Ok the last detailed post of my detailed review of the introduction to the statement from the inappropriately named "Together for the Gospel" conference. I am calling my version "Altogether for the Gospel" :-) The other parts are A4G: Introduction part 1 and A4G: Introduction part 2, A4G: Introduction part 3, A4G: Introduction part 4)
We stand together for the Gospel – and for a full and gladdening recovery of the Gospel in the church. We are convinced that such a recovery will be evident in the form of faithful Gospel churches, each bearing faithful witness to the glory of God and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I stand by the comments on my first post, what exactly does the idea of standing for the gospel mean?
Again reading this the problem is not that I disagree with the idea of seeing Churches becoming more faithful to the gospel. Instead the problem is that this is said from a world view that assumes that all churches that do not follow an aggressively US fundamentalist conservative complementary evangelical version need to recover the gospel as they are not following it. I find that sentiment abhorrent.
I am reminded me of the hurt I felt when a couple of groups whose theology had many similarities with T4G told me that I was not a Christian. At that time I was vulnerable on issues of faith and that hurt stayed with me a long time. I am still startled by how easily some churches dismiss the faith and understanding that others have.
I believe that if there is one thing that damages the gospel more than any other it is the lack of love and unity between churches. Wherever we see churches come together we see new life. Whenever we see churches bickering among themselves we see people turned away from the gospel.
A first attempt at an Altogether for the Gospel version of this paragraph.
We wish to stand united with all Christian Churches for a full and gladdening recovery of the Gospel in the church. We are convinced that such a recovery will be evident in the form of faithful churches, each bearing faithful witness to the glory of God and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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