Questions on Christianity

We have a multitude of different Christian religions and denominations in existence today and each one of them claims to interpret the Bible correctly.  The problem is that because of their conflicting beliefs, they all cannot be correct.  So how do we know which interpretation of the Bible to believe and follow?

Another question we must ask is:  Why do we have this state of affairs?  Did not Jesus pray to God that Christians should be as one just as he and God were one (John 17:21-22)?  Did not Paul say:  “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.  For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers” (1 Corinthians 1:10-12 ESV)?

So why are we Christians so fractious?  Why do we quarrel among ourselves about our theology?  We will attempt to provide some answers in the next two blogs.

There seems to be a sentiment in some circles that most of the troubles of our world could be resolved if we would just we could all just agree.  Years ago The Moody Blues wrote and performed a song which stated:  “One day I hope we’ll be in perfect harmony, a planet with one mind.” [1]

It appears that Jesus was of the same mind in regards to the Christian community.  Jesus’ prayer to God was that Christians should be as one:  “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  (John 17:21-22 ESV)

Two of the greatest Christian evangelists of the past two centuries followed Jesus’ advice and put their focus on Jesus, ignoring all the other issues that so divide Christians.

Billy Graham and his team developed the Modesto Manifesto to keep their ministry above reproach and part of these guidelines was to encourage Christian unity and avoid divisiveness.  [2]

D. L. Moody stated that Christianity is not a belief in a creed but a person and that person is Jesus Christ. He believed a creed is like directions to take us to Christ but our goal is not the directions but Christ. He encouraged Christianity unity specifically between Protestants and Catholics.

If Jesus’ prayer is that those who believe in him should be as one, why is our community so fractious?

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[1]   Mike Pinder, “My Song”, Every Good Boy Deserves Favor,  The Decca Record Co., Ltd., 1971.

[2]   Edward E. Plowman, “Billy Graham’s Legacy”, World Magazine, March 17, 2018, p. 42.

[3]   Kevin Belmonte. D. L. Moody.  Chicago:  Moody Publishers, 2014, p. 214.

In the last blog, we suggested we should follow D. L.  Moody’s example when questions arise on how we should deal with those whose moral code differs from our own.  Now let us see what the Bible instructs us to do.

The first thing we notice is that Jesus was roundly criticized by the Pharisees for eating with tax collectors and sinners.  (Matthew 9:10-13)  Jesus’ response was that we should associate with those who need our help and those who oppose the moral code as expressed in the Bible do need our help.

Another example Jesus set was his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-42).  Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans but Jesus, ignoring local custom, creatively started a conversation with the Samaritan woman that lead to a discussion of her moral failings.

The apostle Paul evidently wrote a letter to the Corinthians that was prior to the I Corinthians letter in which he admonished them to not associate with those who were sexually immoral, greedy, swindlers, or idolaters.  In I Corinthians 5:9-13, Paul had to correct the Corinthians because they thought he meant they were to avoid everyone who was sexually immoral, greedy, swindlers, or idolaters.  Paul states that if they were to follow this path, they would have leave this world because just about everyone fits these categories.  The individuals Paul wants us to avoid are those who claim to be Christians but who are sexually immoral, greedy, swindlers, or idolaters.

Paul tells us not to judge those who are outside our faith because that is God’s job (I Corinthians 5:13).  Our job is to judge those who are within our church (I Corinthians 5:12),  It seems that we Christians have it all backwards.  We readily criticize non-Christians for their moral code but ignore what our fellow Christians are doing.

So maybe we should reevaluate our approach to those who oppose our moral code.  Instead of boycotting, filing lawsuits, and refusing to do business with those who oppose our moral beliefs the Bible teaches we should develop creative ways of sharing out faith during these encounters.

When the World’s Fair came to Chicago in1893, many Christian leaders and groups were outraged that the fair would be open on Sunday.  Some wanted to boycott the fair and others wanted to file a lawsuit.  Not following the lead of these Christians, D. L. Moody instead saw this as “the opportunity of a century”.  The world would be coming to Chicago and Christians had the opportunity to present them with the Gospel. [1]

Today, we Christians boycott, file lawsuits, and refuse to do business with those who oppose our moral beliefs.  Instead of avoiding contact with these individuals, should we not follow Moody’s example and develop creative ways of sharing out faith during these encounters?  Did Jesus recommend we use economic and legal forces to change the mind of others or did he instruct us to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)?

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[1]   Kevin Belmonte, D. L. Moody—A Life, Chicago:  Moody Publishers, 2014, p. 190.

In terms of our relationship with God, Martin Luther “has very, very limited use, if any use at all, for reason”. [1]  How can this be true?  We are made in the image of God.  Part of our being is our reasoning ability.  Did God give us this ability and yet totally ignore it when it comes to our relationship with him?

Now I agree we need God’s revelation given through the Bible and Jesus.  There is no way using only our reason that we can know and understand God’s plan for us.  However, even though our definitive communication with God is the Bible, how can we properly interpret the Bible unless we use reason?  There are two examples.

First, there are conflicting passages in the Bible about what constitutes salvation.  Most Christians believe salvation is through belief in Jesus alone but there are over 70 verses that teach salvation is through the person we become.  How do we resolve this issue?  We must use reason.

Second, from my experience, people who oppose the use of reason in our relationship with God believe they have the correct interpretation of the Bible and therefore they think they have no cause to use reason.  Everyone agrees that God made us finite.  What does it mean that we are finite?  It means that we are limited in our ability to know what is true.  If we are finite, how can we be sure our interpretation of the Bible is correct unless we use reason and dialogue with other Christians?

Reason is absolutely essential in our Christian life.  Martin Luther was finite just like the rest of us and in this case he is in error.

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[1]   Carl Trueman, “Self-glory or a cross?”, World Magazine, September 30, 2017, p. 24.