I told you guys, I’m going to be giving a bunch of books away, no strings attached!
Because we?re humans, we?re hard-wired toward irrelevance?toward crossing the line. Jesus wanted his followers to be different. In the garden of Gethsemane, hours before facing the cross, he prayed that his followers would be in the world, but not of it.
So where is this line?
- Separatists cross it by going out of the world.
- Conformists cross it by becoming of the world.
- Only Transformists walk The Fine Line of being in the world, but not of it.
So which are you?
I tend to lean toward the conformist camp. I grew up very traditional, so now I am freely exploring the beauty and diversity of my faith.
Take this little test to see which camp you naturally gravitate toward.
*The Separatists?are anti-everybody, anti-everything, and they retreat from culture. Their excessive rules are an attempt to escape the world. Those who lean toward the Separatist camp are guilty of certain characteristics. Three of the most common are that they allow:
- rules to replace relationships
- microscopes to replace mirrors
- performance to replace passion.
*The Conformists?are hypocrites, biblically shallow and consumers of culture. Their excessive desire for trendiness results in merely mimicking culture. Those who lean toward the Conformist camp are guilty of certain characteristics. Three of the most common are that they allow:
- media to replace meditation
- liberty to replace love
- tolerance to replace truth.
Thankfully there is an alternative.
Enter stage right the Transformists, a new breed of Christ followers who are in the world but not of it and more clearly mirror New Testament Christianity. The backstory of Transformists is quite convincing. For starters, they don?t need to have everything figured out, for that would mean they?re Separatists. They don?t need to say anything goes, for that would mean they?re Conformists. They neither add to God?s Word nor do ignore it. Instead, they obey it.
They?re not perfect, but they?re seekers. They long to have a pure relationship with the Creator of the Universe. They desire to know the ?why? behind the ?what? and the purpose behind the principle. Of course there will be mistakes along the way, but this is what sets them apart. They have a little more grace and patience with each other, because they know what they?ve been saved from.
Above all else, they passionately love God and people. They don?t fear culture because they?re called to shape it. They don?t fear Christianity because they?re called to embody it. They are the Relevant. They are the Transformists*
HOW TO WIN THE BOOK:
**By owning up to your junk and posting a comment about which camp you lean toward, you?ll be entered to win The Fine Line give-away.**
10 random winners will score a copy of Kary Oberbrunner?s new Zondervan book The Fine Line and discover more about the Transformist way and narrowing the gap between Christ and Culture.
*(Excerpt from The Fine Line: Re-envisioning the Gap between Christ and Culture) by my friend Kary Oberbrunner.
Comments
88 responses to “Book Giveaway – Do You Walk the Fine Line?”
I tend to lean toward being a Separatists. Ouch, need to do some work on this one!
I’ ve always leaned towards being a conformist. As I hopefully more away from that, I’m trying to avoid swinging too far in the other direction and becoming a seperatist. Maybe this book would be helpful in that process ;) hint hint
chrissulli?s last blog post..Rethinking Worship
Hey Anne, I’m a good ‘ole boy from west Texas who grew up in Southern Baptist churches. During my days at Baylor I grew convinced that separatism wasn’t the path I was going to take. I’d like to say it was God’s leading, but I’m not sure about that. I just know I didn’t want to go down that road. Since those days, I have struggled with the fine line. I don’t really lean to conformist…I’m afraid I camp there. Funny thing is that it’s all an attempt to be a transformist. I’m now a church planter attempting to live out the honesty and authenticity that Christ has freed us to. I’m looking forward to hearing more struggles and victories.
brad?s last blog post..I Posted on INTAKE Today
I lean towards the Conformist while trying to convince myself that I’m a Transformist (robots in disguise?), especially in “media to replace meditation.” It’s hard for me to unplug, but I wrongfully convince myself that I need to be blogging or emailing or reading countless articles in my feedreader instead of simply being still and in prayer.
Joel Mayward?s last blog post..Catalyst Blogging: Origins
I’m definitely a conformist who is trying to become a transformist. I’ve seen glimpses of it, but they are fleeting.
David Norman?s last blog post..Accountability sucks
I am learning to be a transformist, however I am still breaking legalistic bonds, with Jesus one at a time. I am guessing that leans towards conformist, although I have been so far in the world that there have been times there was no difference.
love your blog, always gives me lots to think on the rest of the day..
darla?s last blog post..Change Makes Me Needy!
The willing spirit of a Transformist, but the weak flesh of a Conformist.
Elle?s last blog post..Wordle of my blog
conformist.
i’ve been on a mild introspection kick lately and have had this growing sense of how hypocritical I am and have become. i’ve always been aware of my hypocrisy, but it’s been becoming so much more evident, hopefully due to the Holy Spirit helping me become more aware of such things in my life.
i’m with Joel M. >> i find it hard for me to unplug and be still.
pete?s last blog post..inteGRITy
I spent many years being more of a Conformist than anything. In the last 2? years, after leaving a denominational, ritualist church and joining a non-denominational Evangelistic one with sound Biblical teaching, I’m working daily in my words and actions to become a Transformist. It’s a daily decision; what am I going to watch on TV (or not watch), what words are going to come out of my mouth (or not), and what behaviors I’ll have. It comes from the thought about “What would Jesus do?” and how it relates to what the Bible says.
Spiky Sandy?s last blog post..Trip to Kathy’s
Having started my walk later in life…i am more a transformist. Comes from asking “why do you do it that way” a lot.
Mitch?s last blog post..the paid and the unpaid
hi. my name is suzi and i am a conformist in the *slow* process of becoming a transformist. how immensely thankful i am for the grace of God…
suzi?s last blog post..un-simple
I think I am teeter tottering back and forth between being a Separatist because of my upbringing, and a Conformist because of my streak of rebelliousness. I would like to get on that Fine Line, because I’m getting whiplash! lol
Well I was pretty normal and then I became a Christian. I flew into the Separatist camp and lived there for some time. My list of do nots was quite large. I was quite miserable.
Then I found “freedom” and moved heartily into the Conformist camp. Media replacing meditation has been my weakness.
Over the last couple years I find myself edging into the transformist camp. It has been a long journey to get here and I feel I am just now on the outskirts of the camp. I want to pitch my tent here though!
Rick Apperson?s last blog post..Mad Lib Christianity
I think I’ve swung from one extreme to the other. As a child, teen, college student and young adult I was more of a Separatist. I judged everything that I came across. (Though in the later years of this phase, it was just a mask for hidden sin.)
I swung to the other side in later years and became a Conformist. In an effort to be “seeker-friendly” I became overtolerant of everything, basically because I wanted to indulge in pseudo-freedom in my own life.
Now I think I’m swing back and hopefully will stick closer to the middle. I want to see it all and see the real truth in it all. Be real while holding myself to a higher standard.
Amanda Sims?s last blog post..The Trouble with Change
I’m definitely hoping and striving to live my days as a transformist. Some days are easier than others, but its a process that I will continue to make all my days.
Maureen?s last blog post..Capturing Moments: Summer/Fall of 1977
Though I wish I were a transformist, I lean towards conformity as I enjoy (and sometimes) indulge sinfully in the freedoms God has given me. There is sinful risk in either separating or conforming, but I think the Gospel opportunities are fewer by being a separatists.
Thanks Anne
Gordon
Gordon Duncan?s last blog post..CJ MAHANEY – HUMILITY PART 7
Well, I will say, although I had not previously determined…by the definitions you’ve provided, I am a definite conformist. The media & tolerance got me…I would have thought more transformist….I suppose I am still a work in progress. Thnk got for Grace!a
I work very hard at truly being a Transformist. I grew up in a Separatist environment, went to Separatist schools, etc., but gradually came to realize that such is not really the answer.
Bernard Shuford?s last blog post..Bible Handbook
I’m definitely a conformist. Dang you, human nature!!
My heart’s desire and my intentions are to be a transformist, as Jesus was.
It’s a daily battle, some days, I win, most days I lose. The days I win, I realize that I’m walking in God’s strength, and the days I lose I see that my own strength just doesn’t cut it.
Either way, I’m always fighting for another step.
Russ Hutto?s last blog post..Win A Free Registration to the National Worship Leader Conference in July 09
i think i lean more toward conformist right now … and i know i definitely used to be separatist. i grew up in church and even was in full time ministry and was a separatist. i delayed college, not wanting to be outside of my ‘ministry bubble’, and it took going back to school to make me realize that what i was doing wasn’t ministry at all. i was just cleaning the fishtank. i’m still working to find that balance between keeping the truth that i learned growing up and making it real in me and my personal theology as i live it, which is why i’d say now that i’m conformist. but god willing there will soon come a moment where i trust him enough to care more fully about changing the world than i do about me.
Historically I’ve leaned as a separatist. My formative religious experience comes from a perspective of what can be best described as Conformist (as long as we are placing things in an “either.or” camp). Growing in my knowledge of God’s word caused me to be zealous about the truth of God’s word.
That was good.
But I took that truth and used it as an platform to consider myself a champion of Truth instead of an example of how the knowledge of God’s Truth changes and transforms. My maturity in the knowledge of Christ made me zealous for God’s truth instead of making me zealous for God’s heart.
That was bad.
Now I struggle walking the fine line because I want to be a Transformist. The hard part is I have dear brothers and sisters in Christ on both sides of the spectrum who now both may see me in part going over to the “other side.”
I’m ok with that.
It depends on which decade of my life I suppose (I’m 52 so I’ve got a few decades to cover). Certainly I’ve leaned more towards the conformist camp overall and I’ve run from the Separatist camp more often than not.
Actually, I’ve probably been more of a transformist (even without the definition) over the last twelve years or so – nice to have a name for it finally :)
Bill Buchanan?s last blog post..The best and the brightest? Are you kidding me?
I lean more towards the conformist side of things… as, possibly, the worst kind of conformist: a clique-y conformist. That is, I act conformist but mostly hang out with my “church” friends… thus, separating myself from those who need Jesus. This isn’t true across the board, but is definitely there in my life.
jill?s last blog post..what i thought i wanted…
I would say I am more of a seperatist than conformist. It is easy to mistake performance for passion sometimes. You think cause you are doing that you are passionate. That is not necessarily the case.
I would also say it is easy to get judgmental, analyzing others to the point you forget about the things you see people struggling with, you struggle with too.
God has definately been taking me down the path from being a seperatist to a transformist. I think God has to break a lot of old mindsets to get you to that point and some of those lessons hurt pretty bad, but God does it so we don’t stay the same and we can be everything He has created us to be!
I must be schizophrenic…I see myself as wrestling with the performance vs. passion (almost easier to perform than to be passionate); then we get to tolerance to replace truth. I am into accepting God’s truth but sometimes my level of tolerance is low – that’s when the relationship is more important than rules. As much as I want to love others as Christ does, I struggle with that. So, all of this to say…I hop-scotch back and forth over the thin lines. The good I see in this is that I am moving and reflecting instead of being stagnant – wanting to be used by God, even when it is uncomfortable.
I was definitely a separatist during my adolescent years. Grew up in church, thought I had it all figured out, wasted time being judgmental of others. I wasn’t a total failure… I did manage to love some folks, too!
Now I think I’m a transformist, though I lean toward the conformist side of things, probably in reaction to where I used to be. My time at a Nazarene university helped immensely, as I learned more about my faith and became good friends with folks who viewed things differently than I had… and I learned that’s OK.
Rich Schmidt?s last blog post..An interesting statistics video? Is there such a thing?
I grew up as a separatist. Actually carried the banner for it for a number of years. Over the last 3 years, I have slowly moved away from it and have in some areas of my life become a conformist. I do strive daily for the balance, to become a transformist. I have found myself reading John 17 a lot where Jesus does not ask for His disciples to be taken out of the world, but prays for God to keep his disciples safe while they are in the world… That motivates me BIG time!
Jason?s last blog post..Kids Say The Darndest Things! (Christian version) – part 2
I tend to lean toward Sepratist. I was raised in a pretty conservative holiness tradition and I often find myself moving first to judge people and culture rather than engaging it in dialog and relationship. It is easy for me to see the sinfulness of others and overlook the self righteousness and hypocracy in my own life. I have often lived and loved rules rather than passionatley pursuing Christ.
Good Morning!
I’m a conformists (although with small hints of separatist) learning how to be a transformists. I’ve been wanting to get Kary’s book for our small group. We just started a small group this year. 18-30 year olds. We call ourselves Life Transformers. When I saw this book come out I knew we had to do it in small group. We are learning to transform ourselves then transforming others by our love. I love your blog that says
Action without personal transformation is empty.
And transformation without action is impossible.
And this is what we are doing as a small group. Personal transformation and action at the same time. It’s a process and we are all working together to Be the Change we want to see in the world. So we are becoming transformists. I have a feeling this book will be a perfect fit for our purpose as Life Transformers.
I have to say, while I don’t completely subscribe to it, I lean towards the Conformist camp. I grew up in a church that had nothing to do with legalism we we a far cry from it. Shorts on a Sunday morning? Sure go for it! We were very relaxed in practice. I must say though that ht teaching never veered too far into the tolerance range. Truth, real authentic biblical truth was taught and it was taught with love. I think I’ve come to a place in my spiritual walk where I am transitioning out of a media influenced life to a meditative life. I’m slowly desiring and seeing a change in the way I perceive and interact with the word around me. Is some of this mental maturity? Me growing up a bit more? Maybe… but, I think it’s deeper than that. I feel like the Holy Spirit could be beckoning me to someplace new… the question now is “Will I follow?” I’ve recently entered into a period were I’ve been taking part in some spiritual disciplines that force me into a more meditative state quite literally. There’s more on my blog about those. Blessings. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to work through some of these thoughts that have been brewing for a while.
I’ve been doing all I can to be a Transformist for probably the last 5-6 years. I guess putting yourself in exposure to the world makes it that much easier to be of the world. So, I guess I’m half Transformist, half Conformist.
I think I waffle back and forth sometimes. If I had to pick one, I probably lean more toward the separatists – especially regarding rules and microscopes. I’ve always had pretty high expectations of myself, and I tend to translate those expectations to other people too.
And then when I realize I’m being a pharisee I sometimes swing too far the other way.
I am more of a conformist with some separatist tendencies, trying to become a transformist.
I am on the conformist side of things. Lately I have found myself struggling not to conform in the area of finances. I have realized how much money I spend on “junk” that could be spent on extra cans of food for the food shelter or donations to organizations that provide water or shoes. I tend to allow lust for things (not sexually speaking) replace my love for people. Because I conform to the world and “American” culture, I find myself less able to give as God would give, love and Jesus would love and live and the Spirit would lead.
wow – i read these comments and am absolutely overwhelmed at the honesty of those who post! it’s refreshing indeed. no put downs of a ‘type’ of church, no ragging on rich/poor/small church/big church, etc.
me, i’m just a sinner saved by grace so not sure what camp that is (yep, i’m showing my age alright). but, i want to be in the camp that you guys are in – and that’s a winning camp indeed. thanks all of you for sharing with the rest of us
and, good one Anne!
i’m mostly a conformist… i struggle with people-pleasing and needing approval from others (esp. those in authority). there are moments when i’m a separatist too, but those are also the moments when i tend to feel holier-than-thou…
I am a recovering separatist who recovers by jumping into conformism. And then feeling guilty and uncertain about the whole thing…
I’m new to this blog, great stuff!
chris?s last blog post..De-baptism?!?
I would consider myself a transformist. I still ask a lot of questions as to why, etc.
Shawn?s last blog post..An interesting article?
I am definitely more of a conformist, sadly. I embrace way too much of this old world and have the hardest time giving up certain things. I want to be a transformist.
Mike Demastus?s last blog post..Are the issues that homosexuals face on par with civil rights issues?
I tend to TRY and stray toward the line of being a transformist. I hate the water-downed christianity that we play off today. I wish that I always held the position as the one who is always willing to push the line for God… but sometimes I break and conform due to the pressures of society. And I can honestly say I am far from the separatist… I love people much too much.
Kayla?s last blog post..An Old Soul
Wow, tough question… I think I would probably classify myself as a hypocrite a lot of the time so that would probably make me a Conformist. I grew up in a Separatist sort of community, and I’ve sort of grown “bitter” toward that side. I feel like those people who try to seclude themselves and their children from everything that goes on in the real world are less likely to reach out to the people that Jesus commands us to love. They’re just in their happy little bubble doing God things, but never really getting their feet dirty. Although I’d consider myself more Conformist I try to have a healthy balance of both sides. Pretty tough to do sometimes since we live in a consumer and commercialized society. I’m still a work in progress
Jessica?s last blog post..To Quit or Not to Quit. That is the Question.
I have been the uber-Separatist. In my past I have actually carried a list to know which items I was boycotting, which companies I “couldn’t” buy from, places I “couldn’t” go. And oh, how quickly I could point my finger in judgment at anyone who didn’t abide by my “rules” that I could ever so quickly guide you to in the Bible.
I’m growing in my Transformist life. It’s SO easy to fall back into the Separatist ways, but I have some people in my life who regularly challenge me. Still a daily choice to be different, to love people the way Jesus does, but I’m working on it.
Faye?s last blog post..A Date with History
I’ve been thinking a lot about this question recently in terms of art and what it means to be a Christian artist or create something to the glory of God. I would say that it many ways I was raised a Separatist. I think my upbringing taught me that if there was negative content like excessive language or a lot of sinful behavior being portrayed, then a work shouldn’t be supported (read, listened to, looked at, etc.). The problem with this is that much of the acceptable material is trite and cheesy, without the authenticity that comes when we acknowledge that the world is fallen and that we all have junk. I’m personally trying to develop an appreciation for truth that isn’t pretty and would love to know more about how to bring the transformational power of the gospel into culture in a way that people can receive and understand it.
April?s last blog post..Holy Week
I long to live as a transformist… and when I am walking “in Christ” I walk that way… however… it is very easy for me to be a conformist… and so I hide my true self far too often … yet I rail against those things I hide behind…
I see myself as a world changer – who doesn’t know how to break free and do it!
Lanelle?s last blog post..the ways of our global world!
I would venture to guess that I’m somewhere between conformist and transformist. I choose not to participate in many worldly things, not because I shouldn’t, but because it won’t help me grown in my walk with the Lord. We have freedom in Christ, but just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should. I always ask myself, why I am doing this, will it make me more Christ like or help me to help other be more Christ like, or will it cause someone else to stumble?
Katie Williams?s last blog post..Summer of Code Students Announced
Definitely have a mix of both conformist and separatist. Performance to replace passion and media to replace meditation are the two that really stuck out to me. I definitely see the dangers of going either side and am really interested in the book—looks like a good read!
Katy?s last blog post..Cold?
I’m a Conformists for the most part… (especially when it comes to tolerance… )OUCH… the hypocrite part stings a little… I grew up and am still living among mostly Separatists… (and I think the more I deal with Separatists… the more Conformist I become…) I have no balance…I want so bad not to be a Separatists I push the other way. (and push Hard!) It’s a slippery slope…because I realize neither is good. But, I would Love to be a Transformists! God has already been convicting my heart about my conformist ways… I’ve actually recently been dealing with this a lot lately…
This looks like a great book!
amanda?s last blog post..The First Attempt?
I definitely lean towards the conformist camp. There are a few things that I am strongly Separatist about, but I tend to be more “of the world”. I’m a people pleaser, and it’s something I have to be careful about.
Jeremy?s last blog post..Hunger
I am more or a conformist then a separatist.
I started out separatist but have moved on and tend to be in the conformist camp to some degree now. Once in a while there would be a time when i tend to lean towards a transformist kind of engagement. I think these work subtlety in us at some points. With that there is a sure need to be conscious about jumping on the bandwagon of transformist and leaving behind the former two.
Jonathan?s last blog post..A new kind of relevant
I camp with the separatists. I think the one that really gets me is “performance replaces passion.” Sadly, I resonate with that all too well.
As much as I would like to say transformist, the reality is I’m much more of a conformist. Always afraid to cross the line.
Lanie Beth Sinclair?s last blog post..Sort of Wordless Wednesday
Yuck. Conformist. “media to replace meditation” That just made me feel icky, and hit the nail right on the head.
We just love putting everyone in pigeon holes, don’t we?
I lean more towards Separatist than Conformist. I’m aiming for the qualities described under Transformist.
Looks like a cracking book.
Alastair?s last blog post..Sons Of God
Conformist, often sadly “justified” by the fact that I work in Hollywood.
Betsy?s last blog post..Do what you love
I am a conformist in transition to transformationist, it’s a fine line too, between the two. It can be done, to remain true to Christ’s teaching and be culturally relevant. I believe that is why many churches are dying on the vine so to speak. The generation today, is put off by “do this, don’t do that, signs, signs, everywhere signs can’t you see the signs?” They, and I do respond to Love…There is a novel that explains this phenom very well, it’s called “The Poisonwood Bible” A fictional account of refusing to change the way things are said or done, even if you are wrong, or have a wrong interpretation.
conformist…yep love me some tv!!! ;)
I’m (probably) a little older (44) than some of your readers, and have seen myself migrate from pagan to separatist to conformist over about a 20 year period. To some degree, I “measure” which group I’d be a part of by what books I’m reading. Like, 15 years ago, I was all about John MacArthur stuff (told you I was older!), and how there was an exclusivity to the gospel/truth – some got it and some didn’t [see “The Gospel According to Jesus”]. If you weren’t in MacArthur’s camp, you were wrong.
Then I discovered A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren, and that opened up a beautiful new way of thinking/living for me. And while I realized then that what McLaren was describing really WAS closer to the Way, I also sense a bit of the “if you’re not in this camp, you’re wrong” mentality too.
*sigh*
These days, I try to simplify my faith as much as possible. I want to follow Jesus – really follow – but truthfully, I fail at that miserably most days. It’s that every once in a great while moment, when you get it and what you got affects how you live and love in that moment – that keeps me rising again.
So, not sure if I’m separatist, conformist, or transformist. But I know which one I desperately WANT to be . . .
ok, ok…I am way more conformist leaning than I prefer to publically admit. I am a tranformist wannabe! It is not that I don’t try; I just don’t get the total surrender stuff. I usually blame it on my perfectionist tendencies and the fact that I have control issues. I really do seek to reflect Christ to others. There are some moments when I am successful at dying to self and others when I just don’t even come close. My prayer is for more of the former than the latter.
I am praying for you, pete and angie!
I think I’m a Transformist… finally. I grew up in a fog – not submerged in culture but not productively engaging it. Things got clearer in college – but muddier during seminary, when I began to lean toward being a Separatist in order to make church members happy.
What’s crazy is that the whole Separatist thing parallels my struggles with porn – it’s as if I was “compensating” via legalism for the crap going on in my addiction.
Anyway, freedom from the addiction also gave me freedom & wisdom to interact with the culture in healthy ways – which means I get to be one seamless person regardless of my context rather than putting on & off cultural masks depending on who I’m hanging out with…
Mark Jackson?s last blog post..Save Chuck!
I want to say I’m a transformist but I guess I’d have to read the book to find out. Maybe I oscillate more than walking the fine line.
Jake?s last blog post..Theology is Identity
I’d say I’m neither…I don’t really feel I fit in either camps….but I’d say it is hard what to say is the balance in between b/c it seems like everyone tries to put you in one camp or the other….
I’d say right now I’m trying to just camp on my own and hope that I can find others that are like minded and we can camp together…
I used to be a HUGE seperatist and so now I think I struggle more with being a conformist. I don’t want people to think I’m judging them (like I used to) and I can’t totally figure out how to balance those two.
I grew up separatist, never allowed to think for myself or ask questions. In college I embraced my freedom (!) and became much more conformist. As an adult, I’ve finally been able to wrestle with who God really is vs. who he’s been falsely portrayed to be. It is my hearts desire to be a transformist, especially as I raise two little girls and teach a bunch of others; I am terrified that my own issues or misinformation will color my example and mislead those who are behind me. I wish I could press a pause-button on the rest of my life until God sorts things out and fixes me!
Wow. Media to replace meditation. Ouch. That’s been my life this week. Reading this post earlier today made me pick up my Bible instead of my iPod, so thanks.
I’d like to say I’m a Transformist, but I guess I lean toward the Conformist camp. I think, like many people, it’s over-compensation for a Separatist past. I grew up very sheltered from the culture around me, and then as I discovered new music, lifestyles, and opinions I reacted by opening myself up a little too much.
However, I’m still growing and trying to be more authentic about where I’m at instead of acting like I have everything figured out. I am not complacent– I am striving to be a Transformist.
This looks like a great book; even if I don’t win the giveaway, I’ll definitely have to check it out.
Although, like many here I wish that I were a transformist, the sad truth is that being a separatist is my default. When I get overwhelmed by the world and overwhelmed by my sin, I just want to shut down and apply overly rigid rules to the situation. Its my way of exerting control over what seems uncontrollable. Ultimately the separatist is a coward, who would rather run and hide behind rules than address the real people, problems and issues in their life.
My deepest desire is to be a transformist. Its a more healthy, honest and authentic response, because it doesn’t ignore the reality of who I am before God and others. I want to be engaged with others and the world around them while relying on God’s grace. Maybe the first step to being a Transformist, is actually “wanting” to be one. If that’s the case, then maybe I am going in the right direction.
I’m moving from the conformist to the Transformist, and the peace and joy I experience in my life has never been better. When I was younger, I watched a lot of tv, and took in all that Hollywood would shove down our throats.
It never satisfies.
As I started to weed out the junk in my life, I probably started heading towards being a separatist, but realized (by the Grace of God) that I needed to walk the line to know what’s going on in this World, but not partake in everything, just because everyone else is “doing it.”
Separatists shield themselves from the world, which prevents them from engaging those that do not currently follow our Lord and Savior. We need to be there for everyone, so we can spread the Good News. That’s what we are called to do.
I admit that in my head I like think of myself as a Transformist…but in word and deed I am probably more conformist than separatist.
That’s just how I roll… :)
Jen?s last blog post..Crutch Free
How convicting! A sepratists all the way.
WOW, I read this aloud to my husband, made its way right to my core!
Wow!! I actually think i lean somewhere between conformist and transformist. I desperately want to be a transformist, but I think sometimes it’s easier to compromise a little. Definitely something God has been working on in me lately!
I’d say I’m a conformist, but have been struggling with this. I know it’s wrong and I want something different. I want to be a transformist. I want to walk that fine line. This book sounds awesome and interesting. :)
I definitely lean a little more toward seperatist. However I have a longing to fit in and be a part of the conformist camp. Somehow I have to find a way to slowly inch up to the line, but make sure very carefully not to cross over. I’d love to be a transformist!
I was born and raised a Separatist! That was what being a born again Christian was all about. Little relationship to the world or people in the world. And proud of it!
After being in the church for 50 years, I’ve slowly but surely become a Transformist. Fewer judgements. Fewer rules. More compassion. More grace. Less black and white. More forgiveness. Less rigidity. More spiritual depth. More joy.
The journey that continues …
Linda Stoll?s last blog post..Why Must I Watch What I Say? – Part 2
love your quote
Action without personal transformation is empty.
And transformation without action is impossible.
not sure which camp I’m in but I want/need to be TRANSFORMED big time
I am on my way out of a separatist culture. I am hoping not to sway to the conformists side. I want to be ruled by love, not law or license.
Thanks for sharing this today.
Chad Estes?s last blog post..Wrestling with Life, On and Off the Stage
I hope I’m a Transformist having found Christ in my mid twenties and getting sucked into a Separatists for several years. Always questioned a lot of the teachings, but the church organization we were associated with was very much so. A few years ago I read “Roaring Lambs” and that put some meat to my questions and thus began the journey.
I’ve always loved to read so that has assisted me in my search. I would love a copy of the book as we are planting a church and our vision is to have a church that transforms lives.
thanks for the opportunity!
I am a down right conformist. Yikes! Yahweh, please have mercy on my soul
Conformist… trying to become a transformist
Conformist, but fighting it. I love technology, but fight the urge to have a new tv as ours works fine. I desire a new (or another) motorbike, when the one I have also gets me from here to there. I fight it out loud by seeking alternatives such as a horse and cart for transport rather than a posh new car and not having my hair cut and buying clothes from e-bay or 2nd hand shops.
I don’t seek to be trendy. I do seek to begin anew… and to take some from the world with me.
Blessings
I LOVE the book title!!!
Andrew?s last blog post..On Values…
Wow… there are a lot of people who NEED this book more then I do! No… wait… that’s the conformist in me.
No one “needs” this book. They’re all free to do whatever they want! No… wait… that’s the separatist in me.
So I need to fess up and say that with my kids, I’m a conformist out of fear that they’ll go through the same pains I went through slipping in an out of sin as a separatist. But I do _know_ that “the rules” never work standalone. Have a sister who followed the rules and ended up with a number of breaks from reality. I fully believe in transformation. I’ve been trying to live it out loud. Your post a number of months back about bringing blankets to the homeless has prompted me to seek out a ministry for my pre-school and elementary school age kids to have our lives transformed through service and giving that puts us smack dab in the middle of that. All the “traditional” options have us just doing “support” activities. All good and needed, but I want my daughters to have a HEART that breaks for those in need. I want to bring up daughters who seek transformation in their own peers, that lead with their hearts, protected by the grace of God, co-workers in the good fight.
This is a great topic. It’s amazing how much work it takes to walk the fine line. Being in full time ministry really challenges and encourages me to find the balance.
I think it’s easy for me to be a conformist especially in media. Being aware of that has brought times in my life where I’ve definitely become a separatist. Yeah definitely hard work.
I’m shocked (but maybe I shouldn’t be?) that in 78 comments, no one has mentioned Neibuhr’s classic book “Christ and Culture” (or Carson’s “Christ and Culture Revisited”). I’m not so convinced that our response to to culture can be separated into simply those three categories – I thought Neibuhr’s categories were pretty darn good (Christ against culture, Christ of culture, Christ above culture, Christ and Culture in paradox, and Christ transforming culture), though I’m not sure I agreed with his conclusions. I used to believe that “transforming culture” was the ultimate goal, but I’ve been challenged (by my pastor and others) about the concept of our attempts at “transforming culture”. I’m still in process about it.
All that is to say, I’m sure I lean towards conformist. I think that a tendency towards conformity is the sinful “leaning” of many (like myself) who get all worked up about trying to be “relevant”.
Michaela Flack?s last blog post..i miss seeing new things.
I tend to reel from one extreme to the other. I went from the extreme separatist position of a independent fundamentalist baptist, to probably a bit far on the other side of the coin. Currently looking to find my balance to be honest.
honestly-conformist now. though i’ve been all three at some point in my life.
conformist that admires the transformists
kathryn?s last blog post..Eternal Security
This book sounds awesome! I need as much help as I can get in reaching our culture with Christianity’s Truth.
At first I though I was all three of the categories, but then I read the description of the Separatists and realized that I was merely thinking of my introverted personality. So I have concluded that I am definitely a Tranformationalist who tends to the Conformist side. It’s difficult in the Army culture to not get caught up in how others talk and what they talk about, especially as a chaplain trying to reach them for Christ. It’s also easy to revert back to being of the culture when that is where I came from, and thus is always a very tough struggle that I hate to win only by being a separatist who avoids the temptations.
Ryan?s last blog post..Airborne Day 9
My friend Dianne likes to say, “If you want to make the ‘Most High your dwelling place’ you have to make radical choices with how you spend your time.” (Psalm 91:9) From October – February I had a culture fast. This is the time in my life that I have been closest to God. I stopped watching TV, reading stories about celebrities/politics and fashion trends. Instead I listened/read the Bible and read blogs that were inspiring. I also listened to music with scripture as the lyrics. This verse was my filter “Whatever is true, whatever is noble…whatever is pure, whatever is lovely…think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) I am still doing these things except I discovered facebook and started watching American Idol in February. So in this way, I am a separartist.
With relationships though, I try to be a transformist. Several years ago, (when I lived in Nashville) I realized that all of my friends were rich white Christians. I was the poorest person that I knew. Since then I have intentionally tried to have friends who are not like me. God has answered my prayer for diversity by sending me friends of different races, different religions and different economic statuses.
Sara Ross?s last blog post..delight
conformist and not proud of it.