in his place.  Acceptance had been freely given, not achieved.  Therefore, even developing one's personal relationship with Christ at the expense of the community was viewed as antisocial and, consequently, anti-Christian behavior.  

Comments

[caucazhin]

The Puritans also burned witches at the stake and a few Quakers were also murdered as well. Take your head out of the idealistic sand ! ! !
"I knew you not you workers of iniquity"

[DrSam]

Somewhere there is a Spirit guided individualism that is constantly being balanced with the collective power of people connections. I imagine it is a humility thing. ha ha...

I wanted to share a little article that I recently wrote about exagerated individualism in Christian leadership to the point it is toxic. It takes on the form of narcissism.

I was a church planter/pastor for over 25 years until I went through some devastating but freeing events in my life. I went on to retool myself in the behavioral field (counseling) and teaching college students.

If you don't mind me sharing the link to the article here it is:

http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=123961

I've written others on the subject of narcissism and you can find them on my web site under article or follow the references in the article I linked here.

Thanks and lots of blessings on you dear folks!

Sam
http://www.DrSam.tv