Hopelessly confused

Originally posted on January 23, 2007 – by Andre Piet

These past days, I heard from close surroundings the story of a wonderful family—father, mother, four children—who were forbidden from attending an evangelical church any longer. The reason? They believe that God is the Saviour of all mankind. And—that—is—not—allowed.

It concerns a congregation that nowadays puts great effort into “viewer ratings” and, for example through advertisements, is eager to proclaim that “everyone is welcome.” Well, “everyone”… The so-called “warm blanket” they claim to be turns out mostly to be a sales pitch. For whoever doesn’t fit the leader’s marketing scheme is mercilessly (!) cast aside.

Now, the family in question wasn’t even a member of the self-proclaimed evangelical congregation, but that didn’t stop the leadership from bluntly showing them the door.

I happen to know the congregation in question very well. For years, I’ve watched with dismay as one biblical truth after another has been exchanged for man-made constructs. What began as enthusiastic gatherings around the Word (without membership requirements, etc.) deteriorated into a rigid church structure. Reading the Bible with distinction (with an eye for the unique role of the apostle Paul) was traded in for preaching in which the Bible merely serves as a coat rack for hanging up one’s own ideas.

People are no longer allowed to donate directly to causes of their choosing—they are expected to do so through the church. And so on. I saw a “free fellowship” transform in no time into a full-fledged church where (as always) money and power dominate. Utterly disheartening.

And to cover up that disheartening reality, they recently partnered with a concept like “40 Days of Purpose” (Rick Warren). Prayer healing must now provide the necessary excitement. That people by the dozens are left frustrated by the false hope they’re given… well, who cares? The show must go on. Those who ask questions—and especially those who “examine the Scriptures to see whether these things are so”—are treated as troublemakers. Away with them.

In short, every effort is made to please people—but dare to believe in the true “hope of the Evangel”…
They prefer false hope.

Delen: