robsingleton.net

4 January 2008

An Exersize in Futility — Part 3

Futility I may have to enter the witness protection program after this series.

Oh well, as they say, truth hurts.

I’ve learned you can critique football, family members, politics, schools and a whole lot of other things, but say anything about denominations and overnight you’re about as popular as Salman Rushdie at an Iranian soccer game!

But let’s think about this for a moment, shall we?

But before we do…MEN OF SOUTHBROOK?! Go read this post right now and respond accordingly. Women, you can keep right on reading, pass go, collect your $200…the whole bit, but men, don’t you dare skip yesterday’s post if you’re serious about being a godly man!

Now, where was I…oh yeah, DEEE – NOM – I – NAAA – TIONS.

Why do I feel like Sponge Bob every time I say that word?

Who knows.

Anyway, I have only a couple important things to say in today’s exercise in futility (remember, this will be at least a 6 part series with posts of varying lengths so don’t feel too short changed on this one).

First this…

It Was a Good Idea At One Point in Time.

The reformation was essentially the first appearance of a denomination. Martin Luther had seen so many theological gymnastics done to God’s Word over time that he finally broke. His desire was to return the church to the unaltered, unsuppressed, infallible Word of God (The Bible) as its North Star and final authority rather than what any religious institution had to say—basically the idea was to listen to what God said about Himself rather than to what man said God was saying about Himself. Which is not to say that we shouldn’t listen to pastors and teachers and so forth. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing with my life if I believed that. But I am saying that we should always interpret scripture in light of other scriptures rather than whatever cultural wave happens to be hitting the spiritual shores at the time, rather than what Benny Hinn says he heard God say, rather than taking Joel Olsteen’s smiling word for it. For that matter, I hope the people of Southbrook don’t just take my Word for it, but rather, check what I say in God’s Holy book!

If we disagree, I’m wrong.

Period.

And that’s what happened far too much for Martin Luther. He found the Bible in opposition to what church leaders were saying over and over again. And when the two disagreed, the Bible lost every time. That didn’t sit well with his righteous soul, and it should never sit well with any Christ follower.

Presto – Chang-o, the Lutheran denomination was born.

But it wasn’t perfect.

Far from it.

So godly men responded.

abracadabra –

Presbyterians

Poof -

Baptists

and on and on it went. Now, I hope you all realize that it wasn’t that simple. I mean, there are over 300 denominations just within the baptist camp alone—thousands all together. Some have minor differences. Others are major.

But after a while one could clearly see these schisms and factions arising more out of personal preference than theological essentials.

And when that happens it’s time to call it a day.

Today the world doesn’t need even one more denomination (we need a couple thousand less if you ask me). We simply need the truth of God’s Word to be proclaimed. In doing this there can (and should) be different styles—traditional, contemporary, postmodern, emergent, underwater basket weaving theologians, whatever, as long as God’s Word is the final authority I don’t think God cares the least bit what style you use.

What He does care about is that you live your life according to the purposes and mission He has given you. You can read about them here and here.

And remember…

Anything else is just an exercise in futility.

Share and Enjoy:

9 Comments currently posted.

Heather Hoag says:

I like the underwater basket weaving theology. Can we use the pool for that?

Thanks for this series!

Rob says:

Heather,

Thanks for the Christmas gum!

Signed ‘Dragon Breath’

Christine Malone says:

Great series Rob, I’m really enjoying. Looking forward to the next one. What a way to put
into words we can understand correctly. I don’t know about others, but I know sometimes when we talk about our faith, with new believers or seekers little things like this series helps us communicate the truth.

K Hinkle says:

Thank you for the well written explanation of demoninations. I’ve had this discussion with my oldest son many times, but somehow he seems to still not get the whole demonination concept - I guess it’s because it’s so foreign so someone raised up on reading the Bible himself and calling himself a Christian believer, not a member of a denomination.

I wanted to print it out to read it with him, but somehow the page won’t print - only the header prints. Couldn’t you put a “print this page” link on your blog for us?

Thanks again!

kati says:

its neat to read this, as we just finished going over it from a World History point of view.
I’m proud to say to anyone doubting, Martin Luther’s intentions were pure, as I have had people tell me that He was trying to break away from the Catholic Church for different reasons.

Elizabeth says:

Thanks Rob for this series.
Not long ago I was talking to a friend in church about following and listening and denominations. We started attending a church some time ago and everyone listened to the Preacher, I won’t name the denomination, but everyone swallowed everything he said wether it was in line with God’s word or not. The Church itself fell after a short time. So I was telling my friend no matter what someone tells you or tries to teach you about God’s word you need to follow up with it yourself and see what God’s word is telling you.
Thanks again.
Elizabeth

Jay Foreman says:

In my Introduction to Theology class taught by Dallas Theological Seminary- Masters grads, they highly suggested renting and watching the 2003 movie “Luther”. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0309820/

I’m glad I did. He re-cleared the path for one to one relationships with Jesus.

Rent this movie. Gragbsome pop corn, a soda, and when it’s over…dump the garbage, forever.

Dave Peterson says:

Rob,

Godly families don’t just happen because our intentions are good. We are all weak, sinful and running around with scissors in the dark (until Christ turns on the light and stops the damage we were doing to our wives and children). Let’s roll.

Thanks,

Dave