Wanted: Examples of Different Methodologies and Goals
“The theological principles of a dispensational hermeneutic will lead to very different methodologies and goals for the church than a Reformed system will.”
In the early days of fundamentalism, differing views on eschatology and the differences between dispensationalism and covenant theology didn’t seem to hinder fellowship. I know of at least one denomination that purposely takes no position on eschatology and, when last I checked, had a-mills, post-mills, historic pre-mills, and at least one non-dispensational pre-trib, pre-mill all working together.
Could someone provide examples of meaningful differences in methodologies and goals that are referred to in the cited quote?
I honestly am just seeking a simple answer.
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
I have no idea about the quote but I would say the distinction between “two-kingdoms” and “one-kingdom” (I know there are reformed two-kingdom folks but it’s less common) leads to a very different approach to interaction in culture and the political sphere.
I don’t see it as precluding fellowship though if that is what you are asking about.
Ron,
In the matter of eschatology, fellowship is limited. This is not because of the eschatology, but because of the covenantal hermeneutic that led to the eschatological differences. I could not personally be a member of a covenantal church, and I could not join together with them in missions or church planting. This would not keep me from all fellowship, but it would limit that joining because we do not share the same doctrinal statement.
Along the same lines, if we are talking about Reformed soteriology (instead of eschatology), the methodology is affected. As a 5 point Calvinist, I find myself frequently uncomfortable with the evangelistic approaches of my Arminian brothers who feel compelled to persuade others of their need for conversion. Long invitations with 11 verses of Just As I Am softly being played at the piano and warnings that this might be the last chance to get saved are not practices I can condone or join in.
Why is it that my voice always seems to be loudest when I am saying the dumbest things?
Where did you get that quote from? I’d like to see the entire piece, if I could.
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
[Jay]Where did you get that quote from? I’d like to see the entire piece, if I could.
It’s here:
http://sharperiron.org/article/thoughtful-conversation-issues-of-baptist-fellowship
Under the paragraphs on the SBC.
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
I’ve not ever been a part of any church that wasn’t dispensational… so I’m genuinely asking: do churches with a covenant theology approach generally place as much emphasis and effort on reaching children, especially children not part of church families?
The quote, as I think I mentioned earlier in another thread, was John Greening responding to a story Chris Anderson told about his blogging days, when a post he made eventually helped prompt Al Mohler withdraw form a conference entitles “Reclaiming America For Christ” (link- http://mytwocents.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/al-mohler-explains-why-he-wi…). Chris’s point was to illustrate how CEs were realizing how they needed to withhold fellowship from Roman Catholics. Greening took the opportunity to observe that though Mohler should be commended for withdrawing because of that relationship, a dispensationalist would have had another reason not to participate in a conference that focused on “Reclaiming America for Christ”- the theme basically illustrated a key methodological difference rooted in theology.
Greg Linscott
Marshall, MN
In the mid 1970’s a lot of dispensational fundamentalist churches, leaders, and Christian schools were talking about reclaiming America for Christ. I thought I was in a bunch of post-millenialists!
"Some things are of that nature as to make one's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache." John Bunyan
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