I've never claimed to be a scholar and I'm sure in the minds of many I'm nothing more than a simpleton but I can't help that is seems simple.
In the 1860's the church was united. Some came in and introduced some things that caused division (instrumental music, missionary societies, "higher textual criticism"). There is no doubt in any one's mind that the division would not have happened if the items were not introduced.
The group that brought in the things that caused division has continued to drift further and further away from that which resembles the church revealed in the Bible, it has also continued to shrink.
Some today are saying that the ones who stood patiently and waited for those who left to return need to repent and accept the things that caused division in the first place. This is leading to more fracture and division.
Why would we want to go down that road again? I'm told that in order to be seen as serious in the quest for unity I must compromise on the very things that caused division in the past. That just doesn't seem to add up...
Unity can be found by all returning to a church that in practice looks more like the New Testament church not less like it. I do not claim perfection (in fact I'm miles away from it) in my quest but I know that these innovations will not lead me closer to the practices of the New Testament church. So should I compromise the scriptures for unity? Where would that get me?
I'm not looking for a debate here. But in more than one blog my brethren who have determined not to accept these innovations are being labeled as the ones that are causing division. How can that be?
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8 comments:
I agree! I had a friend call this week when their elders announced their were moving towards including instruments in Sunday worship.
A signifant portion of members are leaving (division). So who is responsible? Seems obvious to me.
Change cause trouble? IFyou believe it STOP IT. Jesus prayed for unity.Did he not command it? So, why do we resist unity? If we are to be known by our love, where is the love in change?
Right on Dale.
brenda
Agree with you Dale. I think the primary question that has to go out is "what are we supposed to be unified in?" Many people today that are criticizing those who have resisted the introduction of instrumental music, etc. are seeking unity with the world and making sure everyone feels comfortable with their own belief system, whatever that may be. We are, however, supposed to be unified in Christ and in doing so, we adhere to the commands and principles found in the Holy Scripture. This means that each and every one of us are going to have put aside our own selfish ambitions, thoughts, and traditions so that we let true unity in Christ shine through.
This dicussion about being unified in Christ does go both ways....it should force everyone, whether you are more "liberal" or more "conservative" (I hate using those terms)to put away their own understanding and trust in the Lord with all their heart and let him lead our paths (Proverbs 3:5).
Trent, I agree, it seems like sometimes those who seek unity, are the ones that are causing disunity in the church, even if they believed that instruments were o.k, they should be willing to for go that right (1 Cor. 8, Rom. 14:1-15:13) for the sake of maintaining the bond of unity.
Dale,
There are a couple of problems. One, the conclusion that using instruments is sinful. The assumed conclusion depends on a certain hermeneutic, and though many are willing to submit to God's word, not so many are willing to submit to the ultimate in innovations--namely, CENI.
Secondly, Paul assumed that people would disagree over various issues like diet, days, etc. His clear command cuts two ways--let not the one eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats. So, at the very least, those who abstain share a signfigant share of guilt. They are constantly judging those who "eat."
Finally, the Galatian letter is the bit of word that most closely parallels the present situation. It insists on oneness based on faith and baptism and thoroughly rebukes those who make various external markers a test for table fellowship.
Galatians essentially condemns the attitude and sectarian practices of mainstream churches of Christ as well as other sectarian groups.
Dale I certainly hope I have not labeled you or anyone else anything other than a brother for that is how I view you.
I thank the Lord for textual criticism. We have an accurate Bible because of it.
It is true that the Disciples of Christ have continued to go off into extreme forms of liberalism. It is not the case however that the Independent Christian Church has done so. They are quite conservative theologically ... even fundamentalist. And the Independents are hardly dying. Rather the Independent Christian Churches are exploding with growth.
If you or Phil could only tell me how it was possible for Paul not to simply write of the Corinthians ...
Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
Not a scholar either, but thought I'd throw in my two cents. My experience has been that division isn't caused by one particular group, but rather by anyone who thinks that their particular interpretation/belief/theology is the "right" one...that goes for both "conservative" and "liberal". (I also hate using those terms) If we were all more concerned with seeking the lost than what other brothers and sisters are doing "wrong" then I think we'd have less division in the church. Again, just my two cents and hope I'm not sounding snarky. :)
I agree with you that insistence on forcing innovations such as instrumental music in worship can cause divisions in local congregations and on that level (that of the local congregation) I sympathize with your well-expressed concern.
However, I disagree with the concept that God's true church in the universal sense (all saved individuals in the world)is an entity that can be divided. I think that way of thinking represents the same kind of misconception that eventually led to Catholicism and the Disciples of Christ denomination. If we think that God's church is a movement or a collection of churches that can be divided, then we will also be tempted to try to organize that entity, which in our minds is synonymous with the church, and eventually someone will try to control it. That's the beginning of the road to Romanism.
Thanks for your sincerity and your interesting looking blog. I'll check it out further! In Him, Gardner
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