Is it worse to add rules to God's word and say it is all His, or to perhaps miss the meaning of scripture in your own personal interpreation?
The past few months...more like 5 months, I've attended a Conservative Mennonite church, but not one that is more lax with their rules. This church has a fair number of rules, some of which I have expressed my disagreement to before. From what I understand, these rules are ones added to what the Bible already tells us. I suppose some of them are meant to clarify or lead the church in unison, but I've started to question many of the rules...
Why is it that some churches add so many man made rules to scripture and say that it is God's Word? Or that it is "implied" by God's Word?
For example, the rule that cape dresses are what is considered modest and is what should be worn by the women. The rule that there is only one correct style/size/color of covering and the rest are wrong. The rule that patterns (of any size/color) are immodest and therefore should not be worn. These are just a few rules that I have encountered.
I haven't decided what to do as far as a church yet... I would love to find a church that does not add to God's Word, but I know that will not happen. I also know that I need to seek God's guidance more than I have been on this subject lately. Hopefully I will be more consistent with my prayer life and relying on God to take control of my life...telling me what He has in store for me, all in His time.
Blessings in Christ,
It can be a hard balance to find. I think the rules are often ways to create boundaries and keep us from falling into sin, but they often become a form of bondage or an idol instead of a safeguard. I've been in churches that were pretty liberal and some that fell beyond standards into types of legalism, and it is so hard to find one that teaches the whole Bible and does not disregard parts that are not "politically correct" but which also does not add extra man-made rules or even doctrines.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you to find the church that God wants you to be in and to be at peace with that decision.
I think you need to look deeply into this. Are these churches elevating something to a higher level than god? It is OK to make rules I think but you may not put them higher than god even if the rules are good. Wearing a modest cape dress might be a very good thing and something that helps a person come closer to god but if capedresses are more important than god they are instead something bad.
ReplyDeleteI agree you should pray and trust where the spirit leads you. My dearest blessings and I will pray for you to find a way.