It Takes True Believers to Soar with Faith
Part of the Introduction to a forthcoming book by George Bullard
(This post is part of the Introduction to the book I am writing tentatively titled Soaring With Faith: The Difference Maker for Congregations. You are invited comment on this excerpt.)
One stimulating memory of my first year in college is laying on the top bunk in my room reading the book The True Believer by Eric Hoffer. (Published by Harper & Row of New York in 1951.) It was required reading for a long forgotten introductory course. A controversial book. One that shows the good, bad, and ugly of mass movements and those who start them, lead them, join them, follow them, are changed by them.
It is a book about radicals who are part of political, social, or religious mass movements. References to religious movements still capture my attention today. The impact of this book was enough that I read it again from time-to-time. Each time I remember mass movements can be used for both good and evil with only a thin line between these opposites.
During my first reading as a 17 year old who grew up in a family deeply focused on the spiritual aspects of life within the context of Christianity, Baptist, and a pastor’s home, being part of a mass movement focused on the unconditional love of God seemed not only natural but also the highest commitment for life. I was proud to be part of the Baptist mass movement.
As a person who at age 12 felt a general spiritual call to Christian ministry, reflecting on the message of this book helped me clarify and deepen my commitment to the ideal of a life-giving mass movement as a follower of Jesus. It helped me answer the question, “To what is it worth giving my life?” What can a journey of great faith – not just good faith – contribute to the eternal implications for all people? What is the best vehicle for expressing great Christ-like faith?
My answer: It is the mass movement of great Christian congregations who soar with faith beyond that which is seen, to that which is unseen. It is millions of communities of believers radically motivated by God’s unconditional love to transform His world with spiritual ideals. Not to remake the world in their image, but to empower a world remade in God’s image.
The True Believer is not a theological book yet one that declares and implies theology. Eric Hoffer was not a trained theologian, yet he often speaks theologically throughout this book. It certainly affected my belief system and the actions of my life.
For my life no other mass movement fits other than full commitment to the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment. No other vehicle can best carry this mass movement than can millions of Christian congregations simultaneously committed to gathering and scattering as God’s radicals.
For me this has meant a lifetime of high expectations toward congregations who want to reach their full kingdom potential. Ones who are radical about their faith using a manner and method that is loving not arrogant. Focused on sacrificial servanthood not confrontational hubris . Captivated by God’s vision for how their congregation can fulfill His mission.
One result of my lifelong journey as a radical within the mass movement of Christianity is this book. Within it I focus not on congregations who are adequate, good enough, or even successful as organizations. The call of this book is for congregations who willingly soar with faith beyond any moniker with which researchers, prognosticators, denominations, or church growth and health advocates choose to label them.
The challenge is that a mass movement of soaring with faith is unlikely given the current commitment to mediocrity that sustains the beaten path of culture captivity. Unfortunately no more than 20 percent of all congregations will find the narrow road to soaring with faith. That is, unless the radical nature of the Christian message empowers a global mass movement that is sustainable. Such a mass movement requires a multiplication of compassionate radicals beyond anything seen since the early years of Christianity.
In The True Believer, Eric Hoffer suggests these radicals are out there. But not all radicals are helpful and hopeful in a manner characteristic of the unconditional love of God. Some want to control you, invade your country, psychologically abuse you, claim you as their own, and remake you in their image rather than God’s image.
Remember as you read this book that the line between good and evil mass movements is a thin one rather than being opposites. May all your passion focus on mass movements committed to the Good News of Jesus.
Copyright 2022 by George W. Bullard Jr.