Religious Systems of Authority

For two thousand years the church has witnessed the evolution of a secular system of religious control. This system has evolved through all denominations, without exception. Its influence has been adapted to suit the theological position of individual denominations, but ultimately it stems back to one specific style of authority. This authority is hierarchical, and in some cases, singularly autocratic, insofar as it varies according to denominational theology. In general, though, it places one individual in a position of overall authority, and below them, levels of diminishing authority. All levels are subject to the authority instituted above them, resulting in a pyramid-like structure, where everyone is required to submit to the person over them. Final authority rests with one overarching person in charge. This structure is not biblical in origin, it stems from the institutionalising of Christianity by the early Roman Church.

I know this letter will sound like I'm attacking individuals in the body of Christ, so I hope those reading can separate individual believers from the system itself. However, the current malaise needs to be stated for what it is, a curse on the spiritual authority of many well-meaning Christians? In the same way, we reap the fruit of secular systems of government, the religious systems of the Church are also producing fruit, some of which is very good. But many sermons are preached, because there is real concern among many leaders, and they preach to confront issues that are troubling. However, the response to these sermons is often muted or simply forgotten. We spend more time in defence of the status quo, without resolving anything. This tends to convey an impression that the Church is incapable of facing the reasons why many churches are simply closing their doors through financial constraint, depleting attendance, or the loss of its ageing parishioners? Why do many Christians, remain physically and spiritually detached from the Church? And why are older and more mature Christians leaving?

Maybe the system we blindly embrace is responsible? Various names are given for those in authority including, Bishop, Minister, Reverend, Archbishop, Cardinal, Pastor, Senior Leader, and below them Elders, Deacons, and so on. Most Christians probably believe the Church we see today is a reasonable representation of the biblical example? This is far from the truth. From pews to the pulpit, almost every aspect of Church today is a reflection of a predominantly secular system, far removed from the fluidity of a biblical theocracy. This system utilizes biblical titles and religious practices to organize its affairs, but it's almost entirely concerned with the vision of the organization, and unifying its members, to serve the purposes of the Church. In its various forms, this approach can be seen in the mission statements of every Church today. The mission statement is designed to rally Christians around the purpose of their organized religion. While sounding very Christian, this approach does more harm than good insomuch as the growth of individual faith is concerned. Secondly, we might consider this issue in light of the overall decline witnessed in the Western Church today. The effect of this malaise extends from sanitized forms of evangelism and spiritual immaturity to a lethargic disinterest in the repetitive and somewhat benign focus of Church.

The organizational system that drives the Church has assumed an authority, not even remotely suggested in the scriptures. When subjected to the scrutiny of history this evolution reflects secular principles that are fundamentally flawed. Over time it’s evolved to the point of misrepresenting New Testament orthodoxy. One might argue that the essential purpose of believers in Christ, has been subjected to a form of spiritual castration, by a system that runs counterproductive to individual growth, and limits the purposes of God. This approach is similar to that adopted by Church leaders in Jesus day. Jesus fiercely confronted this, and those who misconstrued the instruction of the Law for their own ends. They lost sight of its heart in the process. It’s overly convenient to dismiss debate about the reality we see all around us and suggest there are many ways to DO Church? Obviously, there are, and we can always argue over the importance of biblical detail or style, but little argument exists against the story of Jesus (Gospel)? Therefore, the question of fruit is more relevant than historical rhetoric. Simply ignoring the obvious that will come upon the Church over the next ten years, will result in sadness and regret.