2) I think the reason why they are using is that in most other religions it is an outward expression. They do no require much of, if any, belief in the doctrine underlying the actions.
3)The only thing I can think of here is people 'play act', and the writers of the devotional are attempting to say that true Christianity is based on a belief system.
Isn't 2 and 3 basically the same for both 'other religions' as well as modern Christianity? Don't most professing Christians play 'churchianity'; they learn the 'lingo', attend the expected events, and outwardly conform to what their respected pastor/congregation expects from its members?
4)It seems to me that the dominant Church position before Reformation was being more concern with getting people to fall in line. The church was less concern with making sure people believe correctly inwardly. It just wanted an outward allegiance.
1. I would like to know what source(s) you used to come to that conclusion?
2. A expectation of people "falling in line" is the responsibility of the Church in matters of doctrine. As I stated before, prior to the Reformation, there was an emphasis upon theological and doctrinal matters. The Nicene and Athanasian Creeds, the Creed of Chalcedon, the Council of Orange, etc., etc., didn't come into existence due to a group of 'talking heads' getting together and deciding to put together these Creeds out of boredom.
They were ALL born out of controversy over doctrine.
3. It is impossible to "make sure people believe correctly
inwardly. The best you can hope for is that people confess the true faith outwardly with understanding... and then hopefully with sincerity and conviction. It is also the responsibility of the Church to make sure that its members conform to the truth professed outwardly in their lives. And, the Church has the power to exercise discipline on those who are errant in either doctrine and life.
4. The modern church has a serious problem with BOTH doctrine and practice and this includes those churches/denominations who wear the label of "Reformed". There is and has been for quite a number of years now, a falling away from historic Protestantism (aka: Calvinism). It just happens to be in vogue at the present time to question the Reformed heritage in both doctrine and life. "Assimilation" of spurious doctrines, even core doctrines, worship and a heterodox sanctification are a few areas where this can be clearly seen.
The modern "Church" is in serious trouble.
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