FRANCIS SCHAEFFER:Vida & Pensamento-3/8-Guilherme de Carvalho

Introduction to the Life and Work of Francis Schaeffer

Collaboration Between Schaeffer and Hans Rookmaaker

• The introduction discusses the collaboration between Francis Schaeffer and Hans Rookmaaker, aiming to create a new synthesis combining elements from Dutch Reformed evangelical tradition, particularly Neo-Calvinism, with Anglo-Saxon Christian piety.

Insights from Conversations with Disciples

• Important insights about Schaeffer's influences come from conversations with his disciples, such as Ronald McAuley and Dick Kyes, who were involved in the L'Abri movement. These discussions reveal lesser-known aspects of Schaeffer's thought.

Influence of Keswick Theology

• The transcript highlights the impact of the Keswick movement on Schaeffer’s theology. This movement emphasized a victorious Christian life through faith in overcoming sin and living anew through resurrection power.

• The Keswick theology is characterized by its dualistic view separating spiritual life from cultural engagement, which influenced various authors like Jess Pen Lewis and Austin Sparks.

Connection to Watchman Nee

• Watchman Nee was introduced to this theological framework by Margaret Barber during her missionary work in China. His teachings reflect adaptations of English spirituality rather than purely Buddhist dualism.

• Two disciples of Nee diverged into different paths: Witness Lee formed a controversial sect while Stephen Kaung remained more orthodox. Their influence persists in Brazil through various publishers.

Schaeffer's Library and Crisis of Faith

• Schaeffer had an extensive library focused on literature related to spirituality but faced a crisis that seemed linked to his understanding of Keswick theology.

• His book "True Spirituality" addresses Christian life themes similarly to those found in Keswick writings but approaches them from a more solidly Reformed perspective.

Spiritual Intensity and Cultural Separation

• Both Francis and Edith Schaeffer were deeply concerned with intense spirituality while also grappling with cultural separation. Their experiences were shaped by their mission work influenced by figures like Hudson Taylor.

The Development of Apologetics and the Crisis of Faith

Early Influences and Debates

• The speaker discusses the early influences on apologetics, particularly in Geneva, where a separatist and defensive approach was taught.

• In 1948, a significant debate occurred regarding apologetics in "The Bible Today," where Sheffer critiqued Oliver Buzer's review of another apologist's work.

• This debate led to Sheffer articulating his foundational idea that there exists a point of contact for engaging with non-believers.

Establishing Labri

• By November 1949, Sheffer and his wife moved to Champer, where the concept of Labri began to take shape as they prepared for their missionary work in Switzerland.

• During this period, Sheffer studied Karl Barth's works while preparing critiques against neo-orthodoxy influenced by Cornelius Van Til’s writings.

Encounter with Karl Barth

• In August 1950, during a congress in Switzerland, Sheffer and colleagues visited Barth in Basel; their inquiries were perceived as confrontational rather than collegial.

• A notable moment arose when someone asked Barth about God's creation timing; he responded that God created the world at the cross and resurrection—an assertion that troubled Sheffer.

Critique of Barth's Theology

• This response from Barth suggested a transcendental view of God that disconnected divine action from time and space—a notion seen as dualistic by critics like Sheffer.

• The discussion highlighted tensions between faith as an irrational symbol versus rational truth claims made by science.

The Fallout from Their Debate

• Following these discussions, Sheffer presented a critical paper on Barth at the congress which led to strained relations; Barth accused him of acting like an inspector assessing orthodoxy.

• This conflict is believed to have contributed significantly to Sheffer's later crisis of faith.

Crisis of Faith (Spring 1951)

Personal Struggles

• In Spring 1951, Sheffer experienced profound doubts about his Christian faith, feeling a lack of reality in his spiritual life despite understanding theological concepts.

Revisiting Beliefs

• He questioned whether Christianity was rational or if it made sense to believe Jesus was truly the savior—leading him back towards agnosticism for reassessment.

Discontent with Movement Dynamics

Crisis of Leadership and Spirituality

Accusations and Misunderstandings

• The speaker discusses being labeled a communist by their leader, highlighting the absurdity of such accusations in today's context. They express frustration over being called a socialist despite their clear opposition to socialism.

• The speaker notes that some on the left perceive them as a libertarian conservative, illustrating the confusion surrounding political identities.

The Leader's Crisis

• The leader experiences a significant personal crisis, realizing that their separatist ministry lacks authenticity and cannot effectively engage with Europe or respond to evangelical challenges.

• This crisis is tied to the leader's theological beliefs, prompting them to reassess their spiritual understanding and approach.

Rediscovery of Key Texts

• The leader rediscovers the book "A Verdadeira Espiritualidade" (The True Spirituality), emphasizing its importance in understanding his transformation and apologetics.

• The speaker stresses that this book is central to grasping both the leader's journey and his apologetic methods.

Apologetics Framework

• A key principle in the leader’s apologetics is identifying common humanity with non-believers, suggesting that one must demonstrate how disbelief conflicts with human nature.

• It is emphasized that living authentically as a human before God is crucial for effective engagement with non-believers; otherwise, arguments remain merely theoretical.

Integration of Spirituality and Apologetics

• The effectiveness of the leader’s apologetics hinges on an existential understanding rather than just theoretical knowledge; spirituality underpins this approach.

• Without true spirituality, one cannot fully comprehend or apply the leader's apologetic strategies; many misunderstand these concepts due to abstract interpretations.

Contextual Application

• The speaker argues that while studying Christian philosophy has its place, engaging with people through pastoral contexts requires insights from the leader’s work.

• Emphasizing practical application, they suggest using these insights for youth engagement and theological education rather than purely academic pursuits.

Conclusion: Importance of Historical Context

A verdadeira espiritualidade: A Crise Espiritual de Cheif

Introdução à Crise Espiritual

• O autor apresenta a série de palestras que se tornaria o livro "A verdadeira espiritualidade", publicado em 1971. Ele menciona que sua crise espiritual foi um catalisador para essa obra.

• Durante essa crise, ele percebeu uma falta de realidade tanto na ortodoxia religiosa quanto em sua própria vida cristã, levando-o a reavaliar suas crenças.

Reflexões sobre Ortodoxia e Amor

• O autor expressa uma crítica à "ortodoxia sem amor", citando uma frase famosa que destaca a feiura dessa abordagem teológica. Essa é uma lição importante para os calvinistas brasileiros.

• Ele observa que o movimento de Missão Integral no Brasil possui desvios e critica a dificuldade dos calvinistas em se aproximar desse grupo para discutir essas questões.

Mudança de Atitude Necessária

• O autor sugere que, embora polêmicas nas redes sociais possam ser estimulantes, é necessário que o calvinismo brasileiro mude sua atitude em relação ao diálogo com outros movimentos religiosos.

• Ele menciona como Cheif, vindo de um contexto intolerante, mudou sua abordagem após reconhecer suas falhas e pedir desculpas.

Experiência Transformadora de Cheif

• A filha de Cheif descreve como ele passou por uma experiência transformadora em 1951, onde encontrou respostas espirituais significativas.

• Após essa experiência, Cheif teve uma mudança notável em seu caráter e maneira de lidar com as coisas; isso foi descrito como uma iluminação mais do que um batismo no Espírito Santo.

Verdade e Dúvidas na Fé

• Cheif enfatizou que a única razão suficiente para ser cristão é porque o cristianismo representa a verdade sobre o universo. Sua busca não era por experiências emocionais, mas pela verdade objetiva.

• Apesar das críticas por seu racionalismo excessivo, ele acreditava firmemente na importância da verdade acima das emoções pessoais.

Persuasão através da Honestidade

• A esposa de Cheif estava preocupada com sua busca pela verdade, temendo que ele pudesse abandonar sua fé caso encontrasse evidências contrárias.

Exploring Honest Questions and Faith

The Importance of Addressing Questions

• Engaging with questions is crucial; one cannot simply remain passive. It’s essential to actively seek answers, as this reflects a core principle of the labri: honest questions deserve honest answers.

• Suppressing questions can lead to negative consequences. If doubts are ignored or repressed, they may resurface during times of weakness, potentially leading to a crisis of faith.

Consequences of Repression

• When faced with temptation or sin, previously suppressed doubts can emerge forcefully. This highlights the importance of addressing uncertainties rather than dismissing them out of laziness.