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"What if Following Jesus isn’t Primarily about Beliefs or Actions?"
Right thought or belief is generally called “Orthodoxy,” while right action is called “Orthopraxy.” And sometimes we seem to assume that these are the only things to focus on, or even that one is somehow superior to the other.
In studying the teachings and words of Jesus, however, I’m coming to embrace the sense that “Orthopathy,” or right-heartedness, is a critical third leg of the proverbial stool. Further, I have the growing sense that this right-heartedness actually helps lead us to the path we’re seeking for the other two.
Consider the Greatest Commandment, which Jesus claims is foundational to all other laws and commandments. He’s not saying that the Ten Commandments are irrelevant, or that the 600-plus Jewish laws should be cast aside. Far from it, in fact. By focusing on Loving God with all we are, loving all of our neighbors (all really does mean ALL) and even loving ourselves in kind, everything else falls into its proper place.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christianpiatt/2015/02/what-if-following-jesus-isnt-primarily-about-beliefs-or-actions/
In studying the teachings and words of Jesus, however, I’m coming to embrace the sense that “Orthopathy,” or right-heartedness, is a critical third leg of the proverbial stool. Further, I have the growing sense that this right-heartedness actually helps lead us to the path we’re seeking for the other two.
Consider the Greatest Commandment, which Jesus claims is foundational to all other laws and commandments. He’s not saying that the Ten Commandments are irrelevant, or that the 600-plus Jewish laws should be cast aside. Far from it, in fact. By focusing on Loving God with all we are, loving all of our neighbors (all really does mean ALL) and even loving ourselves in kind, everything else falls into its proper place.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christianpiatt/2015/02/what-if-following-jesus-isnt-primarily-about-beliefs-or-actions/
This reminds me of the verse which says that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), and also points to the importance that the disciples gave to forgiveness as an interpretation of Jesus's death and resurrection. Perhaps conquering guilt and fear through living from a place of being unconditionally loved and loving is what really makes us "new creations".
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If by orthodoxy we mean 'intellectual assent to propositions', and orthopraxy as 'a body's acts/speech acts', I wholehearted agree that some account of the will is needed.
I don't think we can really prioritize any particular element over the other (and Im pretty sure Piatt doesn't either, hence "critical third leg"
but rather they are founded modes of Christian existence. In response to Piatt though, can't the concept of right heartedness be used to control and/or harm (consider some popular evangelical notions about 'tough love')? it does not seem immune to the will for power, sedation or pleasure.
