I see the same things: lack of assurance and re-baptisms ("Maybe I wasn't truly repentant when I was first immersed."). I have suspected for some time (though I have no empirical data to prove it) that the percentage of perfectionists among the churches of Christ is higher than in the general population. Part of that may b…
I see the same things: lack of assurance and re-baptisms ("Maybe I wasn't truly repentant when I was first immersed."). I have suspected for some time (though I have no empirical data to prove it) that the percentage of perfectionists among the churches of Christ is higher than in the general population. Part of that may be due to the church's call for chapter and verse for all that is taught, which will be appealing to those of a perfectionistic bent. But there are contributors beyond this, I believe: how God is understood and portrayed, how invitations are presented, how children are reared, and just plain ignorance of (and/or lack of faith in) the claims of Scripture. I agree with you that too many teachers of the faith have failed the flock in this. Fearfulness and uncertainty tend to beget fearfulness and uncertainty. As people with lack of assurance mingle (in conversation and association) and teach (from the pulpit, in classes, in homes), they sow this sentiment, subtly and otherwise, in the hearts of others. And so a culture of uncertainty takes hold. And as you point out, the consequences are significant in Christians' lives: lack of joy, which in turn stymies personal growth and evangelism.
You write: "...I’m realizing we’re going to have to go backward first and set a foundation that most people never received." Amen.
Brother Wilkie,
I see the same things: lack of assurance and re-baptisms ("Maybe I wasn't truly repentant when I was first immersed."). I have suspected for some time (though I have no empirical data to prove it) that the percentage of perfectionists among the churches of Christ is higher than in the general population. Part of that may be due to the church's call for chapter and verse for all that is taught, which will be appealing to those of a perfectionistic bent. But there are contributors beyond this, I believe: how God is understood and portrayed, how invitations are presented, how children are reared, and just plain ignorance of (and/or lack of faith in) the claims of Scripture. I agree with you that too many teachers of the faith have failed the flock in this. Fearfulness and uncertainty tend to beget fearfulness and uncertainty. As people with lack of assurance mingle (in conversation and association) and teach (from the pulpit, in classes, in homes), they sow this sentiment, subtly and otherwise, in the hearts of others. And so a culture of uncertainty takes hold. And as you point out, the consequences are significant in Christians' lives: lack of joy, which in turn stymies personal growth and evangelism.
You write: "...I’m realizing we’re going to have to go backward first and set a foundation that most people never received." Amen.