Conspire Two

“John Courtney Murray once described the early church as a ‘conspiracy.'” So says Peter Marty in an article titled “Community As a Way of Life.”

Does that kind of talk make you cringe? Conspiracy theories do carry a sinister connotation, after all.

Rather than a slam against Christianity, however, Murray’s point is that early Christians were so close they seemed to “breathe together” (con: “with,” and spire: “breath”). They were seen as “one.” I love that! Wasn’t it just the kind of thing Jesus prayed for in John 17:22? (“that they might be one.”) If this makes Him a “conspirator” then bring it on!

Here’s the deal: If Christianity is not about relationship we’ve failed the Founder! When we don’t “breathe together” we flounder and suffocate as individuals practicing meaningless religion. God’s church is to be a thriving community wherein all the parts of the body live and breathe as one!

Seems to me that “breathing together” is the core essence of effective disciple making. God offered a living relationship to us. It’s His plan that we pass it on to others.

Conspire!

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