How the Faith was Lost in the Church of England
When the Church becomes a fixed part of the local landscape, it ceases to preach repentance and conversion, and instead "reaches out" with social programs
COMMENTARY
By Alan Marsh
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
December 28, 2013
Mainstream churches, Catholic, Anglican and most of the Protestants have allowed themselves to become too closely identified with the surrounding society - even if not formally "Established" they are established to all intents and purposes.
Contrast this with the Old Testament, where there is the ever present fear of assimilation by pagan neighbors, and a determination to keep Israel separate from them at all costs. The prohibition against homosexuality is a key part of Israel's identity: it distinguishes Israel from the idolatry taking place in Egypt, Greece, Babylon or Rome.
A Church which is established slips imperceptibly from being a Great Commission Church to a Church which thinks of itself as providing a pastoral service to the local community or to the State. It loses the will to evangelize, the sense of purpose which energizes the Gospels. It becomes a function of society, rather than the divine instrument for mission.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
When the Church becomes a fixed part of the local landscape, it ceases to preach repentance and conversion, and instead "reaches out" with social programs
COMMENTARY
By Alan Marsh
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
December 28, 2013
Mainstream churches, Catholic, Anglican and most of the Protestants have allowed themselves to become too closely identified with the surrounding society - even if not formally "Established" they are established to all intents and purposes.Contrast this with the Old Testament, where there is the ever present fear of assimilation by pagan neighbors, and a determination to keep Israel separate from them at all costs. The prohibition against homosexuality is a key part of Israel's identity: it distinguishes Israel from the idolatry taking place in Egypt, Greece, Babylon or Rome.
A Church which is established slips imperceptibly from being a Great Commission Church to a Church which thinks of itself as providing a pastoral service to the local community or to the State. It loses the will to evangelize, the sense of purpose which energizes the Gospels. It becomes a function of society, rather than the divine instrument for mission.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
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