Quantum Theology

As a part of my required readings for my Doctoral courses at Perkins, I came across a delightful book by the Rev. Bill Easum, former Senior Pastor of Colonial Hills United Methodist Church in San Antonio.  In his book, Easum shares a theory about our current age being one that is “quantum” in its change – that is, a sudden burst or large increase in energy.  It is changing at a pace that is so dramatic and so sweeping, that it is literally forcing many folks to take a back seat to the technological advances of the present day.  Compared to recent generations, the technology of the digital age of the present day is seeing changes abound in huge leaps as opposed to the strides that were made say, during the industrial revolution of a century ago. One only has to look at the tremendous changes of life that we have experienced since the modern personal computer has entered into our homes to see the evidence of this quantum leap in technology!  

Easum uses the analogy of modern cell biology to describe the workings of the church.  He shares that the cell, the smallest breakdown component of the human body, works in conjunction with every other cell in the body, to comprise the human body.  It exists for the benefit and well-being of the body as a whole.  Likewise, in the Church, each member exists for the benefit of the others, to help to strengthen the overall health of the Body of Christ.  We exist so that others might be better able to carry out their God-given and God-ordained calling.  We all exist for the greater good of the whole – and not to ourselves.  This is our calling in Christ.

These two thoughts – the quantum theory and the molecular biology - come together when we recognize that while we are individuals, we are also a part of something greater than ourselves.  We are the Body of Christ. 

Quantum Theology asks in what ways might the Holy Spirit, undeniably the greatest source of energy, present a sudden burst of power into the life of Canyon Lake UMC if we were more available to the Spirit’s movements?  If we were to seek the greater good of the body of Christ as our primary task (not secondary or even tertiary), in what ways might we experience an explosion of the Holy Spirit in the life of CLUMC and in our own lives?  

John Wesley’s theory was that the Church was to be more of a movement, and not an institution.  Institutions tend to seek homeostasis – or a sense of balance in which any change is minimal.  Institutions tend toward self-preservation – making themselves comfortable – and in so doing, also tend to neglect or forget its original purpose and mission.  In contrast, movements, when they are grounded in the Holy Spirit, tend to experience quantum growth and vitality, because, like the catalyst that causes great change, the Holy Spirit creates dynamic change that is life-altering and transforming.  Changes from movements grounded in the Holy Spirit occur at rates that are exponentially greater than anything the institution could hope to see.

I pray that we will begin to see ourselves not so much as a collection of individuals seeking our own wants and needs, but as a community of faith, the body of Christ, engaged by the Holy Spirit in quantum theology, working together to make disciples for Jesus Christ.  I pray that you will join with me in looking ahead to what the Spirit is doing in the life of CLUMC!  From what I can see, it truly looks exciting!  See you in church!

Grace and Peace,

Brad