Comments on: [25] Theses: The New Reformation-Against All, For All http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/ A Return to the First Gospel Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:52:03 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Bring on the Reformation… http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-3295 Bring on the Reformation… Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:57:02 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-3295 [...] Vintage Christianity has a pretty powerful polemic regarding the need of fresh reformation in the church at large. Read the 25 theses there and let fly your thoughts and comments on which ones struck you deepest. Share This Possibly Related:•Recommended Read•Chasing the rain•John Baillie’s prayer and perspective•For all you self-employed folks…  Print This Post No Comments, Comment or Ping [...] [...] Vintage Christianity has a pretty powerful polemic regarding the need of fresh reformation in the church at large. Read the 25 theses there and let fly your thoughts and comments on which ones struck you deepest. Share This Possibly Related:•Recommended Read•Chasing the rain•John Baillie’s prayer and perspective•For all you self-employed folks…  Print This Post No Comments, Comment or Ping [...]

]]> By: 25 Theses for An SBC Reformation « DEAD THEOLOGIANS SOCIETY http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-3036 25 Theses for An SBC Reformation « DEAD THEOLOGIANS SOCIETY Tue, 18 Sep 2007 05:03:46 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-3036 [...] Theses for An SBC Reformation Christopher Gates, over at the Vintage Christianity blog, has posted his 25 Theses for a New Reformation of the [...] [...] Theses for An SBC Reformation Christopher Gates, over at the Vintage Christianity blog, has posted his 25 Theses for a New Reformation of the [...]

]]> By: Joshua Rainbolt http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-854 Joshua Rainbolt Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:01:05 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-854 Bro. Chris, Very well done, if I may say so myself. I'm no theologian, but I couldn't agree more with most of what you say. You have laid out most of the problems I see in the American Cultural Christianity in a precise, yet simple manner. Bro. Chris,
Very well done, if I may say so myself. I’m no theologian, but I couldn’t agree more with most of what you say. You have laid out most of the problems I see in the American Cultural Christianity in a precise, yet simple manner.

]]> By: Fluttering on the Church gate: [25] Theses « Love Acceptance Forgiveness http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-780 Fluttering on the Church gate: [25] Theses « Love Acceptance Forgiveness Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:01:45 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-780 [...] some challenges to the modern church, many of which can’t help but bring us to convicition. [25] Theses: The New Reformation-Against All, For All  [...] [...] some challenges to the modern church, many of which can’t help but bring us to convicition. [25] Theses: The New Reformation-Against All, For All  [...]

]]> By: Seth McBee http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-447 Seth McBee Mon, 21 May 2007 15:14:49 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-447 Chris. Great list...very interesting...you sound like a Dricollite in some points...which isn't a bad thing... Very strong language, which is not only appropriate but much needed and appreciated... Chris.

Great list…very interesting…you sound like a Dricollite in some points…which isn’t a bad thing…

Very strong language, which is not only appropriate but much needed and appreciated…

]]> By: Chris Gates http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-280 Chris Gates Thu, 03 May 2007 02:11:39 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-280 UPDATE on the 25 Theses . . . I changed #24, and added to #16 regarding the Lord's supper. UPDATE on the 25 Theses . . . I changed #24, and added to #16 regarding the Lord’s supper.

]]> By: Chris Gates http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-276 Chris Gates Wed, 02 May 2007 19:10:00 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-276 Fraiser, thanks for the comments, and for the CR link. I am hoping to inspire some discussion with some of the local leaders in my area over these issues, but sadly, not one of them will accept the challenge/inquiry. They seem content with the way things are, and while I may not be seeking to "leave the church" (or the SBC), those who are content with the status quo, and who are openly hostile to its challengers may force the issue. At least that is the way it is here in Louisiana. I agree with you about caring for and loving the church, praying for her and working to make a difference. That is why Jason and I are both still serving at our own respective SBC churches. I hope and pray that what you and I and Jason and so many others see and feel will spark some kind of reformation of several key practices and attitudes in the church. Here's to hope. Thanks again. Fraiser, thanks for the comments, and for the CR link. I am hoping to inspire some discussion with some of the local leaders in my area over these issues, but sadly, not one of them will accept the challenge/inquiry. They seem content with the way things are, and while I may not be seeking to “leave the church” (or the SBC), those who are content with the status quo, and who are openly hostile to its challengers may force the issue. At least that is the way it is here in Louisiana. I agree with you about caring for and loving the church, praying for her and working to make a difference. That is why Jason and I are both still serving at our own respective SBC churches. I hope and pray that what you and I and Jason and so many others see and feel will spark some kind of reformation of several key practices and attitudes in the church. Here’s to hope. Thanks again.

]]> By: Fraiser http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-275 Fraiser Wed, 02 May 2007 18:11:06 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-275 Chris, A stinging indictment of the evangelical church indeed. I find my own heart convicted by what you say. In reality, so long as these men are our heroes we will remain in this state: http://www.thechurchreport.com/mag_article.php?mid=875&mname=January I no longer identify myself as an evangelical for many of the reasons you mention above. I'm sure many would still consider me an evangelical, but for myself I have no commitment to the term. I think I can be distinguished enough in my doctrine and practice to not fit what is considered typically evangelical. Unfortunately, SBC churches are guiltier than anyone of proliferating the problems you describe. Thankfully, there are those who stand against the tide of shallow, secularized religion in the SBC. I am encouraged that you and I see so many of the same problems. Tragically, however, many other people have observed many of the problems you have but respond with hatred and abandoment of the church. The problems you identify must cause us to pray for the church and love her because Christ loves her and not because she is all that we want her to be. When we despise the church for her faults we ultimately despise her Lord. To love Christ is to love his people, and to abandon his people is to abandon him. Chris,

A stinging indictment of the evangelical church indeed. I find my own heart convicted by what you say.

In reality, so long as these men are our heroes we will remain in this state: http://www.thechurchreport.com/mag_article.php?mid=875&mname=January
I no longer identify myself as an evangelical for many of the reasons you mention above. I’m sure many would still consider me an evangelical, but for myself I have no commitment to the term. I think I can be distinguished enough in my doctrine and practice to not fit what is considered typically evangelical.

Unfortunately, SBC churches are guiltier than anyone of proliferating the problems you describe. Thankfully, there are those who stand against the tide of shallow, secularized religion in the SBC. I am encouraged that you and I see so many of the same problems.

Tragically, however, many other people have observed many of the problems you have but respond with hatred and abandoment of the church. The problems you identify must cause us to pray for the church and love her because Christ loves her and not because she is all that we want her to be. When we despise the church for her faults we ultimately despise her Lord. To love Christ is to love his people, and to abandon his people is to abandon him.

]]> By: Chris Gates http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-274 Chris Gates Wed, 02 May 2007 14:29:35 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-274 Thank you sir. I added to #19. I also added one (I still have 25 though :). I think you'll like number 25. Let me know. Oh yeah, it's too bad about the ipod thing. I really wanted one. You see, the way you do those types of contests is to make sure that all of your staff members are the ones who win the stuff. I know you are laughing, but I have seen that done in church plants in which I was serving! Thank you sir. I added to #19. I also added one (I still have 25 though :) . I think you’ll like number 25. Let me know.

Oh yeah, it’s too bad about the ipod thing. I really wanted one. You see, the way you do those types of contests is to make sure that all of your staff members are the ones who win the stuff. I know you are laughing, but I have seen that done in church plants in which I was serving!

]]> By: Jason McNutt http://vintagechristianity.org/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-272 Jason McNutt Wed, 02 May 2007 01:57:24 +0000 http://vintagechristianity.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/25-theses-the-new-reformation-against-all-for-all/#comment-272 I couldn't have said it better myself. (No really, I couldn't say it better). I might add another one (although 25 is a nice number and 26 is just boring so maybe add it to #19) to say that churches need ministries not labeled youth, children, young adults, singles but mercy to the community that God has placed them such as feeding the poor and healing the sick. The church has dumped the responsibility to the government for welfare when the church should be helping those in need--first the members then the community (registering to win an iPod does not count). I couldn’t have said it better myself. (No really, I couldn’t say it better).

I might add another one (although 25 is a nice number and 26 is just boring so maybe add it to #19) to say that churches need ministries not labeled youth, children, young adults, singles but mercy to the community that God has placed them such as feeding the poor and healing the sick. The church has dumped the responsibility to the government for welfare when the church should be helping those in need–first the members then the community (registering to win an iPod does not count).

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