Jesus Died and Rose to make us Bored and Tired?

When I started this blog, 224 posts ago, I said it was for people who see faith as an adventure. I realize that many people believe adventure has nothing to do with faith. Rather, they see faith as a kind of dependability and predictability; a safe port when life becomes a raging sea. I get that, and I respect it. Certainly faith has an anchoring dimension.

However, I believe that faith as a safe haven alone risks becoming lifeless, routine, and stale. I believe we have within us a natural desire for adventure, the unknown, or a journey that has something that will take our breath away. I know people who will pay money to be terrified and thrilled by some kind of virtual-terror ride at a Six Flags park, yet who would not be motivated to attend a church worship service for free. I know folks who will stand in a football stadium for three hours in the freezing rain to watch their favorite team, yet a drizzle will keep them away from the nearest Christian place of worship. Why is that? I don't think it has much to do with believing or not believing, being "saved" or being a "pagan," or anything having to do with the beliefs of those who claim to be Jesus-followers. I think it has more to do with a hunger for excitement, for some level of risk that will challenge us, for joining with others in an adventure that has purpose.

I'm finally reading John Eldredge's 2001 book, Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul. Eldredge has observed many different Christian congregations with many different brand names. He notes that he sees many churches filled with nice guys, but guys who seem...well, frankly - bored. He also observes churches filled with woman who work hard in the church, and should be admired for that. However, most of them seem, frankly, tired. Eldredge says that someone outside the faith might look at most worshippers in churches and conclude that Jesus died and rose again to make us bored and tired. If that's the case, no wonder most denominations are declining.

This is the week before Easter Sunday. It should be anything but boring and tiring. This is about the greatest of adventures...a man who willingly wades into the environment that will make him face greater pain than he can imagine in the insane hope that there is something more powerful on the other side. We who say we follow Jesus must stop trying to domesticate this event and we must let it be the run-wild adventure it is.

Rapids ahead. Think we'll make it through? I'll see you around the next bend in the river.