LET'S BE CONSISTENT

Recently the editor (who shall remain nameless) of a well-known Christian periodical (which shall also remain nameless) printed in his newspaper a short article by a well-respected evangelist that lamented the downward trend toward the use of charismatic style music in many modern-day Fundamental, Baptist churches.  At the conclusion of the article the unnamed editor wrote that he agreed "wholeheartedly and enthusiastically" with the author who penned the piece.

However, writing from the perspective of a long-time subscriber, I have not observed one word of rebuke within the above-referenced periodical regarding the increasing tendency of a large independent, Baptist church and Bible College in Southern, California, to adopt lyrics written by charismatics as well as the continuing adaptation of CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) for use in their services.  In fact, the only word of warning specific to the above ministries in California (to my knowledge) has come from the pen of David Cloud (www.wayoflife.org) whom, as a result of his timely warning, has been much maligned within some Fundamental circles.

I do not want to appear cynical or critical, but it is high time that we in Fundamental, Independent Baptist churches call a spade a spade regardless of what influential ministry may be condoning error.  It is one thing to speak out about the compromises of those leaders at Liberty University and Tennessee Temple University (as well we should), but where is our concern for the errors being received and propagated by those whom we would consider in our "camp"?

It would seem that if schools advertises in our paper, and if we get invited to speak at certain conferences, and if another ministry promotes our ministry (scratch my back, I'll scratch yours) then those schools, pastors and ministries are "off-limits" when it comes to rebuking compromise.  However, if a school or ministry does not line up within our "camp" we then make it our necessary duty to mark them as compromisers and ministries whom others should avoid.

And to this simple blogger that reeks of a double standard.  And that is my View From the Porch for Wednesday, June 6, 2012.  Thanks for reading.