Fleming Rutledge (@flemingrut) / X

Fleming Rutledge

5,534 posts

Fleming Rutledge

@flemingrut

Radical & Reformed biblical theologian. Romans 11:12. Seriously questioning the AI future, but not the unique role of the human being whom we call Lord.

Rye Brook, NY

generousorthodoxy.org

Joined April 2010

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Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Jul 1, 2020
It is a terrible misunderstanding of the Gospel to think that it offers us salvation while relieving us of responsibility for the life of the world, for the sin and sorrow and pain with which our human life and that of our fellow men and women are so deeply interwoven. --Newbigin
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Jul 9, 2018
I can't help noticing that when I Tweet about social justice, my "likes" drop precipitously. They shoot up when I write something "spiritual," aka non-political. This is not the way I want to spend my final years of service to the gospel.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Oct 26, 2024
This is Alexei Navalny writing from Putin's Arctic prison where he died. Put this with Bonhoeffer's letters.
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Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Oct 2, 2017
Can we retire "thoughts & prayers"? The phrase is shallow, dismissive, false. Real emotional support requires imagination and effort.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Jun 19, 2018
The problem with liberal Xnity: Well-meant letter to the editor at NYTimes today begins, "If Jesus were alive today..." Once again, Jesus as (dead) moral exemplar. The gospel is based in Christology first, then ethical empowerment by the living Spirit of the living Christ.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Aug 29, 2018
I'm Reformed to the center of my soul, but I am more grieved for the Roman Catholic church than I can find words to say, particularly for the faithful priests and bishops who love Christ and the church, who have played no part in the scandals and who must be in great pain.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Nov 26, 2018
Advent thought: I am bothered by the constant refrain "This is not who I am" or "This is not who we are." People and nations alike are "a mingled yarn, good and ill together" (S'peare). Better to say "this is not who we can be," or "not what I hope to be, by the grace of God."
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
May 4, 2019
Rachel Held Evans: She is planted in the house of the Lord, and flourishes in the courts of our God (Psalm 92) but the laments of those left behind rise to the heavens. May the household of God arise to be a strong protector of her family. GoFundMe for Rachel.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Aug 28, 2021
Tolkien's world of Middle-earth continues to be pertinent to our current predicament. There is no earthly power that can overcome the Power of evil that infects every human motive. The small faithful acting in obscurity are watched over by unseen powers of self-sacrificing love.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
May 3, 2019
Problem with "journey" language: It puts the emphasis on our progress toward God. The emphasis needs to be the other way round: God's journey to us, unfailing in its power, new every morning. It's not just God's initiative. He acts in our responses also, directing them to himself
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Nov 13, 2022
Various people are recommending readings for Advent, but they are mostly Christmas-y. I recommend *The Road* and *Blood Meridian* by Cormac McCarthy. Advent is not for sissies.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Nov 8, 2020
I can't think of anything more important for the post-Trump mainline churches than rethinking our program of promoting causes instead of preaching a radical Christology. People do not like other people presenting themselves as morally superior. That should not be our message.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
May 30, 2018
When your congregation trusts you and knows your heart, and if you have been showing enough of your heart in your expository preaching for years, your people should not be surprised if you speak boldly on controversial issues. They may not agree, but they will respect you.
Fleming Rutledge
@flemingrut
Mar 28, 2020
I call attention to the words of Pope Francis in his exraordinary homily regarding-COVID 19. “In the midst of isolation...we experience the loss of so many things,” he said, “let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: He is risen and is living by our side.”