Gamaliel said: “… keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
If he was correct how is the success of the Herald of Truth explained in the face of opposition from many congregations of the Church of Christ?
On a more recent subject, explaining their conclusions on the role of women in worship the elders of Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, TX they say “Our experiences over these several years led to certain results, which proved to be very important. At every step of this study, we bathed our study, our discussions, our 'daily life in prayer before God. We came to understand the various backgrounds, insights and inner feelings of a wide diversity of people in race, age and gender. We slowly grew in love closer to God and to one another as we tried to understand many issues in life, not just the function of women in public worship. We received improved perceptions of the meaning and application of scripture and of contemporary thought and life. This has confirmed our former studies about the religious issues mentioned above, and inspires us to approach new issues for the church in the future.” Emphasis added.
Prayer often confirms what we already believe as it did with the Highland elders. Generally Christians live in a world of their imagination.
On the other side they based their conclusions on prayer so how is it that other congregations of the Church of Christ oppose their conclusions?
I have long believed prayer to be a myth rising almost to the level of superstition. Apparently I have never met a righteous man since I have never experienced nor observed God answering any prayer or healing anyone let alone "availing much." Prayers in the assembly are for the most part rote and about us and our comfort.
The bible was written by people who had their prejudices, i.e. low opinion of women; translated by people who had their prejudices, i.e. low opinion of women; read by preachers who have their prejudices, i.e. low opinion of women and laity with their prejudices, i.e. low opinion of women. When was it we allowed women to own property and to vote in our country? How are they treated today?
We believe what we choose to believe. Someone wrote that our acceptance of a truth depends on our perception of the person telling us the truth. If we trust the person we accept if we do not we reject. Facts have little to do with which we choose.
Considering that the Restoration Movement resulted in Disciples of Christ, Conservative Christian Church, Churches of Christ with the number of subgroups ranging from 20 to 50+ not counting the 19 or so in the acappella subgroup alone with most not recognizing the others as Christians what was Jesus thinking when he “prayed” that we be one? What do you suppose he was expecting God to do and do we have Bible support for expecting same?
No comments:
Post a Comment