Now personally I read “significant” as the opposite of “insignificant”. IE measurable, real, growth or change.

Wherein, I became concerned when given any possible methods for a full year – spiritual leaders are hesitant to promise too much.

In defending my position, however, I decided to look at the actual definition and I found it illuminating:

- of a noticeably or measurably large amount (basically my earlier def)
- probably caused by something other than mere chance (as in statistically significant)

This second definition opens up what I consider the heart of the matter – is not significant spiritual growth evidence of the divine? Proof that christianity works? If all we can promise is small growth – how are we sure that isn’t just chance or human efforts?

Without SIGNIFICANT growth – can Christianity claim to be more than a support group? Or a 12 step program? Those both can do SOME good but they are really only man’s efforts and will at work. Wherein is the God that changes people? Are we afraid to set the bar too high lest God’s reputation be tarnished? Is not God able to deliver on his promises to make someone a new creation?

While I understand the whole instant gratification culture, I feel that a year is a reasonable time frame. Consider that the Human lifespan is 40-80 yrs depending on where in the world you live. 1/40th of your life is not a small commitment. Jesus only trained his disciples for 3 years. Most grad schools consider 3 years enough time to significantly train students. Are college professors better teachers than the Spirit?

Here are some more examples of quick significant growth/change:
- In the span of an hour a naked, possessed, crazy man living in the cemetery was sent as a clothed, sane, missionary alone to Decapolis (”ten cities”)
- In a few hours, an Ethiopian court official was converted, baptized, and left to go back to his country.
Slower change happens too: today Mission USA is working with Chicago gangs. Over time, Gang members are putting down guns and taking up bibles. Still “significant”

Quick changes are COMMON in the bible. And in desperate parts of the world. Here in comfy cultures and comfy churches – comfortable christians struggle to standout from nonchristians.

As for mustard seeds: they start out the smallest of seeds but become the large plant in a matter of months.
As for weedy soil: there is also GOOD soil that yields a 3,000-10,000% return.
I would say both of those are significant growth!

Scott’s question about change seems to cite catastrophic conversion as evidence that dramatic change is possible. He’s right. But I think that is a different kind of subject from the kind of growth envisioned here. One is like seeing a rose grow where only weeds once grew. The other is tending to an apple tree year after year. I wouldn’t want to disparage either. And while long term growth needs to be in view because for most in our times and where we live it is possible, in many times and places, it has not been possible.

The Bible seems to push us toward both a crisis view where this could be the world’s last night (Parable of the man who enlarged his barns), and a view of long term faithfulness (e.g. Parable of the Talents) which we can never resolve by dumping one picture or the other.

No. 2) I’m going ahead and answering these even though I’m not a Deacon – I hope that’s OK. “Celebrated” – no on the Tridentine Mass. I’ve only been to one in my life, as a teenager in Denver. It was likely “illegal” at the time. I think it was good for the Pope to open things up for that – the freedom to do it. I’m not really a fan of the fervor that surrounds it, as if “thanks be to GOD, now the reeeaall Mass is back!” This is unfortunate. I guess that’s it. Pardon the off-topic-ness of our Q&A here Michael. Peace to you Giovanni, and Happy Thanksgiving to all in this house.

1. Have you heard of the changes to the Novus Ordo?
2. Have you celebrated a Tridentine Mass yet?

Mustard seeds and all of that.

Wyman