The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Should We Practice Foot-Washing?

Thank you for your response. You have certainly given me something to think about. Of course, I can only speak for my own church, but footwashing, whenever it is practiced, is always presented as something that "deepens the bonds of fellowship among the members of the church" as you so eloquently described it. No one is ever kept from the table for abstaining from footwashing. However, I can see how there might be an unintended consequence, especially if those who do not agree (by personal conviction) simply do not attend on those days when footwashing is to take place. After all, if they don't come, they can't know how it is presented. <br><br>Apart from clear teaching from the pulpit and at the time of footwashing, how do we avoid these problems short of simply never having footwashing in conjunction with communion? The irony is that although footwashing is a picture of humility and fellowship, it is sad that because of our sinfulness, it could be turned into a matter of pride and divisiveness.

Keeping the two separate may be the only alternative in certain situations. But is this really such a terrible thing? Since the two are nor should they be considered inherently connected, having them separate should not present a problem AND it would prevent those who have scruples about footwashing from abstaining from the Lord's Table which they otherwise might be tempted to do. Both "groups" would then be served without any unnecessary issues being created if it was the case that the two were done together. If it was suggested that they be separated, you would definitely find out what those who were in favor of footwashing really thought in regard to its relationship to the Lord's Table, now wouldn't you!? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/evilgrin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

You make very good points. As meaningful as it has been for me in the past, I would truly rather separate the two than to inadvertantly cause another believer to abstain from the Lord's Table. <br><br>Thank you for helping me think this through on a deeper level. We discussed this once before, but not to this extent or in this context.<br><br>I may be back later with more questions or thoughts. I feel some bubbling just below the surface! [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/scratch.gif" alt="scratch" title="scratch[/img](I need to think through my responsibility as opposed to that of the leadership of my church, also the whole "weaker brother" vs. "thinking others more highly than I think of my own self" and who-knows-what-else may come to mind)

Pilgrim,<br><blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]It certainly is a marvelous teaching aid. And like anything like this, including the two sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Table, it can be abused and "iconized" by men. (women too, of course! ) I also believe it can be a means to deepen the bonds of fellowship among the members of the church. But again, it can also result in causing divisions among the sheep; seeing oneself as more "spiritual" than those who do not participate in the footwashing.</font><hr></blockquote><p><br>Something I read in Ryle's Expository Thoughts on Matthew today made me think of this thread. He had been discussing Matthew 26:26-35. After speaking of the Lord's supper and the many misunderstandings that have arisen about it . He went on to give a right understanding of it and then he said an interesting thing.<br><blockquote>Let us bear these things in mind. They need to be remembered in these latter days. There is nothinng in our religion which we are so ready to pervert and misunderstand as those parts which approach our senses. Whatever we can touch with our hand and see with our eyes, we are apt to exalt into an idol, or to expect good from it as a mere charm. Let us especially beware of this tendency in the matter of the Lord's Supper. Above all, "let us take heed', in the words ot the homily, 'lest of the memory it be made a sacrifice'.</blockquote><br>I thought this was an interesting observation given all the strife that has come to the church about these outward things that the church practices. <br>(Note for GoTribe, Because of what you have shared with us about your church, and knowing your gentle and quiet spirit you have displayed to us all here, I do not believe your church is included in the above words. [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/smile.gif" alt="smile" title="smile[/img]) <br>Susan<br><br>

Actually, Susan, I really do appreciate what you have posted and take no offense whatsoever. In fact, it serves to clarify some of my own thinking over the past few days as I have been thinking through what Pilgrim has said and examining my own heart with regard to this issue. I had not gotten to the point in my thinking to where I had identified "those parts which we approach with our senses" as idols, but I have been examining my own motives and experiences to see whether they are honoring to the Lord.

Pilgrim, a question for you, are you speaking of footwashing here in a theoretical sense, or are you aware of some who practice it as you have described? [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/grin.gif" alt="grin" title="grin[/img]<br><br>Thanks<br><br>El ajo<br><br>

If you are asking if I am aware of any group or individual church that practices footwashing as an integral and necessary part of the Lord's Table, then the answer is yes. I have visited a church where this was indeed the practice according to the polity of that local congregation. If that is NOT what you are asking, sorry...... and try again! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

Michael,

I found your post on feet washing via a google search, and am very interested in what you've posted. I have a couple of questions.

First, is the entire post of quote from C. H. Forney in his The Christian Ordinances, or only parts? If parts, which parts? I may want to quote some of his information. Also, could you give me a fuller reference for Forney, as far as who published the book, where this company is located, and also on which pages the quote is from?

Second, I noticed that it says, "One of the commonly recognized duties of members of the early Apostolic church was to wash the feet of the saints religiously. This was sometimes done at baptism, and again in connection with other services. Abundant authorities can be quoted to this effect up to the time of the Council of Elvira, A. D. 306..." Despite this statement, I only noticed pre-300 mention of Justin and Tertullian (which is one more than I have found, at least). Are you aware of others in that era who mention feet washing?

Thanks. Any help you can give me will be appreciated.