Us and Them?

There have been times in my life when I fell into the trap of criticizing people and churches of whom I knew almost nothing about. Now that is not to say that there is never a time to call out something that is wrong or unjust. But it is too easy to generalize.

For over 20 years I have been an advocate of Christians gathering to worship in their homes for several reasons. Many of us have seen the disadvantages of organizations, denominations, and the overwhelming burden that maintaining a building can become. There had been times when as an elder in even a small independent church that the business of the church had distracted me from the real work of being the church, the Body of Christ.

Many books and conversations on the internet have discussed the problems of organised Christianity and the virtues of "Simple Church," "House Church," or as some have called "Organic Church." Personally I have become extremely uncomfortable these days with much of the criticism of other believers, leaders, and groups, mainly because it is of a wrong spirit in my opinion. Much of it is based on the same ignorance upon which I based my previous opinions.

Very early in my Christian life I was taught that the real problem is spelled out in Galatians 5. The old sinful nature is warring against the Holy Spirit that is within us. But if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh or sinful nature. I submit that all corruption that we see in "The Institutional Church," or in House Church for that matter originates in our sinful nature when it has not been subdued.

Is anyone interested in discussing or critiquing this point of view?

Dan B.