I don’t think anyone wanted or planned this state of affairs. We have simply let our thinking fall into the grip of a false opposition of grace to “works” that was caused by a mistaken association of works with “merit.”

A more reasonable estimate of human costs and values will lead us to think that no labour is better expended than that which explores the way to the treasure-houses of the spirit, and shows mankind where to find those goods which are increased by being shared, and which none can take from us. WILLIAM RALPH INGE

Our mistake is to think that following Jesus consists in loving our enemies, going the “second mile,” turning the other cheek, suffering patiently and hopefully—while living the rest of our lives just as everyone around us does.

Flora Wuellner aptly comments on liberal Protestantism in relation to prayer: Where is our Christ, who is alive and lives in power? In the preaching of our churches, he has become a beautiful ideal. He has been turned into a myth, embodying a theological concept. The witness to his objective reality has largely been lost. Most liberal Protestant

The surrender of myself to him is inseparable from the giving up of my body to him in such a way that it can serve both him and me as a common abode, as John 14:23, 1 Corinthians 6:15–20, and Ephesians 2:22 testify. The vitality and power of Christianity is lost when we fail to integrate our bodies into its practice by intelligent, conscious choice

As for the conservative side, most conservatives by the early seventies generally accepted that being a Christian had nothing essentially to do with actually following or being like Jesus. It was readily admitted that most “Christians” did not really follow him and were not really like him. “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” became a

we must develop a psychologically sound theology of the spiritual life and of its disciplines to guide us.

What activities did Jesus practice? Such things as solitude and silence, prayer, simple and sacrificial living, intense study and meditation upon God’s Word and God’s ways, and service to others.

For God has made no promises of mercy to the slothful and negligent. His mercy is only offered to our frail and imperfect, but best endeavours, to practise all manner of righteousness. WILLIAM LAW