Pentecostalism: An Impure Religion?

[Michael The Disciple]

Heres where Im coming from.

10: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Cor. 1:10

5: Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 15:5-6

1: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2: Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Phil. 2:1-2

16: Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Phil. 3:16

I think it clearly the will of YAH that we believe the same thing and walk by the same rule. The fact that there is so much "diversity" is hurting the Church. It means many are walking the wrong way.

[Sam]

If the leader of a local assembly thinks that all other assemblies (even if in the same organization) in town are compromisers and there should be no fellowship or mingling, and if the leader insists that all marriages should be with people from that same local assembly, how long does it take to become inbred and to cause recessive genes to emerge as dominant? This is like a redneck thinking a family reunion is a good place to pick up girls.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were told not to intermarry with the Canaanites, yet provision was made to take the virgins as wives. This kept some variety in the gene pool.

I do not think it is right for a believer to marry a nonbeliever. I do, however, think that youth rallies, camp meetings, conferences, Bible Schools, etc. are good for meeting other believers who bring new genes to the gene pool. This has got to be better than marrying your cousin because she meets the requirement of going to the same church you do.

[noeticknight]

Originally Posted by Sam

If the leader of a local assembly thinks that all other assemblies (even if in the same organization) in town are compromisers and there should be no fellowship or mingling, and if the leader insists that all marriages should be with people from that same local assembly, how long does it take to become inbred and to cause recessive genes to emerge as dominant? This is like a redneck thinking a family reunion is a good place to pick up girls.

I believe DAII is stating that this is happening in a spiritual sense. We have arrogant spiritual Walter Plecker types demanding denominational purity, as well as the ignorant "redneck" class who are unwittingly going along. God help us.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by noeticknight

I believe DAII is stating that this is happening in a spiritual sense. We have arrogant spiritual Walter Plecker types demanding denominational purity, as well as the ignorant "redneck" class who are unwittingly going along. God help us.

Plecker.... why'd you have to mention that name?

I'm so white that white kids made fun of me for being so white. Yet, according to Plecker and his ilk, I'm a mongrolized colored.

Go figure.

[noeticknight]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Plecker.... why'd you have to mention that name?

I'm so white that white kids made fun of me for being so white. Yet, according to Plecker and his ilk, I'm a mongrolized colored.

Go figure.

The arrogance is amazing isn't it? I believe Jesus also had words for us concerning those that feared a "mongrelization" of religion...

WDJS: "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (Matthew 15:14)

Which brings me back to the title of this thread. What is pure religion? Bro. James says this: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27) In (Matthew 15:18) Jesus tells us what makes a man impure..."But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean..."

I believe many in Pentecost are guilty of Jesus' charge in verse 3 of Matthew 15:

"Jesus replied, 'And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?'"

[noeticknight]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I think it clearly the will of YAH that we believe the same thing and walk by the same rule. The fact that there is so much "diversity" is hurting the Church. It means many are walking the wrong way.

I do not use the word diversity as a loaded term here. Nor do I define diversity to be in opposition to a uniform, collective understanding of truthful principles. Diversity of opinion, diversity of experience, diversity of talent, and diversity of expression, can make it possible to be progressive as a community and sidestep the shortcomings of groups “where no counsel is…”

I contend that lack of diversity actually hurts the body of Christ. Naturally speaking, our members are diverse in look, feel and function, yet they work together for a common purpose. I believe Paul understood this and worked toward multiformity, not uniformity. He defended the liberties of believers on many occasions (Romans 14) (Colossians 2:21-23) and admonished against disorder, disunity, and diverse (strange) doctrines, not against diversity in general (Hebrews 13:9) (1 Corinthians 14:33).

So if arrogance, isolationism, and absolute conformity are the traits of a “genetically” weak and tottering religious community, what is the remedy that can bring it back to a healthier state of existence? I suggest open fellowship, open dialogue and questioning, tolerance of diverseness, willingness to adapt, and an aim to be relevant to the surrounding environment. This can only stem from love and humility and a no-strings-attached approach to others, which, under the current system of Western organized religion, poses quite a challenge.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by noeticknight

I do not use the word diversity as a loaded term here. Nor do I define diversity to be in opposition to a uniform, collective understanding of truthful principles. Diversity of opinion, diversity of experience, diversity of talent, and diversity of expression, can make it possible to be progressive as a community and sidestep the shortcomings of groups “where no counsel is…”

I contend that lack of diversity actually hurts the body of Christ. Naturally speaking, our members are diverse in look, feel and function, yet they work together for a common purpose. I believe Paul understood this and worked toward multiformity, not uniformity. He defended the liberties of believers on many occasions (Romans 14) (Colossians 2:21-23) and admonished against disorder, disunity, and diverse (strange) doctrines, not against diversity in general (Hebrews 13:9) (1 Corinthians 14:33).

So if arrogance, isolationism, and absolute conformity are the traits of a “genetically” weak and tottering religious community, what is the remedy that can bring it back to a healthier state of existence? I suggest open fellowship, open dialogue and questioning, tolerance of diverseness, willingness to adapt, and an aim to be relevant to the surrounding environment. This can only stem from love and humility and a no-strings-attached approach to others, which, under the current system of Western organized religion, poses quite a challenge.

You are speaking of the very heart of the matter, I am a stronger Christian today because I "mingled" and do mingled with serious Christians from various backgrounds. Our current church is a fifty year old church that was founded as a Church of Christ, now a vibrant fellowship of believers of Christ. Flawed but serious seeking the paths and purposes of Jesus, Jesus is the focus, along with small groups and serious ministry to refugees from African, not separate churches for each ethic group, we are one body. Powerful worship with voice and music, and preaching of the story of Jesus and his intentions in the earth. Wonderful people, no lording over, community of believers.