I liked a lot of what he had to say, the only thing that I wasn’t sure about, was describing that personal shift as just the exchange of one narrative for another, more humbling one…

I keep hearing this word “narrative” all over the place, and to be honest, I don’t understand the reason for using such a term. As far as I can tell, a “narrative”, whether fictional or non-fictional, is just a story, something that we can stand apart from, and examine as some detached third party. I think that’s why it’s weird for me to think in terms of “finding a more humbling narrative”… Is Jesus just a narrative? Is repentance a narrative? Is faith a narrative?

While we can make “narratives” about those things, it would seem to me that they themselves are not merely narratives, but rather real-life people/things, that have to be encountered in a real-life way… (if they are real at all…)

Just my random thoughts anyhow… Overall, I’d agree that if one hasn’t personally tasted true Grace, and been spiritually reborn, then simply knowing the doctrines of the gospel inevitably results in performance-driven religion, and self-superiority…

right around 37 minutes her starts to talk about the difference between the Moral Performance Narrative and how Christians have historically perpetuated the moral performance narrative which gives them an aire of superiority. I personally think that is one of the biggest reasons why people are so opposed to exclusive truth. That’s why I created the title.

I don’t know if that clarifies what I meant. As to your question, I am not any expert on atheism and have no opinions of what it is or isn’t beyond what wikipedia may have to offer =)

I think his main point revolving revolving around “exclusive truth” is that it is not consistent to claim that religion is not valid because it makes an exclusive claim because that claim in itself is exclusive. He goes on to say that there are plenty of reasons to buck the idea of religion or Monotheism (ie having a problem with Jesus) but claiming that, no way can be the only way, is not philosophically fair.

fyi – I did end up listening to the Q&A after and would not say that it has much value.

Since my atheism humbles me, I guess this pastor is saying that I’m needed.

What does exclusive truth mean anyway? True truth? The only truth? The truth that makes all other truths untrue? Or is it just the truth that I happen to believe?

Thanks for the summary and time notes – there’s no way I would have listened to the whole sermon.