I'm sorry to read all of that, Jack. Having grown up in a fairly legalistic environment but not recognizing it as legalistic, I wasn't aware of how narrow my perspective was. As I studied more Scripture, most of my views on doctrine didn't change... but my views on which issues are secondary definitely did.
Having been a religion writer online since 1997, I've seen the same sort of knee-jerk reactions. One guy made around 75 videos on YouTube about how wrong I am about... well, everything. They're not short, either. Average is probably 45 minutes, plus a number of articles. Comes with the territory. I grieve for the folks who react this way, but I'm long past taking it personally. They're actually my target audience. =)
Any time you state your beliefs, someone is going to disagree and often criticize you. It seems it is more pronounced in the church than anywhere else. I once posed the question in an article if the Holy Spirit was given to the entire church or just the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Not that I was saying it was true, just that the way it is worded, “they all were gathered in one place” could lead to thinking the entire church received the gift. You would have thought I said everything the Bible teaches is wrong.
Thank you Jack for sharing this. I've felt like this for years. Grew up and preached for the ultra hard line, conservative stream of our churches. Came to realize much of our whole concept of the Bible is wrong, works based more than faith based. I decided long ago to just preach expository sermons, one book at time. We have been much like the Pharisees. So teaching the Sermon on Mount helps humble us if we are open. Matthew 28:20 -- all the commandments, not just 5 or 10. All of them, including John 13:34-35 and all the "one another commands". I don't focus on doctrinal issues and address them in their context when it comes. The small church I'm teaching with now is much at peace. I've taught through whole Bible .. and am on my 2nd go now. I know it can be very frustrating at times. Keep teaching the Word.
Great article, Jack! I'd like to make two observations. First of all, if both sides are taking shots at you, perhaps you're right where you ought to be. Second, in our pursuit of the Christianity of the New Testament, we can be mislabeled because we are not "church of Christ" enough. That is, we can become denominational in reactions to denominationalism. I love the pure plea to be simply Christians and to replicate the work and worship of the New Testament.
I agree with general premise. But it comes down to defining from scripture what is a Matthew 18:15-17 sin. Some say this applies to any sin, some say only sins that are known publicly that can affect the local congregation, some say Romans 16:17-18 are only sins that apply, and other beliefs on when to follow Matthew 18:15-17. This is why many topics are avoided being discussed even though clearly taught about in scripture. So one has to look at the root of the problem which seems to be defining what doctrines are matters of fellowship and which are not. One has to agree on that from scripture first.
I'm sorry to read all of that, Jack. Having grown up in a fairly legalistic environment but not recognizing it as legalistic, I wasn't aware of how narrow my perspective was. As I studied more Scripture, most of my views on doctrine didn't change... but my views on which issues are secondary definitely did.
Having been a religion writer online since 1997, I've seen the same sort of knee-jerk reactions. One guy made around 75 videos on YouTube about how wrong I am about... well, everything. They're not short, either. Average is probably 45 minutes, plus a number of articles. Comes with the territory. I grieve for the folks who react this way, but I'm long past taking it personally. They're actually my target audience. =)
Keep on keeping on, my friend.
Any time you state your beliefs, someone is going to disagree and often criticize you. It seems it is more pronounced in the church than anywhere else. I once posed the question in an article if the Holy Spirit was given to the entire church or just the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Not that I was saying it was true, just that the way it is worded, “they all were gathered in one place” could lead to thinking the entire church received the gift. You would have thought I said everything the Bible teaches is wrong.
Thank you Jack for sharing this. I've felt like this for years. Grew up and preached for the ultra hard line, conservative stream of our churches. Came to realize much of our whole concept of the Bible is wrong, works based more than faith based. I decided long ago to just preach expository sermons, one book at time. We have been much like the Pharisees. So teaching the Sermon on Mount helps humble us if we are open. Matthew 28:20 -- all the commandments, not just 5 or 10. All of them, including John 13:34-35 and all the "one another commands". I don't focus on doctrinal issues and address them in their context when it comes. The small church I'm teaching with now is much at peace. I've taught through whole Bible .. and am on my 2nd go now. I know it can be very frustrating at times. Keep teaching the Word.
Great article, Jack! I'd like to make two observations. First of all, if both sides are taking shots at you, perhaps you're right where you ought to be. Second, in our pursuit of the Christianity of the New Testament, we can be mislabeled because we are not "church of Christ" enough. That is, we can become denominational in reactions to denominationalism. I love the pure plea to be simply Christians and to replicate the work and worship of the New Testament.
I agree with general premise. But it comes down to defining from scripture what is a Matthew 18:15-17 sin. Some say this applies to any sin, some say only sins that are known publicly that can affect the local congregation, some say Romans 16:17-18 are only sins that apply, and other beliefs on when to follow Matthew 18:15-17. This is why many topics are avoided being discussed even though clearly taught about in scripture. So one has to look at the root of the problem which seems to be defining what doctrines are matters of fellowship and which are not. One has to agree on that from scripture first.