Semper Reformanda--always reforming. That was the battle cry of the Reformation. It reflects not their doctrine per se, but their attitude. I'm beginning to believe that we have lost our connection to the Reformers by establishing accepted dogma and marginalizing those who might approach theology from a different angle. Allow me to explain.
Over the past year or so I have become increasingly dissatisfied with what I have come to see is a status quo within the Reformed faith. People talk about standing for truth and maintaining tradition, but I believe that these are friendly labels for the harsh reality--we're becoming much like the Roman Catholic Church our forefathers sought to Reform. Many of our practices lack Biblical warrant. Many of our beliefs are based on misconstrued passages or, even worse, nothing but the traditions of men.
What is worst of all, however, and what reveals our attitude shift most clearly, is the way we treat those who disagree with us. We practically burn them at the stake. We look down on them. We shun them. We treat them as the "weaker" brethren Paul referred to in his writings. We spend entire Bible studies bashing their beliefs and all the while we pat ourselves on the back because we are good Reformed Christians. We have our terms down, our TULIP memorized, and our Confession all marked up.
Now, this probably sounds proud coming from me--a no-name, 24-year-old preacher's kid from rural Ohio. I probably sound like an idiot (or meaner words not socially acceptable in Reformed circles) trying to put myself on a pedestal. I don't want to come off that way, but think of me what you will, because this needs said.
When did we stop Reforming and become Reformed? When did we reach the pinnacle of Reformation? When did we decide that we've grown enough and we can stop? More importantly, when did we decide that no one else is allowed to question our thinking? When did Biblical revelation become less persuasive than prevailing opinion?
My Reformed friends, maybe you hate me right now. Please believe that I'm simply trying to do what the Reformers did--Reform--the best way I know how.
Or maybe you feel like I do. You appreciate the tradition you've received, but wonder why everybody is always fighting. You love Reformed doctrine, but wonder why the Bible has to conform to our theological categories (Arminianism vs Calvinism, for instance). You love the Church, but wonder why "Church" now looks so different than it did in the Bible. Whichever category you are in, I invite, no, I urge you to consider our opening words-semper reformanda. Dwell upon them. Turn them over in your mind a few times.
Now, the Reformers were not perfect. They had practices and beliefs that were un-Biblical. They knew it though and they did their best to restore truth to the Church of Christ. That is their legacy. That is why the world knows who they were. They were not Reformed. They were Reforming.
Over the past year or so I have become increasingly dissatisfied with what I have come to see is a status quo within the Reformed faith. People talk about standing for truth and maintaining tradition, but I believe that these are friendly labels for the harsh reality--we're becoming much like the Roman Catholic Church our forefathers sought to Reform. Many of our practices lack Biblical warrant. Many of our beliefs are based on misconstrued passages or, even worse, nothing but the traditions of men.
What is worst of all, however, and what reveals our attitude shift most clearly, is the way we treat those who disagree with us. We practically burn them at the stake. We look down on them. We shun them. We treat them as the "weaker" brethren Paul referred to in his writings. We spend entire Bible studies bashing their beliefs and all the while we pat ourselves on the back because we are good Reformed Christians. We have our terms down, our TULIP memorized, and our Confession all marked up.
Now, this probably sounds proud coming from me--a no-name, 24-year-old preacher's kid from rural Ohio. I probably sound like an idiot (or meaner words not socially acceptable in Reformed circles) trying to put myself on a pedestal. I don't want to come off that way, but think of me what you will, because this needs said.
When did we stop Reforming and become Reformed? When did we reach the pinnacle of Reformation? When did we decide that we've grown enough and we can stop? More importantly, when did we decide that no one else is allowed to question our thinking? When did Biblical revelation become less persuasive than prevailing opinion?
My Reformed friends, maybe you hate me right now. Please believe that I'm simply trying to do what the Reformers did--Reform--the best way I know how.
Or maybe you feel like I do. You appreciate the tradition you've received, but wonder why everybody is always fighting. You love Reformed doctrine, but wonder why the Bible has to conform to our theological categories (Arminianism vs Calvinism, for instance). You love the Church, but wonder why "Church" now looks so different than it did in the Bible. Whichever category you are in, I invite, no, I urge you to consider our opening words-semper reformanda. Dwell upon them. Turn them over in your mind a few times.
Now, the Reformers were not perfect. They had practices and beliefs that were un-Biblical. They knew it though and they did their best to restore truth to the Church of Christ. That is their legacy. That is why the world knows who they were. They were not Reformed. They were Reforming.
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