January 1999 Issue

Biases Against

churches of Christ

By Patrick Donahue

The primary bias against people who are members of churches of Christ stems from the fact that we say it matters what we believe (Mt 15:9,14), what we teach (Gal 1:6-9), how we live (James 2:10), and where a person attends church (II Jn vs.9-11). The Bible does not teach that all we must do to be saved is believe in Christ; instead, it teaches that we must also obey him in all points (Heb 5:9, Mt 7:21). The religious world (including some brethren) cannot accept these Bible truths, because these truths do not condone their weak convictions, false doctrine, lax living, and unity in diversity.

In short, we don't believe that people who continue to worship with unfaithful congregations (I Cor 1:10) will go to heaven. Because of our teaching that only strict adherence to God's word (including baptism for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38) will qualify a person for salvation, many members of other churches are offended and become our enemies because we tell them the truth (Gal 4:15). Instead of telling them what they want to hear, we tell them what they need to hear. They can truly be described by Mt 13:15 which reads, "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

[Editor’s Note: Thanks to Pat Donahue for the article! He may be reached at:Pat.Donahue@MSFC.NASA.GOV, 4607 Old Railroad Bed Road, Harvest, AL 35749, (256) 721-0726.]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com