tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17154648.post115003871452114625..comments2023-10-11T04:34:56.433-07:00Comments on His Barking Dog: The FOURTH Reformation???Dennis E. McFaddenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07580173031351978626noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17154648.post-1150237989355007112006-06-13T15:33:00.000-07:002006-06-13T15:33:00.000-07:00I liked Glenn's article. The demise of denominatio...I liked Glenn's article. The demise of denominationalism cannot come soon enough, IMHO. I do not think that Jesus meant for the church to be split into ineffective factions, squabbling amongst themselves over issues. Should we take the time to discuss and debate the intepretation of scripture to discern what is the truth? Absolutely. We should encourage this kind of respectful debate among Christians. <BR/><BR/>Should we work to maintain a denominational structure that is a relic of a long gone time? Absolutely not. Things like the willow creek association work because they are voluntary, they are available to anyone, and they assert no control over their members. I think Glenn is right, that we will see more organizations rise up to fill those roles that were once filled by a denomination (publishers of kids curriculum that can be purchased by anybody vs. the sunday school board...) and they will be held accountable by those who choose to use or not use their stuff.<BR/><BR/>Is it as significant as the reformation? No. Is it as significant as the next two "reformations" mentioned? I think so. It has been underway for a lot longer than the 1990's though. Parachurch organizations have been filling these roles better than most denominations for quite some time now.<BR/><BR/>JoelJoelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02658656743349972681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17154648.post-1150208446179196442006-06-13T07:20:00.000-07:002006-06-13T07:20:00.000-07:00Is the demise of 20th century institutional denomi...Is the demise of 20th century institutional denominationalism semper reformanda in action? <BR/>Yup. <BR/>As is the separation over gay identity politics. <BR/><BR/>"The Lord knows those who are his" <BR/>2 Timothy 2:19Jon Mazarelllahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14699411361724460835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17154648.post-1150076682046625032006-06-11T18:44:00.000-07:002006-06-11T18:44:00.000-07:00Dear AmillPresup,As a matter of fact, I tend to ag...Dear AmillPresup,<BR/><BR/>As a matter of fact, I tend to agree with you on movements claiming "Reformation" standing today. The same would go for books proposing a need for a "reformation" in our century. Glenn's piece was provocative and worthy of distribution anyway, as your response proves.<BR/><BR/>As one of those you apparently think of as "jaded," "tired," "burned out" and favoring a "cut and run" strategy . . . sheesh! Youth truly is wasted on the young. During my first pastorate, I thought I would make a pretty good General Secretary too. Don't assume that we are all in our senescence because we favor moving on from the ABC. <BR/><BR/>The "semper reformanda" principle does not always work itself out in continuing to stay within a particular modality, sodality, or any specific organization. As I recall, the Protestant Reformation was considered an example of "semper reformanda" precisely because it did insist upon sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, sola Christus, and soli Deo gloria, EVEN though it resulted in an organizational separation from Rome. <BR/><BR/>Some of us with more than 50 years "in" the ABC have tried all the efforts to work WITHIN the system. Glenn Layne was a General Board member and on the National Abortion Task Force. I served a decade on the Ministers Council Senate, several years as a national vice president (denominational relationships!!!) of the Minsters Council, on the Ministerial Leadership Commission, Executive Committee of the MLC, Chair of the Western Ministerial Leadership Commission, task forces, committees, more than 25 years on my regional ordination standards committee, etc. as well as becoming the CEO of a large ABC affiliated retirement home ministry (following three relatively long pastorates). So, before you judge us all to be jaded, tired, burned out, and ready to cut and run, recognize that there is a difference between a coward who deserts the field of battle and someone who recognizes that further fighting on this particular field is futile. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for taking the time to interact. May the Lord bless you in this pastorate in abundant and surprising ways.<BR/><BR/>DennisDennis E. McFaddenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07580173031351978626noreply@blogger.com