09 November, 2005

Reformed Lip Service

I would like to offer you a quote that I read this week. It caused many thoughts to go racing through my theological mind and I began to take inventory of my own heart. I hope that it will impact you or at least give you a rumination towards reform.
"Isn't it interesting how professing Christians love to honor the dead heroes of the faith, but then "persecute" the living heroes who embrace the very same truths taught and propounded by those heroes who are now in the grave.

Why?

Because dead heroes can no longer speak with audible voices against unsound doctrine, impure worship, and tyrannical church governments."

Discussion Points:

-What are some biblical examples of reform that can be used to humble ourselves and return to the "old paths"?

-Should denominations put weight into the way in which our forefathers interpreted scriptures if they are different than our interpretations?

-How has this played out in the church historically, confessionally, and experientially?

5 comments:

Manda said...

Great quote. Who said it?

Anonymous said...

I put more stock on what today's "heroes" say because it speaks to the issues that are relevant to today's society. We need to know how scripture applies to current issues such as premarital sex, hompsexuality, cohabitation, single parent families and the like. Society has changed drastically over the past several years and pastors need to address this.

NPE said...

Scripture as well as many "dead theologians" speak about all of the issues that you mention.

What comes to mind is the Libertines of Geneva during the time of Calvin.

Also remember what Solomon the Wise said, "there is nothing new under the sun."

Have you read many of the Reformers or Puritans anonymous? I promise that they are even more relevant than many of today's theologians or pastors!

Anonymous said...

I am reading the Puritans, but I prefer to read RC Spoul, Phil Ryken(personal favorite,I go to his church), his mentor James Boice and other Reformed writers of the day. I agree with you that the Puritans have it over the modern writers that say nothing and water down the gospel to make people feel happy.

Anonymous said...

It speaks to the nature of many Believers who can't bring themselves to say HIS NAME in public.HIS NAME is mentioned in church at the direction of the pastor or song director.We know people are believers because they load up the car and head to church twice each Sunday.They are missing the power of the HOLY SPIRIT in their lives. HIS PRESENCE will assure the purity of worship.