The Unofficial And Unwritten Creed Of The Church Of Christ
The small brick meeting house nestled in a grove of large maples. People standing around the front steps, children running in the yard, and the bright yellow beams of light dancing from the open windows gave me a welcome feeling.
I took my seat near the isle, about halfway toward the front of the building. Smiles and "head-nods" were exchanged between several other early-comers and myself. There was a chart on the wall directly behind and above the pulpit. On it were the words in bold print, "Digging Deep." A gospel meeting had begun here just a few nights prior to this. The people gradually filtered into the building and the service was begun by some wonderful gospel singing. I felt completely at home.
During the course of the evening, I heard a complete and thorough denunciation of "human creeds" and opinions in matters of religion. As the last petition to God faded into the night and the happy sound of people rustling about and greeting one another came to my hearing I began to reflect on the things said during the sermon. Yes, this had been the truth preached. Human legislation that dictates the terms of fellowship in any denomination are neither safe or needed.
After a few hand-shakes I started toward my car to go home. I was alone, and the soft autumn breeze made me feel relaxed and happy. The highway sped beneath me. The hills of Kentucky, bathed in the light of an autumn moon, are certainly a token of the eye for beauty our God in heaven has. The thoughts of His Almighty power, what a wonder it is to be His servant, and the privilege of standing on His word alone for a creed made my emotions stir within.
At home, I slipped between the two crisp sheets of my bed, picked up the Bible, and began to read. I laid the book aside, snapped off the light and began to pray. My heart expelled its gratitude to the Lord of Heaven for all the blessings and privileges that had been mine of the day. Sleep didn't come easily at all. My mind diverted itself to what some call "controversial issues."
Lying there in bed, contemplating the trouble now with us, I began to realize that we, members of the church of the Lord, do have a creed. Though it is unwritten and "unordained," it is as effective as the Methodist Discipline, Baptist Manual, or any other creed that dictates the terms of fellowship for a certain denomination. I realized that today, among the churches of Christ, no one can oppose certain "projects," "sponsoring church pattern," or "institutions" among us. When and if a gospel preacher does, he no longer receives the hand of fellowship. To hear a preacher today preach on subjects like, "The All-Sufficiency of the Church," "Church Cooperation," or "Human Organizations Unknown to the New Testament" is to diagnose his case as "Anti-ism," slap the quarantine of "cancellation" upon him, and innoculate him with "slander-serum," hoping all the while that he will give up his "damnable and untenable heresies" and get "orthodox better."
As long as a creed exists in the hearts and minds of brethren, it is the same as "official." Investigation of these matters is unnecessary to some. There is no need to debate the issue, or even attend those that do transpire. The matter can be easily passed off, by calling it "Sommerism, "Hobbyism," or a "Johnny-come-lately" affair. Some have even justified their position by saying, "We've always done it this way," or "there are only a few frogs making all the squabble." This question is foremost in my heart. Why preach against a "human creed" just because it is ordained by some synod? A creed merely states the terms of fellowship of a certain belief religiously. Shall we dream longer?
The "Ship of Zion" has struggled long and hard to hold itself above the angry waters of Denominationalism, but as surely as God is, it will sink with the weight of a "human creed." (Written or unwritten.) Saints' eyes will be filled with tears as they watch the last bubbles disappear in the murky waters of "sectarianism."
The light broke through the window of my room and awakened me from sleep. A strange sensation indeed. Why, it was only a dream ...or WAS IT?