Is it not possible that we cling too closely to our own favorite presentation of the gospel, and to a type of preaching which was very well it its on time and place and for the social set-up for which it was originally intended?
Is there not after all an element of truth in the contention that our preaching is too dogmatic, and hopelessly irrelevant to life?
Are we not constantly harping on certain ideas at the expense of others which are just as important?
Does not our preaching contain too much of our own opinion and convictions, and too little of Jesus Christ?
Jesus invites all those that labor and are heavy laden, and nothing could be so contrary to our best intentions, and so fatal to our proclamation, as to drive men from him by forcing upon them man-made dogmas.
If we did so, we should make the love of Jesus Christ a laughing-stock to Christians and pagans alike.
It is no use taking refuge in abstract discussion, or trying to make excuses, so let us get back to the Scriptures, to the word and call of Jesus Christ himself.
Let us try to get away from the poverty and pettiness of our own little convictions and problems, and seek the wealth and splendor which are vouchsafed to us in Jesus Christ.
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer
introduction to The Cost of Discipleship
May my own preferences, opinions and dogmas of the gospel never come between another man and Jesus Christ.
