I read this post this morning and thought it applied well to some of the concerns we have for the state of teaching in many churches. J.C. Ryle lived in the 1800's but the words seem pretty timely.
http://www.challies.com/archives/articles/quotes/dislike-of-dogma.php
Jay,
ReplyDeleteAre we living in the age of "Jellyfish". Barna, my source says that less than 10% of those who claim, by their own confession, to be Christians believe that they are required to practice (or show any evidence of behavioral change) any principles that are contained in the Bible. How is that for a long sentence????
Comments?
What is dogma? Did the Jews supplement the original ten commandments with rituals, that could be construe to be a dogma? When does the ritual becomes more important than the TRUTH OR WORD?
ReplyDeleteIt happens when believers allow it to happen because they rather trust or put their faith in their leaders, than allow the Spirit to guide them in understanding the WORD.
I am not saying that there should not be a source of authority within a church to ensure a healthy spiritual growth of its members. However, I would question when the message of the WORD is "paraphrase" by ritual, or subject to interpretation by an imposed advocate, which precludes a direct personal relationship with Christ.
Dogma may define the uniqueness of a particular Christian sect or denomination (i.e., this is what we believe in), but based on the large number of different denominations, it apparently does little to promote unity despite the shared claim of being Christ followers. Perhaps the dislike of dogma results from the realization that it become more of a barrier than a door way to having a personal relationship with Christ.
I would dare say one of the root causes of "Jelly Fish Christianity" is the lack of understanding of the WORD, not necessarily the dislike of dogma.