Although I am fairly new to blogging (four month), I have been doing it long enough to see some disturbing patterns. The pattern that gives me the most concern is the tendency to criticize others theology or practice of faith.
In just the last few weeks I have had my somewhat baptistic view of communion called “inadequate” and “profane”. I have had my preferred style of worship (contemporary) referred to as “happy-clappy”, “Jesus-is-my-boyfriend”, and described as “Christian pornography” (because of its experiential nature.)
The other disturbing aspect of this trend was how many people were willing to support this type of blogging. I found several links to the “worship equals Christian pornography” posting, many of whom had made the title more explicit and labeled as a “must read”.
To those who feel that they must tear down other Christians or Christian practices to make their point, I ask this question.
Do you think that God is pleased when you tear down your Brothers and Sisters in the Lord? Or would he respond as Christ did: “For whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40)
So here is my challenge. Refuse to put down the beliefs or practices of another Christian. (Matters relating to sin are of course a completely different discussion.) If you have a point you wish to make, make it by showing the evidence for what you believe. Instead of writing for example, “Here is what makes contemporary worship bad”, write “Here is what this particular form of worship good.” Use statistics to back yourself up. I find that blogging seems to give people the right to make a claim without any solid evidence with which to support that claim. If you can’t support it, don’t post it.
Finally, don’t link to posts or writers who put down other Christians. By doing so you are just lending credence and justification to what they are doing and encouraging them to write more negative posts.
As it says in Ephesians 4:3-6:
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
We can make a difference!
Michael Bell
Joshua Hearne
Tim Melton
Joel Black
Jul 2, 2008 at 1:14 pm
There are definitely very passionate people out there but there is no excuse for putting down fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for you post and hopefully others will take it heart.
Jul 2, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Thanks Eric (heartofapastor),
Feel free to spread the word!
Jul 2, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I definitely agree with you about the tone of voice and use the disparaging terms, but I do believe there is a place for the critiqing of churches and belief systems within the Christian Church.
In so doing, no one should judge another (another’s salavation), that is not our business.
But to set straight practices or beliefs that are not biblical is certainly a job and some would say the responsibilty of the Christian. St. Paul set St. Peter straight with respect to the practices of the early Church.
This can be done badly, or it can be done well.
Thanks!
– Steve M.
Jul 2, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Thanks Steve,
I agree with you for the most part. I think that too often there is a danger of thinking, “I belive X which is biblical, you believe Y which is different to X, therefore your belief is not biblical.” I see it over and over again on multiple topics.
Often it is a different perspective, starting point, emphasis on certain parts of scripture, not having the whole picture, or interpretation that is causing the difference.
When someone disagrees with me, there are three possible reasons. 1. He’s wrong. 2. I’m wrong. 3. We are both wrong.
In two of the three scenarios I end up with the short end of the stick.
As you say, correction can be done badly, or it can be done well. I like the idea of how Barnabas (the son of encouragement) came alongside Paul, and helped him become the leader that the church needed. (Disagreements over John Mark not withstanding.)
I just happen to think that there is not enough encouragement and a little too much disputing.
One final thought, what were you refering to when you mentioned St. Peter and St. Paul?
Jul 18, 2008 at 1:02 pm
[...] Posted by Eclectic Christian under Uncategorized As I pointed out in a previous posting, I have read a lot of criticism of contemporary worship. I figured it was time to offer a [...]