A writer on an email list recently wrote the following, which makes me go "Hmm-mm."
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Practices found within the Church of Christ/Sign Out Front sects leading to sectarianism, division and strife.
Instrumental music
Women publicly involved in the assembly.
Rhythmic clapping during songs.
Lifting holy hands
Applause to show approval
Wine in lieu of welch's grape juice
Kitchens in the "church" building
Acceptance of the divorced.
Praise teams
Full time pulpit preachers
Unqualified elders
Unqualified deacons
Unqualified teachers
Sunday School
Number of cups
What age women cease to teach children.
Singing during the Lord's Supper.
The Holy Spirit/the written word/the Spirit being active
Yard sales at the building
Paid staff
Paid song leader
Meeting in homes w/o elder present.
Meeting in "church buildings VS Home assembies
Job description for pulpit preacher
Use of the church's building
Weddings in building with instruments
How to care for orphans
"Sound" teachings
Sound systems ;)
Shaped notes VS no notes
Marriage divorce and remarriage
Re-baptisms
Lord's supper before sermon.
Color of the song leader
Interracial marriage
Bus ministry
Gospel meetings
Guest speakers
Stained glass windows
Steeples
Children's church
Sunday school literature.
Bible translations
Suit and ties
Women wearing pants
Bossy wives of elders
Color of the carpet
Tract rack material
Testimonies
Paint trim color of the building
Appropriate song selection
Dimming lights during Lord's supper
Vacation Bible School
Church owned vehicles
Picture directories
Lawn maintenance
Cross on top of Lord's supper trays
I listed some that I have experienced or read about that has caused strife and a divisive spirit resulting in many cases of followers leaving in anger.
Now why can't we understand that Paul told us to be of ONE MIND and taught "Unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace"?
No wonder we have problems when we "focus on problems" instead of focusing on unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
1 comment:
If we were to focus our faith upon the imperishable words of Jesus, we likely wouldn't have so many 'straw men' to defend!:-)
If we focus on the Spirit without the teachings of Jesus, how can we know we are right, except by our feelings? Feelings are bad indicators of truth - such as those who belong to 'Heavens Gate' or were followers of Jim Jones (exteme examples). Why not have the Church doctrine be to observe all that Jesus commanded us? After all, He did say, 'Why do you call me 'Lord' and not do as I say?'
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