Reasons for change? | |||
Quoted excerpt from C. G. "Colly" Caldwell's More than a few are calling for change in churches of Christ and they often appeal to cultural differences between first and twentieth century societies as cause to discount Bible doctrine. Some have gone so far as to consider virtually all Biblical examples to be irrelevant to twentieth century Christians and are thus calling for a new hermeneutic. They play down doctrinal differences, avoid Biblical terminology which might identify distinctions between themselves and others, and advocate a "paradigm" shift (a radical change in mentality) among members of churches of Christ. Some are openly advocating broader public activity of women in worship services. More and more are appealing for contemporary services describing them in terms of drama, recorded or instrumental music, performances by soloists and/or choirs, newer hymns and preaching styles, variations in sound and sight technology for aesthetic and emotional effect, and expressions of excitement among participants indicated by applause, dance, or other physical activity.... They deprecate anything they designate as "traditional" in doctrine and practice; they belittle our "heritage" (including approved apostolic examples). While we understand that some non-binding cultural behavior appears in the text to illustrate Biblical principles, we must not set aside universal apostolic instructions because times have changed.
| See also Library Bible Study 1 Corinthians Florida College |