Do we care?
As someone that has grown up in the “Church of Christ” I was taught and received an education in the Bible that by all accounts was amazing. Lots of credit to my mom, dad and Bible Bowl. I also have studied the Restoration Movement and understand what the goals and reasons for restoration were and how the “Church of Christ” came to be. I believe earnestly in those goals and appeals and think there was a reason that they yielded such an important movement in Christianity. But, do we care anymore? Do you care how the churches around your region are doing? Are you rooting for or against them? Are they the joke in the room, or the dirty step child? At least liberal and conservative churches do have something in common, they equally isolate and criticize.
I have seen and heard, as I am sure you have, of individual quarrels that cross decades being a hindrence between neighboring congregations. The obvious Biblical contradictions to this behaviour are infinite. We are quick to label this church this and this church that. Do we care about the Biblical principles we read and take seriously their action?
I write this, not simply to heap on criticism but to call on those that read this, though that stretch is not far, to shift direction. Be more open, be more concerned, reach out, don’t focus on the differences but rather hone in on the focus of Christ. No one wants to share in our civil wars or bickering, it brings no one to Christ and certainly does not give them an example of Christ in our lives or that of our Church. There are reasons we no longer grow and it has nothing to do with this or that it has to do with our example of Christ.
Gathering of localities and churches started this movement and revivals allowed the simplicity of being a follower of Christ to show through. We have mucked it up with our own traditionalism, progression, ego’s etc. We must now turn around and restore what has always been there, Christ’s Church.
Jonathan Tyler
January 15th, 2010 at 6:53 PM
I agree. I think that those who truly care about what matters are generally the people who, regardless of their tradition or denominational background, are able to get along with others without watering down their own beliefs. Father Walter Vogels, a Belgian missionary and Biblical scholar, once told some of his Catholic students that before they could embrace the diversity in the world and love their neighbors and enemies, they needed to learn to embrace the diversity within their own (Catholic) church and love each other and stop quarreling. I thought that was good advice for us, too. If we can’t love and fellowship with other believers in Christ who disagree with us (and are perhaps simply following their own conscience just as we are), how are we supposed to love our enemies and carry Christ to them?
Anyway, I like the tone and content of your blog. I think you are spiritually gifted, and hope you continue to share your message with others. It may be hard sometimes, but don’t give up. Christ has clearly given you something important to say.
God bless you,
Stephen Hasbrouck
January 16th, 2010 at 9:04 AM
Very well said, if we try it really isn’t that hard to get past ourselves and at least listen to those around us. I believe some are afraid if they listen somehow their beliefs will be altered or offended, and maybe that is a legit fear. Maybe once in a while we do need our thoughts challenged so that was can strengthen and develop an understanding of what it is we truly believe.