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When individual Christians have
differences of opinion regarding doctrine, allowance should be made.
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith
receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may
eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth
despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him
that eateth: for God hath received him.
Rom 14:4 Who art thou that judgest
another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he
shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day
above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully
persuaded in his own mind.
The formation of Christians into groups
is a source of much trouble;
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one
of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of
Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul
crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
The practice of division in the body of
Christ is called a work of the flesh;
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are
manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders,
drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as
I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall
not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Note: The word translated “heresies”
is hairesis and translated as “party” or “faction”)
Forged by periodic persecution for the
first 300 years and then incorporated into the Roman Empire in the fourth
century, what we understand as church today was formed. It is difficult
for us today to even think about how a church could function that wasn’t
run as a system or organization.
Adam Smith who wrote the economic
treatise “The Wealth of Nations” was not a fan of Christianity because
he saw it interfering with business. He was in favor of denominations
because he felt that when they competed in the marketplace, they would
have to eventually drop anything distinctive that conflicted with other
denominations until they became pointless.
Most seminaries are associated with a
denomination and produce seminary graduates steeped in the defense of
their denominational distinctive doctrines. The requirements to adhere to
the doctrines and practices can be more rigid that the requirements laid
down on a fast food franchise holder.
In addition to denominational
expectations are those of the local church whose equanimity would be
greatly disturbed if a hit of doubt were expressed. It is surprising that
in the face of such monumental pressure to remain static and unchanging
liberal creep has been as effective as it has. The adoption of doctrines
welcoming women preachers, abortion, homosexuality, and a seemingly
unending list of escalating doctrines all hostile to Christianity is a
testimony to the effectiveness of Satan’s strategies, the vulnerability
of organizational systems to worldly currents, and a tradition of
Christian practice where the Spirit has been quenched.
A major problem with a denominational
approach to Christianity is that it forms an “us vs. them” perspective
that defines Christian practice as either “right’ or “wrong”. In
addition to the problems of polarization, one finds that the assumption of
being “right” precludes any inclination to grow or mature because that
would mean that there was more to learn. In a way a pastor defending a
denomination will often have to prevent his church members from a path of
growth or questioning.
The process of rounding up strays (like
with Omega house in the movie Animal House) and putting them back in the
pen might seem like the work of a shepherd, but it can lead to arrested
development (sheep need to be fed not just contained).
Many, perhaps most pastors are fine
with the constraints of their denominational system. However, for the
pastor himself that has grown past some of the doctrines or has come to an
awareness of the limitations of the system, it can be difficult to even
mention his thoughts to anyone else for fear of being seen as “unreliable”.
For this and other reasons, the pastorate can be one of the loneliest jobs
there are.
Another problem for the pastor
attempting to manage a denominational franchise is that all questions have
to be channeled into the approved doctrine. This can require flexibility
with regard to truth. For example, a Luthern pastor may find it difficult
to claim that salvation is by grace alone, but also requires baptism.
However, every denomination places its priests and pastors in a position
where they frequently have to scramble to make things fit.
Making things fit is a type of
self-deception as well as an attempt to pacify others. There can be no
greater hazard for a Christian than to act with disregard for truth. Just
as Jesus disassociated himself from those disinterested in truth;
Mat 21:25 The baptism of John, whence
was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying,
If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then
believe him?
Mat 21:26 But if we shall say, Of men;
we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
Mat 21:27 And they answered Jesus, and
said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what
authority I do these things.
There is a consequence hanging over
those with no regard for truth;
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is
revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
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