“The Balanced Life—Six Great Traditions of the

Christian Faith”

The

Holiness

Tradition

Defining the Tradition

1. Holiness means the ability to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done or responding appropriately to the demands of life.

2. Holiness is not rules and regulations but sustained attention to the heart.

Biblical/Historical Realities

1. James 3:11-12 “Purifying the Source”

2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Strengths of the Tradition1. Primary goal is an ever-deeper

formation of the inner personality to reflect the glory and goodness of God;

2. Secondary goal is an ever more radiant conformity to the life and faith and desires and habits of Jesus.

Potential Perils

1. Legalism;

2. Pelagianism;

3. Perfectionism.

Practicing the Tradition

1. Train;

2. Invite others to journey with you;

3. When you stumble and fall, get back up and press on.

The

Contemplative

Tradition

Defining the Tradition

1. The steady gaze of the soul upon the God who loves us.

2. Purging, purifying fire and enveloping, comforting love.

Biblical/Historical Realities

1. The disciple Jesus loved

2. Frank Laubach

Strengths of the Tradition

1. Fans the flames of “first love.”

2. Forces believers beyond a cerebral religion;

3. Focuses believers on prayer;

4. Forms believers in solitude with God.

Potential Perils

1. Separation from ordinary life;

2. “Consuming asceticism”;

3. Devaluing intellectual efforts to articulate the faith;

4. Neglecting the community of faith.

Practicing the Tradition

1. Experiment with varied venues for solitude;

2. Pray the Scripture;

3. Practice “holy leisure.”