The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Evangelical sacred oral tradition

In our church's quarterly newsletter, one of our elders has penned an excellent, if pointed (hey, this is New York!)--diagnosis of the manner in which evangelicalism, while eschewing creeds, has established its own "sacred" oral tradition apart from, and increasingly opposed to, the Scriptures:

Pietism in the Sky (under "Current Newsletter")

A question for discussion: has anyone else noticed that during evangelism/discipleship, it seems increasingly necessary to disabuse people of tenets of this oral tradtion before they can begin to appreciate the riches of gospel grace?

(While you're at it, feel free to take a peek at our site to see how life in the body of Christ can appear in an urban setting, which is where the vast majority of Adam's progeny now resides.)

Paul, thanks for the article and site

Yes, I agree with the author; but is it truly an evangelism problem? I'm thinking it is more indicative of a discipleship problem. I remember when I became a practicing believer. I say practicing because I joined the church (Presby) around 11-12 and it was a full-faith action. I just didn't understand Grace. So, years later when returning to the church, God brought me to the understanding of Grace. I'm sure the time leading up to that and the 1st few months afterwards I held wrong views. I guess I'm questioning whether evangelism is the introduction of the Christian faith, or the cure-all for all of theology. Although my theology was no where near it should at that time, the ones evangelizing always stressed learning the Bible and be teachable. After a few months it became discipleship in my training. And, I think that is where the American church is lacking. If new Christians do not receive good training and discipling, then they will become as the author asserted.

A couple of questions on your church. Is it affiliated with a denomination? Do most of the members live in the Bronx?

John,

Thanks for the thoughtful response--I've also been pleased to see the progress of your recovery, and was thrilled that you and Kyle got to mutually encourage each other in person.

It looks like I wasn't clear when I mentioned evangelism. I fully agree with you that correction of such doctrinal errors should normally occur--even though it often doesn't--in the process of discipleship.

To clarify my original statement, the reason I mentioned having to disabuse people of this bad pietism even during evangelism is because, at least in this part of the world, it seems that one is very likely to run into that kind of false teaching even among unbelievers. I can't remember how many times a conversation on the street with a person who refuses to set foot in a real church has led to statements like:

"but that's OK, cuz Jesus is in my heart, and that's all that matters" or
"but I know the Lord hears me when I pray" or
"we pray Buddha--you pray Jesus--both good, see?"

My point is that, at least here, this pietism has not only infected much of the church, but has now spilled over into the unchurched culture, giving unbelievers a warped view of the Gospel itself; therefore evangelism in such cases calls for a measure of instruction not needed where this false teaching has not taken root.

Our church is 4C's (Conservative Congregational Christian Conference); it looks like our low-budget site didn't get that detail up yet! And yes, I think all but one of the member families live in the Bronx (and that one was here before moving), with maybe 75% within a short walking distance of the public school and homes in which we currently meet.

Paul,

Thanks for the kind words.

Yes, I see your point about disinformation regarding Christianity among unbelivers. Even in our so-called civil religion. Everyone thinks of Christianity being all about behaving morally, not judging or all loving.

I find it interesting that you and your church is located in the Bronx. I think of it as being very blighted except for Yankee Stadium of course. I imagine there being an exit straight to Yankee Stadium for the Manhattans and Westchester people so they can drive-over the rest of the Bronx.