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Creating A Big Hole 

At a recent meeting of some Christians that I know, I overheard a discussion among two members of the group refer to those who did not agree with them over some view of scripture as being ignorant or not well educated. They expressed the opinion, which was held apparently by both of them, that any thought or idea that did not match up with their own was not worth considering and those who held differing beliefs could have their Christianity questioned. While they continued to congratulate themselves on how brilliant and special their biblical views were, they did not see the deep and dark chasm that was forming right in front of their feet. A gap that was beginning to separate them from all others that gathers around the table of the Lord each Sunday morning.

 

 In his book, “The Disciples: A Struggle for Reformation”, D. Duane Cummins writes about the history of the development of the Christian Church – Disciples of Christ Church. In his chapter on one of the founding members, Thomas Campbell and his writing called the “The Declaration and Address,” Cummins points out that “four guiding principles appear in the introduction:

 

1. Every person has the right of private judgment. 

2. The Scriptures will be the sole authority; no human creeds or inventions. 

3. The sectarian spirit is evil, bitter jarring and jangling of party spirit, clashing human opinions should be at rest; restore unity and peace. 

4. The Bible alone for our rule; the Holy Spirit for our teacher of truth; and Christ alone as our salvation.

 

 Our founding members felt that each and everyone from the persons in the pulpit to those who sat in the pews each Sunday had within them the intelligence and right to read and understand the scriptures in the manner that the Holy Spirit lead them. As members of the Christian Church – Disciples of Christ we may each, through our reading and prayers, have differing views. However, and this is very important, we must never let those differences in views or understanding become walls of separation that prevent us from coming to the table of the Lord or letting someone else come to the table! 

 

When we start to condemn some view or understanding by our neighbor who sits next to us in the pew, or even may attend a sister denomination, we are breaking the very concepts that our founders taught us. We begin to build the chasm and walls of separation and break fellowship with those around us. 

 

Once last observation, “ignorance” is also a manner of perspective, from the view of those whom you call “ignorant” YOU may be the ignorant. Just something to think about. 

 

Praying for you as I hope you are praying for me. 

 

Pastor Craig    

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