Recently I got an email asking what I thought about the IF:Gathering. This conference and the discussions I've had about it have prompted the resurfacing of all sorts of emotions and fears I have had in the past. I didn't actually go to the conference. I know that would have been great because then I would have a more educated opinion, but my husband and I had plans to go away that weekend and I was not going to get in the way of that annual event. 

Anyway, I'm worried about the IF:Gathering's emphasis on US and what WE can do FOR GOD. Here is a link to a blog post written by Aimee Byrd that I think identifies some of the bigger issues with the event. 

As for me, events like this remind me of a time when I was trying to prove myself to God. Which prompts me to encourage all of us to do the following whenever we are listening to a speaker, attending a conference, or a reading a book that reflects Christian ideas...

 

1) Consider the source. 

2) Consider the message. 

3) Consider the Scripture. 

• Tamar's story
• Popular Commentary by Kretzmann
• Augsburg Theology

Scripture that says USE YOUR BRAIN!

• I John 4:1-3
• Philippians 1:9-11
• Hebrews 5:14
• Acts 17:10-12
• Proverbs 3:1-8
• I Thessalonians 5:12-22