Sometimes You Have to Quit Talking About It
Part of the charge the minister made earlier this week on the Nancy Grace show is that the Church of Christ is exclusivistic, thinking that they alone have the truth.
I’m so thankful for so many unity movements — some large and formal, but most small and informal — that are taking place. What’s happening with the Christian Churches isn’t the final thing that needs to happen; but for many it’s a place to begin.
This year there is a focus on this move toward unity at ACU, Pepperdine, Rochester, Lipscomb, and the Tulsa workshop (among other places, I’m sure).
I love what Bob Russell said at the Tulsa workshop: maybe we need to quit talking about those areas where we disagree. We don’t have to agree on everything to be brothers and sisters. “You don’t have to be twins to be siblings.” Bob pointed out that most Christian Churches aren’t going to become a cappella, and most Churches of Christ aren’t going to become instrumental. So why keep talking about it? Does it really matter?
There’s a wonderful lead article about this in the new Christian Chronicle. (Actually, there are several powerful stories in the issue. Thanks, Bobby and others! Don’t miss the insightful conversation with Royce Money.)
But then this sobering reminder that not everyone agrees with this unity movement:
“All the panelists supported stronger ties between the two groups. That concerns Howard Norton, a Bible professor and assistant dean for church relations at Harding University in Searcy, Ark.
“Focusing on unity without substantive discussion of instrumental music represents a doctrinal compromise, said Norton, who was honored the second night of the ACU Lectureship — along with his teammates — for mission work in Brazil in the 1960s and 1970s.
“‘I think there is a very strong movement within our fellowship — the a cappella church of Christ — to completely join up with the Christian Church and say that what they are doing by introducing instrumental music, that there’s nothing wrong with that,’ Norton said.”
I agree with Bob: we’ve talked about it and talked about it and talked about it. Has anyone besides Diane and me ever reached this point about something in marriage? You suddenly realize you’re just never going to agree, you’ve heard all each other has to say on the subject, and it hits you that your love is much larger than this one matter.
Let’s recognize that we’re brothers and sisters in Christ and move forward. We can’t all worship in the same building, anyway!
If the purpose of these “unity movements” are to get back to being Bible-based…and seeing what God wants…then I’m all for it. However…if the purpose is to say “I’m ok, you’re ok,” then you’re discarding truth and accepting opinions and beliefs that are inconsistent with the Word of God…which spells trouble.
Right on, Joseph!
I’m one of those “instrumental types brothers” Bob talked about in his March 31 post, although I’ve never been called an “instrumental types brother” before! Other things, yes! If instrumental music was an issue to Jesus then it should be an issue worthy of our discussion. If it was not, well, let the reader understand. Several years ago I preached a two-part sermon: things that upset us that didn’t upset Jesus and things that upset Jesus that don’t upset us. Hmmm. Maybe I’ll get that one out and dust it off and see if it will fly today!
http://dkizer.blogspot.com/2006/04/price-of-unity.html
NANCY men Believes they is Saved by GRACE of GOD
Just try to think what would Christ do? Can anyone imagine Christ being concerned on whether you use instruments or not to praise God? As far as I understand HIS emphasis was always on what goes on your soul: “It is not what goes into your mouth, but what comes out of your heart…” that is important.