The ball of life bounces in funny ways. In fact, it bounces more strangely than a football after a squib kick. Right now the ball of my life is bouncing more strangely than ever. I want to thank those of you who commented on my last page, whether published or not, to provide me with encouragement. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
When I went to CCV I knew I was taking a risk. Some of my readers felt there were serious doctrinal concerns with the church. If you read my previous posts, you know some even suggested I'd "gone soft" or "changed my theology." The fact is, there should be little concern over doctrine at CCV. If you understand the Restoration Movement, you know that in 1831 the followers of Alexander Campbell (the Disciples) and those of Barton Stone (the Christians) united in Georgetown, KY. Campbell, in spite of what some may think after reading the Lunenburg correspondence, strongly held that baptism was for the remission of sins. Stone came to agree that baptism was immersion in water for the remission of sins, but was characteristically silent on the issue for the most part. He chose not to make it an issue. That's pretty much the stand at CCV. As it is taught there, baptism is immersion in water and part of the salvation process. As with Stone, the matter is then closed.
While there were undoubtedly issues with me that I know nothing about (specifically), I was seen to be "too academic" for the CCV DNA. Because it takes me time to get to know people and to build rapport, I was judged as possessing poor relational skills. Okay, I like my books and communicating through writing is often easier for me than face-to-face even though in disciplinary or teaching situations I prefer the latter. As a result, my efforts were seen as inconsequential. Perhaps so!
As I said above, I knew I was taking a risk to accept a position at CCV. I recognized the corporate mentality before I went there. I understood that much was expected. I also know that I didn't mesh with the church's personality. It was, as they say, a matter of time. I had hoped I might have more time to communicate my philosophy and get a program off the ground. I didn't. So be it!
What are we going to do? I don't have a clue! If I am going to practice what I preach, then I must continue to remember that even when things are most confusing God is still in control. We may look toward semi-retirement. I'm networking and looking for places where I might fit in. We may seek employment in other fields (Walmart is always looking) for a few years. I plan to continue my on-line teaching as long as possible. If you know of places where an old guy might fit in, forward them to me at my home email which is in my profile. If not there, post a comment. God provided enough through severance and emergency savings to see us through for a while. I would be lying if I said I wasn't stressed and just a tad afraid. But something will work out. In a worst case scenario, my cousin from Europe left us with two new tents we could use!!!
