Recommended Reading: Innovations
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).
Terminology is being heard in churches of Christ that once might have constituted a foreign language, but now many brethren are speaking, as it were, “the language of Ashdod” (Nehemiah 13:23-27). Only a few years ago no one had heard of “praise teams,” “drama teams,” “baby dedications,” and other like designations. But times have changed, and such unbiblical phrases are becoming part of brethren’s religious vocabulary. Innovations, the 2013 Bellview Lectureship Book, contains rich material that will help the child of God evaluate these matters.
The place to begin such a study is with a discussion of “Biblical Authority.” And what better verse should start things off than Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (KJV). Brother Daniel Denham assesses our current condition thus:
The surrender of the absolutes of God for the fickle feelings of humanity by brethren in sundry places have silenced so many of our voices against sin and compromised our allegiance to Christ. Bible authority is again the crucial issue of our day upon which virtually every other issue depends among our people! (1-2).
This chapter stresses the importance of Bible authority—what it means and how it works. All students of the Word must know how God authorizes. Without an adequate understanding of direct statement, example, and implication, we have no means by which to evaluate what pleases God and what are innovations of men. This material provides everyone a place to begin and even includes a list of books on this subject so that the reader can do further study.
The next chapter discusses the “Silence of the Scriptures.” Dub McClish discusses the modern origin of the title (although it is a principle set forth throughout the Scriptures). Thomas Campbell had moved from Ireland to the United States; at the time he was “a licensed preacher in the Old-Light, Anti-Burgher, Seceder wing of the Scottish Presbyterian Church” (17). This designation alone shows the sorry state that denominationalism was in. Even though Campbell was licensed, “Presbyterian authorities closed their pulpits to him because he preached and practiced too much Bible and too little of the Presbyterian creed” (17-18). It was Campbell who suggested that believers follow this rule: “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent” (17).
In other words, it was recognized that we must all subscribe to the authority of the Scriptures rather than the creeds of men. The Bible expresses the principle by which we must abide in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” In other words, “Where is the Divine authority for doing this or that?” (23). Many denominations want to know where the Bible forbids a practice, but the Bible teaches us to ask where the authority is for what we teach and practice. Some excellent quotes are included in this regard, along with applications of the authority principle.
Terry Hightower weighs in next with what is by far the lengthiest section of the book (68 pages). However, “Logic and the Bible” is well worth reading. Most churches of Christ once believed that we all have a responsibility to reason correctly with the Scriptures, but now some have fallen in line with a sign in front of a church building that stated the following:
Hightower writes: “Hyper-emotionalism and irrationalism are never good substitutes for thinking,” nor is being allegedly “led by the Spirit” (32). In response to anticipated criticism of cold logic, Hightower advocates:
…in ascertaining truth such “cold logic” is exactly the way to go about it! Heartfelt emotions should follow after knowledge of the truth, not the other way around (33).
The author provides several examples of logic by which we all operate in our daily living. He even includes as an example the song, “Lipstick On Your Collar,” by Connie Francis (a top five hit in 1959). Many are the quotes pertinent to this subject of the Bible’s use of reasoning, but this one by Charles Hodge expresses it well: “Nothing, therefore, can be more derogatory to the Bible than the assertion that its doctrines are contrary to reason” (38), which is something that skeptics have often alleged. Giving significant quotes or commenting on the charts in this lengthy section of the book would fill the brief space available here. The best advice is to buy the book and read it.
Modern Translations
In order to understand the Bible correctly, one must have a reliable translation; brother Denham shows the difference in philosophy between literal translations and those claiming to give a dynamic equivalence. [For an analysis of the NIV, see this reviewer’s chapter on the Spiritual Perspectives’ website.] Quotes are included from those who used dynamic equivalence in their versions. A quote from Ryken, however, summarizes the philosophy well:
Most readers of dynamic equivalent translations do not have any understanding as to the liberties that they have taken with the words of the original text. What dynamic translators give us is a translation plus a commentary, but we have no way of knowing where translation ends and the translation committee’s commentary begins (102).
Examples of the way these supposed “dynamic equivalences” have botched and twisted various texts are enlightening. Some of those considered are Psalm 51:5, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 5:17, Mark 16:9-20, Romans 1:17, 1 Corinthians 7:15, and 1 Corinthians 13:10. The readers will find more than a page full of footnotes and nearly another page of sources listed for further study on this subject.
Direct Operation of the Spirit
Surprisingly—and from an unexpected source—the idea that the Holy Spirit directly impacts the Christian has again surfaced, and it has now led to the position that everyone who becomes a Christian is baptized in the Holy Spirit. Johnny Oxendine ably summarizes what is now called the Deaver heresy and sets forth an excellent refutation of this false doctrine.
Theistic Evolution
This new doctrine is older than most of the others covered in the book, but it is relatively recent in that it had no popularity until the last century. Of great interest are the five reasons why some choose to be theistic evolutionists (those who believe both in God and the theory of evolution) (128-29). Lynn Parker puts together some excellent quotes that show this theory contradicts the Scriptures.
The Social Gospel
Lee Moses not only defines what the social gospel is but traces its development from its origin to the present day (there is more than a page full of sources that he consulted). Just one heading provides a clue to the major thesis here: The “social gospel” “Minimizes Sin, Salvation, and Personal Responsibility” (145). Leaders of every church need to read this chapter to avoid falling into this error, which is quite alluring and has claimed many victims.
Mechanical Instruments of Music and Praise Teams
The use of musical instruments in worship is clearly unauthorized and not used by the church (even what became the apostate church) for 1000 years. David Brown shows the lack of authority for their use and why they make worship to God vain; he also examines some of the arguments used to justify them. Ken Chumbley analyzes the arguments that congregations are offering for the use of praise teams (169). He also includes material from one who defends the practice and how he tries to answer objections to praise teams. Anyone who is thinking about using this system should read this chapter first.
The Lord’s Supper, Drama Teams, and Handclapping
These three chapters also deal with changes that some brethren are trying to make in worship. Dave Watson discusses the way that many brethren are misusing Romans 14 (in connection with offering the Lord’s Supper on other days of the week besides the Lord’s day). Lee Moses researched drama teams and puppet ministries very well (he includes another page of source material). His chapter begins with a description of a “Christmas program” put on by alleged brethren. The birth of Jesus is described in words that accompany the tune, “Hotel California” (187-88). Although the words are clever, the concept lacks any Biblical authority whatsoever. The words to “Bethlehemi-an Rhapsody” are not included. Not only is the nature of worship discussed here; so is the nature of evangelism. One wonders how brethren can get so far afield.
Jess Whitlock treats the custom of clapping during singing in an interesting way—by using the letters C, L, A, and P as the headings for his four-point analysis. Sadly, he reports that at one of “our” churches near a college campus, at the end of prayers, there is often applause, and occasionally a big “whoop” (200)!
Special Services; Children’s Worship
Michael Hatcher discusses Christmas and Easter services. Why? More than a decade ago, this writer drove by one of “our” churches in Argyle, Texas, and their sign out front read, “Easter is not about colored eggs; it is about Jesus Christ.” No, it is about denominations changing the significance of the Lord’s Supper into an annual unauthorized event. Brethren once knew the Bible well enough to know that we don’t observe these man-made celebrations, but
Brian Jones reports of a survey published by Abilene Christian Press that asked the question: “Is it acceptable for a congregation to observe religious holidays like Christmas and Easter through special worship experiences?” The result was that 38% agreed with the statement while 56% disagreed… (207).
What? How can so many “brethren” be “nutso”? A thorough discussion ensues with nearly a page of sources cited. The concept of “Children’s Worship” began nearly 50 years ago, but no one has ever shown such a practice to be authorized in the Scriptures. Bruce Stulting examines the subject and shows that, when brethren met, they all met in one place.
Voting on Elders; Female Leaders
Many congregations, when selecting elders, “vote” on the men put before them. The “winners” often need to have 60% or more of the vote. Dave Watson found a congregation that did precisely that as long ago as the year 2000 (229-30, 29). This procedure is evaluated in light of what the Scriptures teach. For the past four decades, a few congregations have been pushing for women to have unauthorized leadership roles in the church. Bruce Stulting reports on a certain website that lists 45 congregations who have joined in this philosophy (242-43). He then gives a summary of what the Scriptures authorize women to do, as well as discussing roles they cannot have.
Missionary Societies; Disaster Relief
The first of these was a big issue in the 1800s but has not been much regarded since the digression. The history, however, is valuable, and brother Chumbley shows what happened, as well as the arguments for and against the concept. David Brown deals with Disaster Relief Organization, which is of a more recent origin. Members of the church are often hearing about the efforts of brethren out of Nashville who are showing up to help churches in times of emergency. Is what they are doing authorized? He provides their statement of policy and purpose before evaluating the concept by the Scriptures. Many brethren assume that, because an organization is doing good work, it ought to be supported. More consideration ought to be given that goes beyond the superficial. Valuable information is included for those who might be inclined to join in this endeavor. All should ask first, “Is this authorized?”
Special Ministers and Family Life Centers
Does one need the former to oversee the latter? Hmm. Tim Cozad points out that so many special ministers are in use these days that at least in one congregation there was a minister in charge of all the other ministers! (298). The same writer evaluates some brethren’s affinity for athletic facilities. Cozad comments: “One can call a building a Family Life Center, but when you have a basketball court, a weight room, and a volleyball court, it is a gymnasium” (305).
Kitchens, Babies, and House Churches
For a few decades, some brethren have argued against having a kitchen in the church building. They have often erroneously applied 1 Corinthians 11 to the situation; Jess Whitlock examines this passage in great detail. Baby dedications are just another practice borrowed from the denominations, as Danny Douglas points out. Can a Biblical case be made for the practice? This study examines the passages that a few are using to justify their actions.
“House churches,” as opposed to Christians who meet in church buildings, have not only been advocated by Viola and Barna (see the Pagan Christianity series), certain brethren have also joined the bandwagon. Lynn Parker names John Mark Hicks (a heretic for several years now, teaching at Lipscomb) and F. LaGard Smith as ones who have written championing the idea. Smith’s book, Radical Restoration, “calls for house churches as one significant ingredient to restoring primitive, New Testament Christianity” (336).
Ecumenism, Fellowship, Annihilation
One must first define ecumenism before he can decide if it is the unity for which Jesus prayed. Danny Douglas examines the definition and also provides a brief history of ecumenical efforts on the part of a few in the Lord’s church. Johnny Oxendine’s material on fellowship fits well with the preceding chapter. He demonstrates the breakdown in the Biblical definition of what fellowship is and cites various instances of the problem.
The book concludes with Dub McClish’s chapter, titled, “No Eternal Punishment.” Although Origen in the third century objected to the Biblical teaching of eternal punishment in hell, that view was discarded for a thousand years (369). The chapter traces its rise again through humanism and some modern religious figures. Among “us” are Edward Fudge, whose book and concept of annihilation are also championed by F. LaGard Smith and John Clayton (also a theistic evolutionist). The chapter contains almost a page of source material and focuses mainly on what the Scriptures teach about the doctrine of eternal torment.
This 382-page book is available at an astonishing price of only $11.00. We will be happy to order copies for our members, or one may call 1-850-455-7595 for orders. The material is well worth the price.