Too often it is not only easy, but also popular to critique what is wrong within the broad scope of American Evangelicalism. It is also common to create caricatures to serve the purposes of one’s own agenda. I hope to do neither. I do, however, have a reflection that I would like to present for your consideration.
As I was reading through this week’s questions and answers from the Heidelberg Catechism I was struck by the final mark of the public assembly of God’s people. The list is as follows: “to learn what God’s Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to God publicly, and to bring Christian offerings for the poor.”
I am not sure if I was more alarmed by the answer or alarmed by the fact that I was alarmed to begin with. Offerings for the poor should not be a foreign concept to Christian churches. Yet, how often do we hear a call for offerings for the poor? We hear about offerings for budgets, buildings, and ministry expenses. Have we made the primary matter a secondary one?
I am not one opposed to the institutionalized church. Quite contrary, I am in favor of the institutionalized church. However, as I reflect upon this answer, I can’t help but wonder if we haven’t imbibed our cultural ideals and values more than we realize or care to admit. Instead of adopting the common mantra, “Bigger is better,” perhaps we should give an audience to another popular catch phrase and “put your money where your mouth is.”
I do not say this to criticize so many churches who are week in and week out faithfully preaching the gospel. I am not trying to be rude or controversial. I do believe though, that it is a good practice to allow for some honest introspection as to “why” do the things we do. What ideas and beliefs have influenced our practice? To often we our blind to our own cultural bent.
Again, for you consideration.
