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Stephen Prothero is a professor in the Department of Religion at Boston University and the author of numerous books on religion in the United States. He has commented on Christianity on dozens of N
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res16 is our prime example here Terry Wiles
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Theologian Dr. Stephen Prothero of Boston University argues that groups that identify themselves as “non/post-denominational” hide the fundamental theological and spiritual issues that led Christianity to split into denominations behind a false appearance of “Christian-Unity”.
He argues that “non/post-denominationalism” fosters a decadence of Christianity and, in fact, promotes a satisfactory “current moralism” rather than an approach to dealing with the complexities of devotees, culture and spirituality.
Terry Wiles Link Hudson I have come to think about something in these last days WHO pays for theological research? WHO secures and gives the grants? The grant giving organization naturally advances its own research – how could it be anything else, since they too report to a board – the very board that establishes the agenda
If you are part of a think tank sponsored by a denomination it is very probably that the denomination has picked you and paying you to create research that works for the current agenda – just like resolution 16 worked for the AG
If you produce research contrary to the given agenda you will not be part of the next think tank – I can guarantee you that much. If your church is big enough to secure your financial independence you will probably leave the denomination in due time – just think about it
which brings us to the question
What is to be expected from independent theological research AS most theologians I know are ARE indeed in research, book writing, sabbatical sponsored by an organization with FUNDS which sponsors ONLY research that advances its own agenda – now argue THAT
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They not only hide but STIFLE THEM
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Who killed Jesus while he was on earthly ministry?
The religious leaders of the time…
Who kills the truth of Jesus in today’s world?
Same old religious system veiled now as denominations..
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Again I ask of a SINGLE example of organization which sponsors studies and research that is critical toward the organization itself – go find one. I have not been able to. Theological research today is funded by organizations that are interested ONLY in theology that advances their cause, agenda and influence – it is only natural
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Experientially, I. can see his points. But Biblucally, I do not see support for denominations. His comments seem more directed at the seeker sensitive movement. And they seem to xome from the perspective of someone who emphasizes creeds. My guess is most people raised Pentecostal who are not from a creedal church background or have not spent a lot of time in a creedal church visiting relatives, etc. Do not know what the Nicene Creed is and may nit know what the apostle’s creed is.
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I pastored 3 non-denominational churches and I have found that while there are some good things in non-denominational churches, they are a denomination of their own. They have a certain denominational church polity of being independent. I once heard James Robison, a Baptist, say, “if you say Independent Baptist, you have said Independent twice!.” A few non-denom. churches do have accountability, but in my 48 years of ministerial experience, most do not. No denomination is perfect and no non-denominational church is perfect. But I have found both greater support and greater accountability in being a part of a denomination. The Bible does not oppose the idea of “denominations” per se, but it opposes denominationalism or sectarianism. The Bible equivalent of denominations was the 12 tribes of Israel. Even in the earliest church there were 2 denominations–the Jewish Jews and the Hellenistic Jews. Then there was a 3rd–the Gentile Jews. Then each apostle and major leader had their own tribes–Paul, Peter, Apollos, Peter, Thomas, Matthew, James, etc. What Paul opposed was the strife or factionalism, not the different tribes (I Cor chapters 1 and 3)