The Lighthearted Calvinist

In a story about a “church” (read the article and you’ll see why the quotation marks are used) in a small town out East that burned down recently.

It appears from the article that this was more of a community gathering place with a spiritual foundation – but a foundation in…what?  When we read quotes from attendees, do we see any true basis for their comfort?  Any assurance?  Any truth?

DISCLAIMER: Please don’t start with the “mean-spirited”-type comments.  Comfort that is false is no comfort at all.  ”Truth” that is not true is not truth at all.

Now, the fact that people from many different “faiths” are attending is in and of itself not reason to cast aspersions on what was happening in this building.  I would certainly hope our local fellowship would welcome  Jews, Buddhists, etc., to be in attendance – but we certainly would not accommodate our worship or teaching/doctrine in such a manner as to proclaim a Jewish/Buddhist/etc., message as being as true as the Christian message.

The article says this about the minister of this “church” (keep in mind that “church,” as the Scripture refers to it, means “assembly” or “called out ones” – but an assembly of…who?  Those who have bowed the knee to Christ and Christ alone):

The minister, the Rev. Stephen Philbrick, likes to draw on members’ poems, classical literature, tracts from other faiths, as well as scripture. The philosophy is guided by democracy, not doctrine.

Oh.  Hm.  Does it not appear clear that Scripture – and the “church” is not founded upon democracy, but the decree of a King?

The minister then says,

“It’s the church for people who hate church.”

Which, of course, is logically self-defeating because if these people truly hate “church,” they should necessarily hate this “church” as well.

Then a Jewish woman is quoted, saying,

“It feels cool to pray, even if you don’t believe something,’’ she said. “When you live in the middle of nowhere, community becomes more important, especially in winter.”

Oh.  Hm.  We have “Jewish” woman who is praying without believing.  That is certainly foundation for hope in one’s prayers being answered, eh?  Wow.  And, “community” is more important than believing in something?  Certainly sounds like she believes in “community,” which is “something,” no?

Doesn’t truth matter to anyone?

What is heartbreaking about this is this:  did this town actually have a “church” in the first place?  A place where the redeemed gather for what is commanded in the New Testament?  A Place where redemption is proclaimed and a holy, sovereign, unique God is proclaimed?  Did this “community” of people – a group of people who no doubt make wonderful neighbors and would give the shirt off their back for a person in need – did this community completely bypass the grace of God in providing a Redeemer?  In the name of “community?”

Heartwarming?  Yes.  These people and their love for one another is.  Heartbreaking?  Much more so.  How many of these people have been deceived straight to Hell?  We don’t know.  But one is too many.