The Social Gospel
Our generation is seeing ever increasing emphasis placed on what has been termed "the social gospel." This attitude was first manifested in denominational circles- but has gained adherents in the church of our Lord. On every hand we can see evidences of it in the thinking and practices of many.
Just what is the social gospel? It is the elevation of the physical or material as the work of the church. Its source is the concept that the "whole man" is to be trained; that his proper religious training depends upon equal development of the mental, social and physical. Many have decided that it is the responsibility of the church to see that all these needs are met. This attitude has given rise to church financed gymnasiums, banquet halls, recreation rooms and kitchens. These items are generally classified under "fellowship" and few seem to question the right of the church to provide such facilities.
The Work Of The Church
An understanding of what the church is and the mission or work it is to do, would solve the problem for all who love the truth. The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22); the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13); the vineyard of the Lord (Mt. 20:1); the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16). It is a spiritual organism. Its members are called priests (1 Pet. 2:9), holy, called of God, and sanctified. They are described as "living stones built up into a temple of God."
Since the church is a spiritual body made up of those who have established a spiritual relationship with Christ, its work must also be spiritual. The church is said to be the "pillar and ground of the truth." The entire mission of the church is summed up in Eph. 4:12. The context shows that in the church God has provided all that is needed for the accomplishment of these objectives. Its mission is to preach the gospel, to edify its members, and to minister to its needy.
Scriptural Authority
We wonder where in this mission would one classify the various entertainment and recreational facilities some are so fond of having. Whatever the church spends its money for, must be in the interest of the work God gave it. The burden of proof rests squarely upon those who insist on such practices. What scripture do they produce? If it be said that they are just expedients, we reply by asking what law do they carry out? Another asks, "What is wrong with it?" This is another way of saying, "Where is it condemned in the Bible?" What is done must be done by authority, What is approved by God? God gave us the mission of His church and commanded us to carry it out. Whatever is necessary to carry it out may certainly be done by the church. Just where is the passage that authorizes recreation and entertainment as the work of the church or as any part of that work?
Current Practices
We see more and more of this sort of thing going on in many congregations. Some bulletins are filled with social activities of the church. Recently in North Carolina, one bulletin announced a "greased pig chase." Many congregations have built what they call "fellowship halls," which are really recreation parlors. The word "fellowship" in the Bible has no such usage or meaning as this. One church in Atlanta has a fully equipped kitchen and frequently has feasting in the basement. They have even sold tickets on occasion. They have had a ball team in the church league just like the denominations, in the not too distant past.
Our Problem
Someone might be ready to say, "How does this concern us?" With the moving about of members from one locality to another is brought a transfer of ideas. Sometimes those coming in want to put into practice something they did "back home." This produces a problem in each congregation. We want the members here taught the truth that they may know what the work of the church is.
Not Opposed To Recreation
Let none say that the writer is against recreation and entertainment provided such are wholesome. We encourage parents to provide such needs for their young and their friends. The home is the realm in which this work is to be planned and carried out. It is not the function of the church. If a person has to be "hot dogged" or "hamburgered" into the church, they must be kept the same way. The gospel is still the power of God to salvation. "They shall all be taught of God" is the plan by which men learn the truth.
The emphasis on the social gospel has been borrowed from the sectarian world. Borrowed items should be returned. Let's send them back to those from whom they came.