Thursday, August 06, 2009

Apostolic?


It amazes me that the names of some churches virtually shout out the very thing they are missing. Baptists, for instance, refuse to baptize people they should be baptizing.

And the so-called Apostolic Christian Church similarly has a disdain for that which is explicitly apostolic, viz., the apostolic ministry.

They also emphasize a "life of repentance" which means a lot of externals designed to show that one is truly a Christian. In particular, "The believers live separated, sanctified lives and are not conformed to the world. Discipline of erring members is administered for their spiritual welfare and for the preservation of the church."

All very John Calvin. And ironic, because in spite of all appearances, and their insistence that the Bible is the infallible word of God, they also insist that in the Sacrament "The bread and the fruit of the vine (read: grape juice) in Holy Communion symbolize the body and the blood of Christ." I guess I missed the part where Jesus said that.

Of course you dear readers already know what I'm talking about.

One thing that struck me about the doctrinal statement of this church is that much of it sounded a bit too familiar. Especially this, from the "government" section:

"Direction is sought from the congregation for filling teaching and leadership offices either by vote or personal suggestion. The decision for appointment rests with the elder, a responsibility given to Timothy by Apostle Paul."

So there you are: voting is said to be what's truly "apostolic" about the selection of your "elder." Is it just me, or does that sound very Missourian?

5 comments:

Cecil The Sea Sick Sea Serpent said...

It's true I'm water logged, however, I am galled at being associated with the LCMess.

Fr BFE said...

And I'm sure there's a pure church out there somewhere . . .

Cecil The Sea Sick Sea Serpent said...

Yes, it is indeed the Church Militant. Having said that, what is the appropriate action? We are not in fellowship with the ELCA, but we are in fellowship with; those who trampled the First Commandment; those who give a choice of blood/wine or something/grape juice; open communion practice; confusion of the Office of The Public Ministry; etc.

Fr BFE said...

Actually we aren't in fellowship with such people at all. It's just that there are officials who aren't doing their job. Now there's a novelty.

IggyAntiochus said...

I am interested in finding a middle ground for church polity. The LCMS is totally congregational, while Rome is totally top-down. Fr. BFE, what would be your choice for church polity?

IggyAntiochus