From Many to One, Or from One to Many
The other day I read an article by Chris Wright, in it he discussed the idea of semper reformanda, always reforming. This idea that came out of the reformation. Wright suggests in his article that we who hold to semper reformanda should be examining the doctrines that separate us, both inter and intra-denominationally. This examination of divisive doctrine is what gives us the ability to reunite with sister denominations. When we are constantly examining these doctrines for biblical basis we have the ability to admit error and to change.
It sounds to me like the idea of semper reformanda will be a pillar of reformed churches of the future. Especially in light of ideas like the emergent church, where rather than seeking unification in the body, diversity to encouraged to the point of a theological tabula rasa. Where new believers are not encouraged in an organized church, but rather many new believers are encouraged to figure out what they should believe, from the ground up. Here is a quote from Emergent supporter Scot McKnight:
“The emergent conversation is being challenged by traditional Christian groups to articulate its theology. What do you believe is a question being asked, and until the emergent conversation and its leaders articulate its theology at some level — this is what we believe, this is what we don’t believe — then the church will not take notice to the degree that it perhaps should, because the church always has articulated its theology”
Wright also talks about the idea of “agreeing to disagree”, which I feel is a excuse for laziness.
I would argue that the progression of a christian life moves from being many living in sin, called to seek unity in the body our Lord Jesus Christ. Or do many see the progression of a changed life starting at the one salvation but leading down many roads, with many ideas of how to worship and how to organize?
“26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29
It seems that unity in christ is to be one of our goals as a christian, not the “lets agree to disagree” mentality that is everywhere in our age.
Semper Reformanda,
Sam