Pilgrim

The quote was not from anyone specific, it was just based on some of the things I have heard by people who espouse the seeker friendly model. As is some of what you are about to read.

Please bare with me, I think you are on the vein I am looking for, but allow me to play a little more devil's advocate.

You said: "This is a perfect example of someone (view) that totally ignores the biblical record and opts for pragmatic methodology which totally contradicts the teaching of the Bible. The "vehicle" has been ordained by God, for no man in his natural state seeks after God. Thus anything which man may dream up as an alleged "vehicle" is doomed to failure and even further harden the hearts of men. And what is this divine "vehicle"? It is the simple but whole Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Devil’s advocate: Doomed to failure? Haven't you read about the great success stories of Churches who use the seeker friendly model? I personally know many who were introduced to the Gospel through things like music, debates etc...
These things of course are not the means of salvation of course. But as many Christians will attest, these things lead to them initially hearing the Gospel.
Yes it is true many could very be false believers who are deceiving themselves or others, but there are both wheat and tares in every Church today. Besides, if what is being preached over the pulpit is the pure unadulterated word of God, this shouldn’t be as much a problem.

You said: "Secondly, the seeker-friendly model is antithetical to the true Gospel, which calls me to repentance; i.e., to forsake the world and to come out of the world."

Devil’s advocate: I can agree with most of what is said here, after all who can argue that we are called to repentance; i.e., to forsake the world and to come out of the world."
However, you haven't said anything specific on what makes the seeker-friendly model antithetical to the true Gospel. I could understand if a seeker friendly Church was using immoral acts to attract people. This isn’t to say that isn’t happening in some cases, but is it wise to paint all seeker-friendly Churches with the same brush?

Please note; before the light went on a few years back on this matter, I didn't see what all the big fuss was about.
But as I said, now I feel a need to have a good solid understanding in order to talk about it with those who may not understand all the issues involved.
If anything, I will at least gain a better understanding of the whole matter.

Tom

Last edited by Tom; Mon Jun 28, 2004 3:16 AM.