In my post yesterday I introduced a term that was new, to me, as of this week:
Contemplative Activist
It’s a term that I’ve heard used to describe individuals who are both (or are striving to be) BOTH deeply committed to meeting needs in the world AND just as deeply committed to their relationship with GOD.
While the ‘name’ contemplative activist sounds like a contradiction, the description makes it sound like these two terms come together to describe the quintessential follower of Jesus — one that takes SO seriously the call to “come, follow Me,” that they not only strive (continually) to grow in loving affection for Him, but also take on His priorities and commitments in the world.
I’m still flushing it out mentally, so if this doesn’t make sense — or if there’s a better way of conceiving this — please feel free to assist!
Let’s look at the diagram below.
The vertical line represents a continuum of the contemplative life — the top, or “+”, side representing a life full of contemplation and connectedness to God; and the bottom, or “-“, side representing one that is void of that same kind of contemplation and sense of connectedness.
The horizontal line represents a continuum of activism in the Christian life — this time, the right side, or “+”, side representing a life full of activism that is expressed in meeting real needs in the world; and the left side, or “-“, side representing one that is completely void of that same activism.
It would seem then, that the ‘end goal’ or ‘desired outcome’ would be a life that is NOT at the center, but out on the edge — of the upper-right quadrant — living a life that 1) is defined by a deep connection and commitment to Jesus and the Kingdom of God — expressed in a growing and dynamic RELATIONSHIP with Jesus, and 2) fully engaged in carrying out the mission and message of Jesus through lovingly serving others — always.
If ‘contemplative activist’ really is a good term for describing what it means to be a healthy Christian — how are we doing?
Where would you find yourself in this diagram?
How about your students?
How about our ministries?
