Making Sense out of Nonsense or “Wait Just a Minute—I Protest!”

 

Have you ever wondered why there so many different Protestant denominations and independent churches?   It really comes down to the differences in the doctrines that effect “how to do church”.  And these “secondary doctrines” will never be agreed upon by the different expressions of the Protestant Church on this side of Glory!

 This is nothing new.  This has been going on as early as the first several hundreds of years of “organized” Christianity.  In the earliest phases of Christianity, diverse theological viewpoints and diverse communities existed before the emergence of a more standardized framework for defining doctrine and identifying deviations from it.  And how were those standards established? 

 They were established by “church leaders”.  The leaders of the visible church of that time, came together and held counsels and developed the early Creeds which defined certain doctrines such as: The Trinity, The Person and Work of Christ, The Holy Spirit, The Church, Salvation, The Second Coming of Christ, and The Resurrection of the Dead.  As years went by Church leaders could not agree and split up and each division held their own counsels and developed their own confessions and creeds that further detailed and clarified their doctrines.

Then a group of men said, “Wait Just a Minute—I Protest!”

Now, if you are a Protestant (which I am), you are free to believe whatever you like as long as you hold to those “Essential Doctrines” that the “Early Church Fathers” and the “Protesting Church Leaders” determined that you must believe.  And, again, all of these “essentials” were determined as a result of Church Leaders coming together and wrestling with the scriptures on your behalf and on the behalf of all Christians.

In addition, in case you were not clear—the “Essential Doctrines” that were established by mere men; aka “Church Leaders”, have authority over all believers and if you do not hold to them, you will be considered a heretic—even by those who hold to the doctrine of “Sola Scriptura” or Scripture Alone.

I think at this point we are all in agreement.  Very Well – Let us continue!

Based on the above—Therefore; and, in conclusion, when it comes to secondary doctrines, like Baptism, Roles of Women in the Church, The Exercise of the Gifts of the Spirit, Covenant Children, Eschatology, and the like (you know, the doctrines that strongly influence how one does church and/or even influences ones interruption of scripture in general) the only solution on this side of Glory (for an individual who actually cares about and holds strong convictions regarding some of those doctrines) is to either set aside one’s own convictions and submit to the teaching authority of the local church that they happen to belong to or find a group of “like-minded” believers and stick with them until something happens to break up that happy family like: 1) the leaders change their views; or, 2) someone new comes along with their own opposing strong convictions and sways the congregation; or, 3) you actually change your own understanding of a particular doctrine and can no longer worship with a clear conscience; or, 4) you and your new views are no longer welcomed or even considered “safe to openly discuss”.

At that point, you have no other choice but to attempt to find a different “like-minded” community, while all the while, your former church is accusing you of "Consumer Driven Church Shopping" and counsels you that "You will never find a perfect church". Two years go by while you faithfully attend worship services prayerfully making every attempt to reach out and find a "like-minded" church where they "do church" in such a way that you will be able to use your gifts to serve them--and you simply cannot find such a church.

So, having done all that you are left with no other alternative.  You do what Protestants have been doing for over five-hundred years—you start a new Church!

And, folks, we really don't need any more churches.  We can't even fill the ones that already exist!

So Glad I was able to make sense out of all this!

IMAGE REFERENCE:  (Artist of Image Unknown - Widely Used on Social Media)

 

 

I grow so weary at times...

The more I learn of the controversies that have plagued the Church throughout history, the more I realize that we are like mice on that little wheel in their cage; going round and round, repeating the same arguments--over and over and over again. I am beginning to think that many have fallen in love with the squeaking noise that the wheel makes.

I was reading "Differences in Judgement about Water Baptism, No Bar to Communion" by John Bunyon published in 1673 and discovered that the arguments presented in this 40 page publication are the very same arguments one may read by the men of today. Well, actually they are more versed then the arguments of today (on both sides).

John Bunyon answers a book written by the Baptists entitled "Some Serious Reflections on that Part of Mr. Bunyon's Confession of Faith..." he begins his answer by saying:

"But before I enter the body of your book, give me leave a little to discourse you about your preamble to the same, wherein are two miscarriages unworthy your pretended seriousness, because void of love and humility. The first is, In that you closely disdain my person because of my low descent among men, stigmatizing me for a person of that rank, that need not to be heeded or attended unto."

Here was the remark in their preamble that Bunyon is referring to:

"Who is there that reads these reviling of Bunyon for his poverty and mean descent, but must be struck with the unsearchable wisdom of the Almighty. The salvation of the church requires that God should be manifest in the flesh."

He answers:

What is it that gives a man reverence with you, I know not; but for certain, He that despiseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; yet, a poor man is better than a liar. To have gay clothing, or gold rings, or the persons that wear them in administration; or to be partial in your judgement, or respects, for the sake, or upon the account of, flesh and blood, doubtless convicteth you to be of the law a transgressor, and not without partiality, in the midst of your seeming sanctity.

What need you, before you have shewed one syllable of a reasonable argument in opposition to what I assert, thus trample my person, my gifts, and grace, have I any, so disdainfully under your feet? What kind of a YOU am I? And why is my rank so mean, that the most gracious and godly among you. may not duly and soberly consider of what I have said? Was it not the art of the false apostles of old to say thus--To bespatter a man, that his doctrine might be disregarded".

As one reads through the 40 pages of statements made by the other Baptist men and Bunyon's answers to their arguments; one will find that they are looking at themselves; reflected in either Bunyon or in the other men.

As you read (if you choose to read), ask yourself "Who seems to have a heart and soul more closely knit with, and concerned for: the honor of Christ's name and the love for the brethren? Who seems to exhibit more of the Fruits of the Spirit?". Reflect also on the life of John Bunyon.