I'm Not Against Anything

Today I met with a bunch of pastors in my area. One church has been having revival meetings. Of course revival meetings probably bring all different kinds of thoughts and emotions for people. These meetings are being portrayed as building the body and "unifying" in nature. I am all for revival as long as it doesn't mean I have to go brain dead in the process. Let me explain.

The "Revivalist" ( I was unaware that anyone could actually hold that kind of a title ) came and shared his heart. He was very humble. He seemed like a nice guy who had good motives. Let's be clear. I am going to critique his methods and and the conversation we had with the other pastors. I am not attacking him as a person or even questioning his spirituality. I am qualified to do neither.

First, let me say the among pastors there appears to be many who like to keep the peace, but few who are willing to actually see that we can have some disagreements about things, even strong disagreements. Why is that every time I disagree with another pastor there is always someone there to tell me we are actually saying the same thing? This happened several times today. I was not saying the same thing. Of course I could understand how this mistake could me made since this guy was trying so hard not offend anyone that he was actually doing a good job of offending everyone.

God is not the god of diversity (unless you are talking about skin color or ethnic background, that is what diversity meant in the past). God is not the god of the Muslim, Buddhist, and Jehovah Witness. He is the God of the Christian, the Christ follower. This guy ( I will not mention his name to protect him and myself ) said God is the god of diversity. Though this may be a difference in terminology, it is imperative that we understand diversity doesn't mean what it used to mean.

Being for Jesus is great, but when you are for Jesus and believe in his teachings you are by default against many things. This man said, "I am not against anything, I am just for Jesus!" We had a lively discussion regarding this issue and I appreciate his willingness to have that discussion without taking any kind of personal offense. It turns out, thanks to one of the other pastors there, that him and I agree (sort of). It is true (I think) that we agree that Jesus takes stands against sin in general. It is also true that both of us would rather not offend people unnecessarily. Unfortunately we very much disagree on the method we will use to avoid offending. He would rather avoid the issue all together and I would rather make my stance clear and let people know God loves them and has paid the penalty for their sin on the cross.

Unity does not mean putting doctrine aside. We can be united without worshiping under the same tent. Doctrinal differences can get in the way of some things, but they also serve a purpose. He pointed out that many Pentecostals are willing to participate in events that non-Pentecostals are putting on, but the opposite is not true. He is probably correct in his observation. There is a good reason for this. Sure it looks like it is hypocritical on the surface, but a closer look will reveal that it is not. Those who practice tongues in what I would say is a biblically inappropriate way or slay people in the spirit or use "prayer cloths" or "laugh in the spirit" or "bark in the spirit" can quickly become distractions rather then contributing to anything. This makes (at the very least) a very uncomfortable atmosphere for those who disagree with these practices. In the opposite situation our culture is used to people sitting quietly and listening or doing things like singing in a group (everyone was in choir at one point even if they were terrible). Even if someone doesn't sing it is hardly noticed.

I could probably go on, but I won't. Unity is over rated when it means I have to give up much of what I believe to be true just to get along. I would rather have clarity and have enemies than have a bunch of friends who have no idea what I believe.