THE LAST WORD
Emily A. Row,
Program Coordinator

“Laxity in Christian life and ethics has always brought reactionary movements.”1 During the first three centuries of their history, Christians experienced great opposition both externally and internally. When questions of theology, purpose, and practice arose in the early church, many believers chose the monastic life. They felt that seclusion was the only hope of preserving the integrity of their faith.

The issues that have been raised in Baptist life these past few months remind me of the monastic movement within Christian history. Certainly, Baptists have seen both internal and external struggles in the past several decades. In response, some would advocate a withdrawal from both church culture and society as a whole. This has been seen most clearly in the decision by the Southern Baptist Convention to turn away from Baptist brothers and sisters worldwide by withdrawing from the Baptist World Alliance.

It is easy to point fingers at the Southern Baptist Convention for withdrawing from the BWA, but perhaps each of us should look closely at our own reactionary movements. It is so easy to sit in judgment of those with whom we disagree, but how often do we turn away from the very ones who most need to see the love of Christ displayed in our lives? Our churches are rarely places of refuge for the hungry, the hurting, the lost, or the lonely. I fear that far too often, believers and unbelievers alike find judgment rather than grace or acceptance within our local communities of faith.

Perhaps we have grown lax in our commitment to Christian life and ethics. If it is true that history repeats itself, then we should not be surprised to see a reactionary movement. We as Baptists will be known by the direction that we choose for that reaction. We can opt for a monastic-like movement of withdrawal, or we can renew our commitment to the Christian ethic of love. I would rather be known for the latter.

(Footnotes)
1 Baker, A Summary of Christian History, p. 68

August 2004