Should we teach others to rebel against standards?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Amanah

as in Acts 9:31, assemblies

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

But what constitutes a "church"? What is the minimal number of believers for having a "church" or "assembly"?

Aquila, if every male church member grew a beard to your liking, what else would you be disgruntled about?

I think it would be strange if every member grew a beard. I wouldn't want that. I would find it equally as repugnant if all men were expected to wear a beard. That isn't biblical either.

But you asked what else would I be disgruntled about... that's an awesomely introspective question.

It might depend on the church. Any standard built on Scripture is okay with me. Standards of dress do fall under modesty, and modesty is clearly taught in the Bible. So, I'd be okay with standards regarding dress and attire. There is Scripture for not wearing gold and costly array. So, standards against non-functional jewelry and even wedding bands are understandable. I don't buy into the women's hair needing to be uncut thing, but clearly a woman's hair should be long according to Scripture, so a hair standard is "biblical" in principle. Standards regarding television and various worldly entertainments are also biblical, because the Bible discusses those things.

I'd say that if the church wants to force me to observe Jewish feast days, Jewish dietary standards, and act or dress Jewish, that would be too much for me. I'd not want anything to do with such Judaizing doctrine.

It would also matter to me that my pastor understood (or would be willing to understand) the plight of those of us with PTSD and be open minded regarding available therapies and medications.

That's really all I can think of.