Division... Politics... Church...
ooo... Taboo right? I said Politics and Church in the same sentence.
But why is that taboo? Where has the church gone too far? And where has the church not gone far enough?
Lately, in studying about the SBC, I have learned the importance of "disagreeing agreeably". But over such trivial topics that make me nervous to even talk about honestly. And it is silly to feel nervous to talk about issues among our church and conventions. But I feel nervous because I know how much others get upset over differences of opinion; thus so many different national and state conventions.
The first of many issues we can talk about is where we can draw the line between cooperating and division in order to protect and preserve important doctrines and ministry practices. To break this down, I believe that the Word of God is the Law. And the only Law. There is earthly law, but all law stems from the One, True Law. To follow God's Word in the Bible is right. Now doctrines and ministry practices vary, and I believe to each his own, as long as they are according to God's Word. This is the point where most people get lost in translation. Literally. "What exactly does the Bible say about Baptism?" "What exactly does the Bible say about taking communion?" "What exactly does the Bible say about homosexuals, abortion, women pastors, contemporary worship, using instruments, allotting tithe and budget money, what picture should the stained glass windows be, how should the bulletin look," and so on and so on and so on... Now some of these are very trivial, and others seem so petty, yet why have all these concerns above been a cause for a church to split? I believe that every church should have a mission statement of the ideals they stand by. If they are disagreed with, find a new church home. Do not stir up trouble.
Also, there is the issue of using politics in order to further agenda that is believed to be biblically important. This is so sticky... As are politics these days... Why do churches and conventions stand so firm behind conservative law? Because it backs up their beliefs and confirms their ideals. I believe the proper role of politics in a convention or church is non existent. As did our founding Baptists fathers believe in a separation of church and state. As the church we are a body of baptized believers, both locally and globally, working together under the Holy Spirit to inaugurate the mission of God for the glory of God. We are called to be disciples of Jesus and follow his example. He did not sit around political debates and argue his stance of Christian doctrine. Jesus went all over, loving on others and spreading his good news to ALL who could hear. And if we are constantly bickering and arguing over proper doctrine, how can other people see that we love them? We are not working together for the glory of God.
I will end with this, which is my biblical opinion on how politics should be handled:
Proverbs 17:14, 19, 24, 27
"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction. A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."
ooo... Taboo right? I said Politics and Church in the same sentence.
But why is that taboo? Where has the church gone too far? And where has the church not gone far enough?
Lately, in studying about the SBC, I have learned the importance of "disagreeing agreeably". But over such trivial topics that make me nervous to even talk about honestly. And it is silly to feel nervous to talk about issues among our church and conventions. But I feel nervous because I know how much others get upset over differences of opinion; thus so many different national and state conventions.
The first of many issues we can talk about is where we can draw the line between cooperating and division in order to protect and preserve important doctrines and ministry practices. To break this down, I believe that the Word of God is the Law. And the only Law. There is earthly law, but all law stems from the One, True Law. To follow God's Word in the Bible is right. Now doctrines and ministry practices vary, and I believe to each his own, as long as they are according to God's Word. This is the point where most people get lost in translation. Literally. "What exactly does the Bible say about Baptism?" "What exactly does the Bible say about taking communion?" "What exactly does the Bible say about homosexuals, abortion, women pastors, contemporary worship, using instruments, allotting tithe and budget money, what picture should the stained glass windows be, how should the bulletin look," and so on and so on and so on... Now some of these are very trivial, and others seem so petty, yet why have all these concerns above been a cause for a church to split? I believe that every church should have a mission statement of the ideals they stand by. If they are disagreed with, find a new church home. Do not stir up trouble.
Also, there is the issue of using politics in order to further agenda that is believed to be biblically important. This is so sticky... As are politics these days... Why do churches and conventions stand so firm behind conservative law? Because it backs up their beliefs and confirms their ideals. I believe the proper role of politics in a convention or church is non existent. As did our founding Baptists fathers believe in a separation of church and state. As the church we are a body of baptized believers, both locally and globally, working together under the Holy Spirit to inaugurate the mission of God for the glory of God. We are called to be disciples of Jesus and follow his example. He did not sit around political debates and argue his stance of Christian doctrine. Jesus went all over, loving on others and spreading his good news to ALL who could hear. And if we are constantly bickering and arguing over proper doctrine, how can other people see that we love them? We are not working together for the glory of God.
I will end with this, which is my biblical opinion on how politics should be handled:
Proverbs 17:14, 19, 24, 27
"Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction. A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."
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