fluffology
[fluf-all-uh-jee]
noun, plural: fluffologies
It is an extreme view that seeks Divine favor by doing good works but without the asceticism of the monastic life because this is the portion of the Church reflecting the materialistic and narcissistic spirits of our age.
Neo-Pelagianism has elsewhere been described as
Self-absorbed Promethean Neopelagianism of those who ultimately trust only in their own powers and feel superior to others because they observe certain rules or remain intransigently faithful to a particular traditional [theologically cultural] style from the past.A supposed soundness of doctrine or discipline leads instead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism, whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others, and instead of opening the door to grace, one exhausts his or her energies in inspecting and verifying. In neither case is one really concerned about Jesus Christ or others. These are manifestations of an anthropocentric immanentism.
Fluffological teaching is primarily an impairment of ability to apply the Word in a holistic mind-heart way that is not moralistic in nature. It is the type of teaching, preaching, and counseling emphasizing a knowledge, truth-based, head-level, entirely rational application of all aspects of Bible to all aspects of life. It is devoid of acknowledging the significant spiritually transformational value and qualities of one's inner, emotional life.
Tends to be found in church communities who do not face life-and-death suffering issues, in economically affluent communities, and often traditions closed to the mystery of life in the Spirit.
The internal feeling one has after leaving a fluffological sermon, Christian class, or counseling session is the vague uneasy feeling that one is not doing enough to follow Christ and there is a list of "to do" things necessary to be a better Christian. When sitting under this type of teaching, it is not uncommon to wonder, "Is this all there is to the abundant Christian life?"
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In I Timothy 6, Paul contrasts the inner life of those teaching "a different doctrine" (vs. 3) with the inner life of the godly follower. In II Timothy, he expands each of these themes.
Inner life of a "Different doctrine": puffed up with conceit, understands nothing, has an unhealthy craving for controversy, quarrels about words; and this person's cravings and quarrels produces envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicion, constant friction among people; imagine's godliness as a means of gain.
Inner life of godly follower: pursues righteousness (a condition of heart), godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. remains free of reproach, sets hope on God, generous, hospitable and caring, takes hold of that which is truly life.
II Timothy 3:7 "Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." The English word used to translate "Knowledge" here is not a head-based factual knowledge of correct doctrine. It is much, much deeper than that.
Instead, knowledge here means an inner, personal recognition of truth, which is based on relationship, discernment (a type of seeing the actual reality), experience, and reflection. The Greek word used here is translated with ידע, "yada" in the Hebrew Bible, which means knowing intimately, as of intimacy between a man and woman. This is knowing through inner intimacy with the Trinity, with one's whole "nephes" (personhood, heart, soul). It implies time - the time of walking with Christ in relationship, and cannot be reduced to the study of correct doctrine. The Greek word implies elements of emotion, which is a necessary component of all intimate relationships. (1)
"The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." II Timothy 4:3-4.
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called. For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it; For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." I Peter 3:8-12
(1) Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ἐπίγνωσις Rudolf Bultmann, Marburg (Vol 1-6, 9)
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