Legalist or Liberalist? - The Right Prologue!

Joe Noland continues his musings on “liberalism”.

I n reflecting back autobiographically, I find myself constantly feeling tingling sensations of déjà vu all over again. The look is a bit different, but the same bottom-line issues continue to plague us ongoing. Past truly is prologue isn’t it?

Mainly, the offending culprit is institutionalism and its bedfellow legalism, clothing itself in new, emerging generational garb. In fact, this is the sub-theme of my book, Out of the Rubble…Revolution!

I was tagged with the label, “liberal,” early on. Not sure what the Greek or Hebrew equivalent is, but surely Jesus and Paul were tagged likewise. In a miraculous instant, Paul went from legalist to liberalist. He writes about this liberation, prolifically, in his letters. “Christ! No more, no less” (Col 1:28 Message Paraphrase). This is Paul’s focus, can’t get more liberal than that.

He goes on to write, “Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws…so don’t put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ…So, then, if with Christ you’ve put all that pretentiousness and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourself be bullied by it? ‘Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t go near this!’ Do you think things that are here today and gone tomorrow are worth that kind of attention?” (Col 2:9-11; 16-18; 20-22). Jesus liberated us from an infantile religion, didn’t He? Depends upon your prologue POV, I guess.

Institutions will come and go, labels abound, rules and regulations proliferate, but Jesus Christ alone remains constant - “yesterday, today and forever!” Can’t get more liberal (thus liberated) than that! Past is truly prologue, but we must focus on the right Prologue, mustn’t we?

Incidentally, speaking of labels, “Salvationist” had the following review on the inside of its front cover recently:

“Baptist Label has become a liability in US.” INCREASING NUMBERS OF BAPTIST CHURCHES in the United States are choosing new names to increase attendance.National surveys indicate a growing number of churches are ditching the word Baptist from their names and opting for something less traditional to keep up with the times.

The Washington Post reported…

Some church officials say names need to be updated to keep up with a ‘non-denominational’ religious trend sweeping the nation. ‘We’re entering into a non-denominational era,’ said Roger Oldham, vice-president of convention relations for the country’s Southern Baptist Convention. ’Now, people are looking for genuineness and transparency, not a particular label.’” (The Baptist Times)  http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/06/08/Baptist_churches_consider_new_names/UPI-56981212937652/

So they are “…looking for genuineness and transparency, not a particular label.”  Hmmm. That puts the focus on Jesus, doesn’t it? Try this on for size, but don’t get into a tizzy over it: “…a growing number of churches are ditching the words The Salvation Army from their names and opting for something less traditional to keep up with the times.”

“The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26 NIV). Now there’s a liberal (liberating) label for you. Past is truly prologue, be it legalism or liberalism. You make the call.

Writer: Commissioner Joe Noland’s ministry can be summed up in three words: chaos, creativity and controversy - three elements implicit in any successful innovative endeavor. Cecil B. DeMille, renowned producer of Biblical epics, once wrote, “Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.” Joe’s mantra reads, “Creativity is my drug of choice.”  Access Joe Noland’s complete bio, among other things, by clicking into his website.

3 Comments to Legalist or Liberalist? - The Right Prologue!

1. Hi Joe,

   Great article. Very provocative, and excellent reading. Nothing more to add.

   Yours in Christ,
   Graeme.
Graeme Randall on October 18th, 2009

2. Joe,

   My wife and I attend a large church in Surprise, Arizona called Radiant Church.It happens to be one of the fastest growing churches in the USA.

   About 7,000 people attend here in five weekend services. This church is modeled after The Purpose Driven Church where Rick Warren is the Pastor. Rick Warren is of Baptist background. Radiant Church is of Assembly of God backgound. Neither church displays the denominational name on their signs. I think this is an example of people seeking a church home that discounts the denominational ties.

   We are not of Charismatic background and do not agree 100% with one of the doctrines but we enjoy the fellowship,music and preaching. I do not discount The Army and its ministry but we are happy worshipping at this huge church and all that is offered.

   Blessings!

   Bob
Bob Deidrick on October 19th, 2009

3. Thanks Graeme. Provocative is good if the passion is genuine; bad if not. And you can quote me on that.

   I’m very familiar with Radiant Church, Bob, somewhere along the line, Four Square discovered an exemplary model for Church growth.

   New Hope, over here in Hawaii, is one of those extremely successful models, along with Hope Chapels proliferating everywhere. We could learn something from them, and do so without compromising our core values (or is it corps values?).

   J
Joe Noland on October 21st, 2009

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