Steve Coerper

Political philosophy grows from theological roots.

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God's will is not a legalistic tightrope; it is a highway of holiness. You need not fear that one slip leads to perdition. Be aware of the painted lines and the guard rails, but enjoy the scenery, too.

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Let's recognize Church-as-we-know-it for what it is: 501(c)3 religious franchises where, by and large, religious lost people can feel comfortable. I realize that's a pretty ugly indictment, and I don't intend to offend any of the well-intentioned pastors who may read this. But they are probably as aware as anyone of the dysfunctions of the institutional church (though they may remain in denial). Last I heard, they commonly worked about 60 hours a week, had very little job security, had high stress in the family (often including PKs who are problem-children), and when they get too burnt out, they go to rehab of a sort to deal with "sheep-bite" and all the other problems.

Church-as-we-know-it isn't DESIGNED to foster Biblical Christianity; it is intended to be an acceptable substitute for it. That doesn't make them the 'bad guys' - but if we see a clear difference in function, we can deal realistically with it. I didn't get saved in a church. Virtually all of my Biblical education was self-study at home. But, realistically, even an extremely robust house-church "movement" in America will not replace the institutional churches. And for now, anyway, they don't seem to see us as the 'bad guys' either (and they won't until financial support drops off significantly).

I think the institutional church will be with us until Jesus comes ... He said, "the poor you will have with you always" and I don't think that's limited to finances. As long as they don't start putting pressure on the civil authorities to enact and enforce zoning restrictions that hamper home churches, we may as well use them as places where we can find frustrated saints who are open to the ideas we embrace.

steve@rogershermansociety.com - email to arrange phone conference

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If you have become disenfranchised by the "church business" in America and want to move your Christian life up to the next level, contact me. I will help you find free resources and avoid pitfalls as you rediscover New Testament Christianity as it was originally designed.