Since the 1970's the very conservative COG, has moved (more like LEAPED) beyond former standards of dress and conduct. A lot of those "Practical Commitments" were about dress, but there were also strong statements about personal conduct as a Christian.
Personally, I think moving beyond some of the former "Dress Codes" is a positive move. However, in the case of our organization, the proverbial "Pendulum" has swung rapidly and far from where it once was.
In my opinion, there is reason for concern. History seems to indicate that religious organizations roll downhill. They begin with high and lofty beliefs, ideals and regimen. They then slowly descend into being the very kind of organization from which they sought to be an alternative..
They begin with phenominal aspirations but descend into the "nominal;" becoming just another bump on the religious log; neither hot nor cold...but lukewarm. Basic faith is still evident, but little fire. They are similar to a volcano - once expolding with fire and heat, but soon cooling to hardened lava.
The above is an observation, not even meant to be a criticism. It is incredibly difficult to maintain sky-high enthusiasm whether it be a business or church. Is there any church group in history that has bucked that trend? For example, the Lutheran Church, began in the fire of controversy and renewal under the leadership of Martin Luther. Lutherans are good people, but Lutheranism is unrecognizable compared with what it was.
The Methodist began with fervor beyond almost all others. Methodism today, is respectable but very timid compared with their beginnings. From them the historical "Holiness Movement" was sparked, and from that - the early beginnings of the COG.
Actscelerate is seeking someone, possibly numbers of COG viewers; ministers or members, who feel the historical religious Pendulum is swinging too far in the COG. To them, we offer a forum in which to share their heart about where they feel the COG is headed.
Their concern, their feelings and their expressed views are welcome here - AS ARE those who are satisfied and happy with the direction the COG is headed..
Actscelerate welcomes someone with wisdom, someone who can kindly share their heart - someone wise enough to disagree with others, and have them disagree with them, without resorting to immature and insulting responses.
Disagree, even strongly disagree with the direction they feel the COG is headed, but be wise enough to share their heart, without making castigating, and insulting personal attacks on those who don't agree with them.
If you have advice for COG leadership, people who I believe are also concerned about our church's future, please feel free to share it. They are also viewers here and this writer respectfully appreciates that.
Doyle
writedoyle@gmail.com
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Acts-celerate Owner
Posts: 6957
7/13/17 3:33 pm
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Actscelerate seeks those with wisdom, to share about conservative COG values.
I hope Acts can stick with it. 