Historical
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Introduction
27 October 2006 / Historical
It has been said that history is the laboratory of the social sciences. Doctrines are not simply mental abstractions. They determine the way we understand reality and shape the way we live. Therefore, a look at church history is very helpful if we desire to understand what effect a doctrine can have in practice.
Although the Holy Scriptures do not change, the way Christians understand and practice their faith has changed significantly over time. During the first 3 centuries of the Christian era, we notice the rise of powerful regional bishops who exerted authority over many local congregations. Once Roman emperor Constantine turned Christianity into a state religion, back in AD 313, Christianity experienced a mayor shift: it rapidly became a popular, rich, powerful and political. Dependence on God and spiritual liberty was rapidly replaced by structures and central control. There is evidence of growing intolerance and bitter insistence on uniformity on non-essential matters.
In the middle ages, the doctrines held by Christians led them to torture and kill believers and unbelievers alike. We can read of Catholics and Protestants violently defending their version of Christianity. Were all these wicked men? Surely some were. But many were faithful believers putting into practice their doctrines. Regardless of the rights and wrongs of the expansion of the British Empire, it was definitely a vehicle that promoted a formal, cultured, organized “Victorian” version of Christianity around the globe. The way you and I understand and live our Christian faith today, is significantly influenced by those who lived it before us. Some understanding of Church history will help us separate true Biblical Christianity form traditions and cultural adaptations.
This section deals with developments among a world wide Christian community called “The Brethren Movement,” “Christian Brethren” or “Plymouth Brethren.” This is my spiritual heritage. Although it is not a very large group of believers, the Brethren have exerted a significant influence on world wide Christianity - mainly through its numerous writers and because many who have left the movement influence the Christian communities they join. To be more precise, the e-Books in this section deal with some painful situations recently lived within a particular world wide network of Christian assemblies of exclusive inclination. I am convinced that some of the concerns and issues addressed will benefit a wider readership.
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Observations and Reflections of a Concerned Missionary
27 October 2006 / Historical, Other Material
After 8 years working as a missionary in Colombia, we returned to the UK for a sabbatical. During this year, 2001, we visited many assemblies in Europe and the US. These belonged to a pleasant and comfortable world wide network of Christian assemblies that was culminating its process of division. Why do lovely Christians divide? Are their differences so great? Why do they hurt each other so badly? This eBook, made public in March 2002, paints a picture of the state of the division process by the end of 2001 and highlights some subtle and dangerous trends. It ends with some constructive suggestions. It is descriptive rather than doctrinal. It calls for openness, realism and grace. [28 pages]
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The Re-dividing of the Reunited Brethren
27 October 2006 / Historical, Other Material
The polarization process among these assemblies continued. Good and long standing friendships soured. Useful and effective regional and international partnerships came to an end. Is this the apostolic way of dealing with doctrinal differences? Since the 1840’s, the Brethren movement has suffered a number of debilitating divisions. Interestingly, and I think this is a common social phenomena, the motor behind a division soon shifts away from doctrines and focuses on personalities and procedures. This creates a dust cloud which makes it difficult to see the way forward. This eBook, made public in March 2003, was written to encourage clear Biblical thinking during those difficult times. Some doctrines may look good in theory, but when implemented they generate very eccentric behaviour. Rather than gritting teeth and pressing on, we should take note of the “flashing red warning light.” Like Peter, after cutting off an ear to defend the Lord, we should humble ourselves, re-examine our understanding of Scripture, acknowledge our well-intentioned departure, and allow the Lord to heal and restore. This eBook seeks to re-examine four “odd doctrines” which lie at the heart of most divisions among the Brethren. [61 pages]
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Stand Firm & Press On
27 October 2006 / Historical, Other Material
Eventually the division process reached assemblies on the mission fields. Many brothers and sisters here in Colombia were very confused. For most, the idea of a division was simply something impossible. Soon the dust cloud of personalities, accusations and odd procedures obscured the horizon. In June 2005 we published a book in Spanish titled “Firmes y Adelante” [Stand Firm and Press On] seeking to provide some Biblical direction on how Christian assemblies should relate one to another. Part of this book is a simpler presentation of some elements in the “Re-dividing” eBook - but it goes further: it explores church images, apostolic teachings and early church practice - providing positive guidance on how assemblies should interact with each other, and how each assembly is required to protect itself from internal and external assaults. [65 pages]