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The underlying thesis of "A View From The Pew" deals with the
institution's presentation of a god that micro-manages one's life
versus a god that allows a person more personal choices, along with
personal responsibility. The institution assumes the role of God's
representative to the congregation and teaches them on a subject by
subject basis to live and manifest their Christianity primarily
through their attendance and support of the institution and its
selected programs. Those institutions in question promote/emphasize
(1) much praying, (2) much congregational praising of God. (3)
Manifesting spirituality in their prepared "worship" programs, (4)
reliance on God's constant provision for their protection as well
as their every need and/or want, (5) and, acceptance of life's
disappointments as having been allowed or approved by God. The
congregations are admonished to read their Bible, but are taught
only selective scripture that supports institutional doctrine. Some
of that teaching is purposely taken out of context or misquoted
entirely. God is presented only as a one-way street named LOVE.
They claim that a true Christian will be an active participant in
some local church. They do not want their authority challenged.
Sermons have become less and less specific to audiences of a
million different imaginary gods. PC's gospel of "No absolutes" has
hammered specific Bible teachings into the Christian history book.
The thrust of those anemic sermons is to console, without
offending. Much of the ongoing ministering to the congregation
comes from the group's ignorance of the Bible and how to live an
overcoming Christian life. Dysfunctional families are created and
sustained as sheep to be tended by the shepherd called the
institution. Many institutions have taken that as their primary
role. They light the fires of confusion, then chase around in their
"Dear Abby" role trying to put them out. It's another form of job
protection, perpetuated by use of the "mushroom theory." This book
suggests that a "born again" believer and follower of Jesus Christ
has been restored to an individual relationship to God the Father,
through Jesus. It suggests that that relationship cannot be
monitored or censored by men's doctrines or by a controlling
institution, which is nefariously representing Christ's Church.
The author addresses sensitive issues emerging from changing
Christianity's messages to the world and the resulting influence,
not only to Christianity itself, but to western world governments.
He maintains that Governments and Christianity have both fallen
prey to political manipulation of man's sensitive ego; and the only
reason that has happened is because official Institutional
Christianity now "coddles" ego to enlarge its membership. He
concludes that gaining control of personal "ego" is the primary
biblical message to living out Christian standards and traces the
decline in western culture and the dismantling of free societies to
the abandonment of traditional Christianity.
This is a new release of the original 1935 edition.
The author addresses sensitive issues emerging from changing
Christianity's messages to the world and the resulting influence,
not only to Christianity itself, but to western world governments.
He maintains that Governments and Christianity have both fallen
prey to political manipulation of man's sensitive ego; and the only
reason that has happened is because official Institutional
Christianity now "coddles" ego to enlarge its membership. He
concludes that gaining control of personal "ego" is the primary
biblical message to living out Christian standards and traces the
decline in western culture and the dismantling of free societies to
the abandonment of traditional Christianity.
With A Digest Of The Share-Our-Wealth Principles Prepared By
Senator Huey Long.
With A Digest Of The Share-Our-Wealth Principles Prepared By
Senator Huey Long.
With A Digest Of The Share-Our-Wealth Principles Prepared By
Senator Huey Long.
With A Digest Of The Share-Our-Wealth Principles Prepared By
Senator Huey Long.
There surely must be a thesis out there that deals with the
distinguishing differences that often exist between the Church and
its attached Institutions, but I haven't found it. I am attempting
to do just that, because I have come to believe that the Church and
its accompanying institution are obviously not always the same. Any
such critique is probably not wanted by most individual church
organizations, particularly as it identifies the institution as
sometimes being separate and apart from the church. It would be a
challenge to the institutions' historic use of power as well as
their livelihood. It would also challenge much of the church's
formalized history. Existing institutions, having very different
doctrines, each claim to be the anointed leadership of Gods Church.
They each independently assume the role of God's official
representative and spokesman, although the only thing they may have
in common is collection of the tithe. It obviously follows that
some institutions represent biblical Christianity and some do not.
Even so, they operate identical to other professional organizations
that refuse to censor their individual associates, even though that
associate may blatantly misrepresent the spirit and integrity of
the organization as a whole. One will find every political, social,
and moral position contained within the institution of the
Christian community. Such diversity makes them appear to stand for
everything, yet for nothing. Consequently, Christianity has become
more and more difficult to define. The title "A VIEW FROM THE PEW"
accurately sets the stage and foundation for this book. It is an
expression from a person out of the church's audience who believes
he hasobserved a skewed presentation of Christianity for many
years. A one way presentation replete with contradictions, with
little or no discussion or input from the audience. My conclusion
is that the 'Institution of the church' and the real Church are not
always the same, yet almost ir
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