1906 was the first year the US Census listed Churches of Christ separately from Christian Church/Churches of Christ. The key difference between the two being noninstrumental vs. instrumental music in worship. The origins of this division are related to the tensions that marked our nation during the Civil War. Following the war, our nation was formally united but emotionally divided. Emotional tensions can still be felt today. Folks of the noninstrumental persuasion were typically of southern congregations, and vice versa. It is hard to separate the passion that has characterized the instrumental debate from the intense emotions of postbellum America.
2006 marks one hundred years of division. Of course, there are other differences besides instrumental music. Today's CofC leaders are progressively looking to bridge the gap that has separated these two strands of the Stone-Campbell Movement. Mike Cope has an interesting discussion on his blog. He recently attended a joint conference in Hawaii. You should check out some of the comments to his post--here.
Can you see a future in which the Sunshine Church of Christ might work hand in hand with say... Dry Run Church of Christ or Central Church of Christ? What thoughts have I provoked?
Friday, February 10, 2006
Centennial Anniversary
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3 comments:
I don't really care what we all do as long as God says it's ok. Otherwise, I say we should stay away from instruments.
I personally would love to join together with other congregations but what I want to do isn't necessarily always right.
It's not about me. It's about God.
Well having grown up in a church where my mom was the piano player(gasp!!!), I have no issues with instumental music. I remember when Jodi used to go to church with my family, we both agreed that outside of the piano, there was no difference in the teachings of salvation and of growing a relationship with Christ.
So I have no issues developing a relationship with those that have the same beliefs in salvation and in Christ. I think that would only strengthen Christians and allow outsiders to feel more comfortable or even less confused about Christianity.
Now with that all being said, I am not going to start clamoring on about bringing a banjo(I just like banjos) to church. I think tradition is something to be valued as long as it coincides with God's plan. I realized that this tradition is based on the bible, but to my best knowledge it is about the fact that instruments were not mentioned in the New Testament and it is better to be safe than sorry. I know I trivalized that and if someone would like to correct me please feel free. I would welcome the knowledge.
I love Sunshine and I see great things going on, so I would not want to mess with the core, but we have to keep an open eye to the future and any chance we can further Christ's message. Kasey Kaseem used to say "Keep you feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars". Now how about that top 40 hit.
I think Kasey Kasem is still saying that somewhere.
When an issue divides two groups of people it is because at least one side has determined the issue to be critically important. Today, I was listening to two Baptist preachers talking about congregations they would and would not accept. I made the comment that all Christians recognize that there are majors and minors, but we do not all agree on which is which. They both concurred.
In years past the CofC has viewed the instrumental issue as a major. The fact that CofC leaders are now seeking greater unity with the Christian Churches (and even the Disciples of Christ), demonstrates that they are now addressing this issue is a minor.
Obviously, you and I do not have to agree. But personally, I like this trend. I am not advocating we become instrumental. I simply long to see us more conversant and friendly with our not-so-distant cousins.
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