Called to Holiness
Finding Purpose in Our Faith |
| When faced with the concept of holiness, many of us experience a
defensive if not allergic reaction. Holiness images fly through our
minds such as the unattainable piety of a cloistered white-haired
monk, the constrictive straight jacket lifestyle of a Puritan, or
the exclusive sectarian viewpoint of a fundamentalist. The
end-result is that we dismiss holiness as something irrelevant,
idealistic, or optional. Even when holiness gets some acceptance, it
is often kept at a distance by referring to it as a wishful goal or
with sentimental platitudes. Why do we fear comprehending holiness?
Do we feel it may make our lives ineffective or miserable, even
weakening our witnessing potential? Do we dread the thought of being
exposed to a standard that proves us as being unfit? Does it seem to
weaken the gospel message of freedom in Christ? All these fears can
come upon us despite the biblical and historical narrative that
demonstrates that holiness gives purpose to our salvation, and that
a deeper understanding of holiness can only lead us to a healthier
spiritual life where we are content and joyful in all circumstances. |
| While many Christians accept that they are called to be daily
living sacrifices or that they are sent into the world as God's
ministers, they often overlook the scriptural basis for which these
activities are defined and given purpose within the context of
holiness. |
| Join Art Harkin, as he and his class meet head-on with the
objections that can hinder the pursuit of holiness in our lives. The
class will be a mix of talks, discussions, exercises, and handouts.
We will explore holiness in terms of the past, present and the
future, the differences between virtues and values, the role of
tradition, conscience and ethics. Our goal is to leave the class
embracing holiness as our calling that brings us to our true selves
and not as something to be avoided or dreaded. |
About the Teacher
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Art Harkin, like most of you, has
many excuses for not embracing holiness, but also like you, he seeks
deep down to live that abundant life promised by Jesus. Art is
a past Elder at SFC, and has taught parenting and
bible study classes. He has extensive knowledge of the scriptures,
historical Christian literature, and takes interest in how our
current cultural issues can be related to the Christian faith. |
| Class outline
and handouts are available online. |
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