So, what about the Internet?
The following are just a few of the more common freedoms that church members can exercise on the Internet that would get them severely judged is brought up in the church:
- Standards:
On what bases is this or that “holiness standard” based? Show me (and explain) the scriptural bases for it (them).
Why does your list of standards vary (in number and degree/method of application) from the church across town?
- Doctrines:
Why does today’s doctrine of salvation differ from the doctrine of the early 40’s?
I find inconsistencies (even apparent contradictions) between some of our beliefs, why is that? Can you reconcile them for me?
- Scriptural Interpretation:
Why is your interpretation of this particular scripture more superior (correct) than mine or someone else’s?
Why is your application of this particular scripture more superior (correct) than mine, or someone else’s?
- Preaching:
I’m confused, what did that referenced scripture(s) have to do with your message?
Why do we keep going over
Acts 2:38, baptism in Jesus name, and how the Trinitarians are lost, when we have so much of the Bible we don’t (will not) touch?
-----------
A pass through the threads on just this one forum will bring out a multitude of similar subjects that are being discussed and debated, while generally discouraged within most church settings. And, therein lies the weakness of organizational control over the preaching/teaching of the word of God and its fostering of leadership worship. People are finding that what they have been taught for years is NOT THE SAME as what is being taught in “that other church” down the road, and people want to know why!
I am fond of asking this question: After 2,000 years, why is it that we still can’t agree on what salvation is, or holiness, true sin, or what does it mean to live an acceptable Christian life before God – and that is just within one organization?
On these forums the body of Christ (including some of its leaders) is thrashing out the differing belief systems that are present in our several churches. Personal convictions are being challenged against the accepted religious norms and against the word and Spirit of God. In the process preachers, teachers, churches, organizations, and even individuals are being challenged (some call it bashing, and sometimes it is) and are being called to account over their positions and teaching.
Doctrines of men are being uncovered, with mixed results. Some people will embrace their new found understanding of what they have accepted in the pass, and make whatever changes are necessary to get into an alignment with that new understanding. Others will continue to hold fast to their tradition(s). Regardless of the choices being made, there can be a high cost to pay in terms of family and/or church relationships.
Bottom line: What makes the Internet such an effective vehicle for the investigation of personal belief systems is the ability to mask one’s true identity, perhaps even while exchanging posts with another church (member!
So, the questioning, searching, sharing of insights and understanding are read and considered by many, which leads to additional questioning and searching. Yes, some of the same old issues keep coming up day after day, It is not easy to be willing to question a long held belief (and many religious leaders don’t want you to), or to put out on the Internet a doctrine of your own! Or, to test the results of your studies against the opinions of the assembled members of an on-line community.
Yet, here we are. The old guard no longer holds supreme authority over the thoughts and lives of men and women, as they once enjoyed. Today, more religious leaders are being held accountable to the local assemblies for their teaching and their instructions/leadership.
There is a spiritual revolution taking place – and it just might be God ordained - again!