I think it is probably necessary - in this era - for serious Christian churches to avoid all Good Works.
It's just one of those things that we can't really afford to get involved in. Good Works are the temptation and mainstream sin of our age, all the trends and pressures are in that direction and it is too likely to be swept away sooner or later.
For a serious Christian church to get involved in Good Works is like an ex binge alcoholic trying to drink moderately with his old boon companions on a daily basis.
From a comment in response to Edwin Faust...
9 comments:
Dr. Charlton.
Given Jesus' commands to love God and love your neighbor as yourself are fantastically simple, I'm sad to see so many churches profess their works as their mission. But outward signs of "doing something" are much easier to cling to. Such is the trap of man in his sin.
I appreciate your simple post. Truth typically needs no decoration.
Hmm, I'm conflicted about this so I want to ask, what are you referring to when you mention Good Works? Maybe it's a dumb question but I don't think every Christian would give the same answer.
You describe it as "the temptation and mainstream sin of our age, all the trends and pressures are in that direction and it is too likely to be swept away sooner or later." so I'm curious to know what trends you have in mind.
Tough chew but True.
Thank you, Bruce.
The 'works' a modern Christian church ought to be doing is local evangelism, primarily; evangelism in The West and in the neighbourhood - Not sending missionaries to foreign countries that are already for More Christian than we are.
(Of course Protestants believe that vernacular Bibles (and Biblical knowledge) are crucial, and Catholics and Mormons believe that priests are crucial; and these will need to be 'supplied' to those places which lack them. But in terms of basic 'saving' Christian belief, there is not much *salvific* the West can do in the Third World - and we may well be counter-productive: the 'undeveloped' peoples can save themselves better that we can save them, especially if missionaries begin the process of 'Westernisation'.)
Well put. I see the same thing happen with friends and family that give to "charities".
I've listened to interviews with an individual on-the-ground in Venezuela, and he says the church is having a giant local revival - also being the primary source of aid and organization for normal people in need right now.
Bruce,
I think you are correct. I'm Catholic and one thing I noticed (especially with the Jesuits) is that in the post V2 era there has been an overemphasis on almsgiving-as-charity and an underemphasis on sin, confession, moral theology and life amendment. The fruits of this disorder are the invasion of the United States by Latin America, abetted by our deceitful council of bishops, and various religious orders being turned into apologists for the El-Gee-Bee-Tea agenda.
Is donating food or dollars to the local food shelf considered good works? Seems like a decent thing to do... Been doing it for years - as well as supporting the local Union Gospel Mission with dollars.
@Ugh - Churches providing social support is the kind of thing that needs to be reconsidered. The overwhelming need of our time is spiritual - things are simplifying, choices are clearer.
The early church supported its members; nowadays most churches expend time and money supporting their opponents and enemies - and regard helping specifically members as... I don't know - unjust? Nasty?
Best in the circs for churches not to do any health and social work at all - put the effort where it is desperately needed.
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