[Reposted and updated from 12/26/07]
Science fiction popularized the time machine with its ability to take a person from their present reality to a different point in time. My boys watched the movie, “Back to the Future,” again and again when they were growing up.
U.S. religious practices reflect an increased interest in spiritual connections and activities. Daniel Wallace, professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary, notes a growing appetite for “worship that is [more than] a glorified Bible class.” Interest is increasing in the spiritual disciplines, especially in prayer and meditation. The early Church Fathers are being read. Churches across the theological spectrum participate in weekly communion as a way to bring reverence, spiritual focus, and divine connections into the lives of those who attend. Similarly, baptism is increasingly understood as a reverent, spiritual connection with the death of Jesus, resulting in cleansing and remission of sins.
Something significant is happening in the world of faith around the world. The external excitement characteristic of much of U.S. religion for the past half century is being merged with thoughtful, meaningful reflection and devotion. This is not head instead of heart. It is both/and, not either/or. For increasing numbers of followers of Christ, what the Bible says must matter. Observers see a “return to tradition and orthodoxy, to past practices, observances, and customary ways of worshiping.” These shifts toward biblical teaching and practice are occurring with a cultural consistency and sensitivity that results in “innovative returns to tradition.” I hope those of us with a strong history of restoration and biblical focus will be able to share in the fresh application of God’s Word in the contemporary world. It would be a shame if we who have a history of restorationism missed out on a significant restoration focus. It would be a shame if we refused dialog because some with the same dream that has driven us do not see everything just like we do.