We actually enjoyed good friendships at that church over a span of several years. I'm grateful for my several engagements with different Baptist denominational flavors -- specifically, Southern Baptist and Freewill Baptist -- over the years. Historically, the Baptist stream of Protestantism arose out of, and was firmly centered within, the classical Protestant emphasis on each individual's freedom of thought and conscience to interpret and engage with God, scripture, etc., according to his or her own understanding. I find this noble and ennobling, and entirely desirable, and quite extendable and applicable beyond the bounds of Baptists. As we all know, that original outlook became blunted and, in some cases, flat-out inverted over time, until it was supplanted by something like its opposite. But even today, in the best Baptist iterations -- which can be as much local as denominational, attached to individual congregations and even individual people -- this attitude can still be found. Something about its resonates deeply with Jung's observation that the Protestant way is exceedingly difficult compared to Roman Catholicism and other highly structured versions of Christianity, because Protestants attempt to "do religion" (my phrasing, not Jung's) all on their own, without the assistance of a fully fleshed-out network of sacramental systems and other mediating factors. The end result, if a Protestant makes it, is a much more naked and direct encounter with reality. But the journey to get there is fraught on multiple fronts.
A thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read, including the linked essay on sleep paralysis, which I have experienced myself on several occasions. What a gift your friend gave you in encouraging you to reach within and what a gift you gave yourself in responding to the challenge. Now that gift is being extended. Looking forward to the next installment.
“a Southern Baptist church in rural Southwest Missouri that my wife and I had begun attending.”
😳😳
Sounds like ideological torture to me.
We actually enjoyed good friendships at that church over a span of several years. I'm grateful for my several engagements with different Baptist denominational flavors -- specifically, Southern Baptist and Freewill Baptist -- over the years. Historically, the Baptist stream of Protestantism arose out of, and was firmly centered within, the classical Protestant emphasis on each individual's freedom of thought and conscience to interpret and engage with God, scripture, etc., according to his or her own understanding. I find this noble and ennobling, and entirely desirable, and quite extendable and applicable beyond the bounds of Baptists. As we all know, that original outlook became blunted and, in some cases, flat-out inverted over time, until it was supplanted by something like its opposite. But even today, in the best Baptist iterations -- which can be as much local as denominational, attached to individual congregations and even individual people -- this attitude can still be found. Something about its resonates deeply with Jung's observation that the Protestant way is exceedingly difficult compared to Roman Catholicism and other highly structured versions of Christianity, because Protestants attempt to "do religion" (my phrasing, not Jung's) all on their own, without the assistance of a fully fleshed-out network of sacramental systems and other mediating factors. The end result, if a Protestant makes it, is a much more naked and direct encounter with reality. But the journey to get there is fraught on multiple fronts.
What a treasure to find. Your mind is a miracle to behold.
Blush and thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. I had wondered whether it would prove interesting only to me!
A thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read, including the linked essay on sleep paralysis, which I have experienced myself on several occasions. What a gift your friend gave you in encouraging you to reach within and what a gift you gave yourself in responding to the challenge. Now that gift is being extended. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks so much, Gloria. I'm glad this deeply personal piece resonated with you.