Local Church Discussions - View Single Post - Everyone Interested in The Church Should Read This

Cal · 04-17-2012, 01:42 PM

There are three ways to respond to the imperfections of the Church, aka "organized Christianity."

Do as Andrew Sullivan recommends and "forget about" the Church and just "follow Jesus."
Work within the Church, doing your best to contribute and be a positive influence in whatever flavor of the Church you find yourself.
Start your own "ideal Church," with special ways and rules, and which, by means of a rigid culture, is designed to drive away anyone who doesn't fit in. Strengthen the internal image of your church by claiming it is the true way and that all other groups are pretenders, rebels, Babylon, etc, etc.

#1 is obviously not a scriptural option. We've had several come by these forums which have taken this path.

#2 is the best path, IMHO.

#3 is the path the LRC took.

But each choice is a way to deal with the issue of the Church not being perfect. Which, history tells us, is not going to change any time soon.

04-17-2012, 01:42 PM	#2
Cal Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Posts: 4,333	Re: Everyone Interested in The Church Should Read This There are three ways to respond to the imperfections of the Church, aka "organized Christianity." Do as Andrew Sullivan recommends and "forget about" the Church and just "follow Jesus." Work within the Church, doing your best to contribute and be a positive influence in whatever flavor of the Church you find yourself. Start your own "ideal Church," with special ways and rules, and which, by means of a rigid culture, is designed to drive away anyone who doesn't fit in. Strengthen the internal image of your church by claiming it is the true way and that all other groups are pretenders, rebels, Babylon, etc, etc. #1 is obviously not a scriptural option. We've had several come by these forums which have taken this path. #2 is the best path, IMHO. #3 is the path the LRC took. But each choice is a way to deal with the issue of the Church not being perfect. Which, history tells us, is not going to change any time soon.