Christian Churches and Churches of Christ - Part 2

Robert had asked about “the Christian Church” and its differences from the “churches of Christ.” If you're new to this discussion, you'll want to have picked up the first piece, but if you've read that, then let's go a step further . . .

The group called “Disciples of Christ” is very liberal and denominational – but don't take my word for it! Just jump on their website (disciples.org) and see them admit such. Their leadership has females bearing the title “Reverend” (contrary to 1 Corinthians 14:34,35 and 1 Timothy 2:8-15); they claim to be a denomination, with a headquarters (contrary to Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:4); they openly claim that their “founders” are mere men from the American Restoration Movement rather than Jesus Christ (contrary to Matthew 16:18; Acts 4:8-12; 1 Corinthians 3:5-11); etc., etc., etc.

So, without a full exposition, the group “Disciples of Christ” is simply quite divergent from the need for “biblical authority” in “all things religion.”

Is your friend a member of “Disciples of Christ” or “the Christian Church”? If he's of the “Disciples” denomination, we're going to need to start working with him on the need for “biblical authority” for everything. (Paul wasn't “out of his head” when he said that we must do everything “in the name of the Lord” [Col. 3:17].)

See, most, in denominational churches, have forgotten that there is a need for an objective standard in religious practice – if there weren't we'd all be in a subjectivist viewpoint, where everyone can be right for doing whatever he/she pleases. But, the Bible is quite set against that notion (see Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; Jdg. 21:25; etc.). No, we'll not be able to take a subjectivist viewpoint on religion – which is what many denominations end up doing – we'll have to have something far more objective, measurable, standardized, etc. I'm suggesting – as the Bible claims for itself – that the Bible IS that very source of objective measurement (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16,17).

Here's where we are with denominational groups, like the “Disciples of Christ”: we all agree that we need faith in Jesus as the Christ . . . but beyond that, the rest is opinion. But, that's exactly what the New Testament is against. At this point, one would simply have to be committed to denominational dogma and subjectivity, since a casual reading of the New Testament won't allow such a loose view of God or His book. See 1 Corinthians 1:10-12. Paul, apparently, thought that religious division was intolerable and something to be sorted out. But, for groups like “Disciples of Christ,” nearly anything – apparently – is tolerable and not a major deal.

At this point, we need find out if our friends have a “higher” view of “biblical authority” and a need for it or a lower view, seeing it as almost an irrelevance. If our friends are among the “Disciples” group, then we need to start working with them on “biblical authority,” but if our friends are among the group called “the Christian Church,” we may not have so much groundwork to cover up-front but may simply need to push a bit to see how far this may go for them and whether or not they actually believe in the need for “biblical authority” or if they're a bit weak (inconsistent?) on it too . . . just not to the same extent that groups like the Disciples might be (though they may still be inconsistent).

More later (on part 3) . . .