Pragmatism and the Church

Pragmatism: Solving problems in a realistic way, which suits the present conditions rather than obeying fixed theories, ideas or rules.

The pragmatist is convinced that there should be no fixed laws or standards; no black or white; only gray areas in which each individual situation determines the legitimacy of the act performed. He believes that any established rules or criteria may be ignored in order to bring about his desired end. He can find no error in any actions on his part as long as, in his mind, the end product is better than its beginning. To him, evil deeds can now be translated into noble causes; wrong can now be viewed as right, since the means used are justified by the end results.

Sadly, we find that this same philosophy has crept into most churches of the day. The clergy as well as the laity zealously contend that they are justified to use any and all necessary means at their disposal to bring souls, regrettably even the non-penitent, into the confines the church.

Along with this reasoning comes the consent for the use of many of the diverse programs that have been introduced over the years and are today still being welcomed into the church. “Whatever it takes” seems to be the formula for populating most of today’s churches. It seems that scriptural teaching, adherence to biblical standards, and even the gospel of Christ, are no longer necessary when it comes to the growth of the church.

The main goal of most modern day churches is to offer something that would make people desire to come in. The reason for their attendance doesn’t matter, as long as the pews are being filled. Whatever the case, simplicity of worship is seldom advertised as a part of the church’s proposition to bring people through its doors.

The lengths to which many will go are astounding. Program after program may be added to entice those of the world into the church. It seems that nothing is considered as inappropriate as long as it is used to bring about the desired end. However, we find that none of the tactics used by today’s churches are found in the scriptures, nor can they be found in the history of the ante or post apostolic period of the church of Christ. If we look closely we will find that most of these “techniques” have arisen within the last two centuries.

Not surprisingly, even a number of those who were at one time considered the more conservative churches are now welcoming some of the seemingly “benign” activities into their midst. As long as it can be said that it is all done in the name of the Lord, then all is well. The subtlety by which many of these “little foxes” are creeping in is amazing and shows just how crafty Satan really is.

Let us look to scripture as a warning “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” Isaiah 5:20

In no way are we to ever advocate that we may be justified to use any errant or non biblical deed in the growth our churches, no matter the outcome. “Things” that have been added to the church without scriptural foundation cannot be condoned. Wrong can never be made right, no matter if it is endorsed by what is called a church or by an individual. If a scripture plainly teaches a certain point, no one is authorized to change the interpretation of that scripture simply because it is decided that it might not bring about the desired end. When the scriptures remain silent, it would behoove us to do the same. This does not, as some suppose, provide an open door for the interjection of our own beliefs and ideologies.

Yes, pragmatism is alive and well and has found a safe haven in the modern church, where it grows and flourishes uninhibited by any biblical fundamentals or truths.

Sam Everett