RIGHT OR WRONG? Post-denominational

Some people say this is a post-denominational era. Is thinking "denominationally" still valuable?

Denominations exist because we live in an imperfect world. Sin obscures our understanding of God and his perfect knowledge and will. This imperfection leads to some very real and significant differences in theology and doctrine. Denominations will continue to function as long as these differences endure.

One reason for the decline of denominations, however, is the limited knowledge people have concerning what they believe. As consumerism drives our religion, programs and amenities often become more important reasons for attendance than beliefs and basic doctrines.

Similarly, denominations have declined as society has moved from a cooperative community to individualistic isolationism. People once valued denominations because they enabled churches to cooperate in missions and other endeavors they never could have accomplished individually.

With the rise of technology, urbanization and megachurches, the need for cooperation has dwindled. Churches now can do things more independently than ever before. These factors also diminished the need for fellowship and corporate worship denominations provided.

So, is thinking denominationally still valuable? Yes, precisely for the values we are beginning to lose.

Denominations teach important doctrine. Theology matters. Denominations need to focus on this value in order to strengthen their appeal. Baptists, in particular, once prided themselves on the importance devoted to teaching what we believe. With the decline of emphasis on this training, churches reinforced the idea that doctrine was unimportant.

Cooperation and fellowship also are more valuable than current opinion holds. No matter how large a church becomes, it never can do all it needs to do by itself. Nor can the fellowship of believers be limited to one geographic locale. Denominations must promote broader unity and purpose.

Denominations also provide for balance and expanse in the work of God's kingdom. No matter how large a church becomes, limitations occur by its geography and societal makeup. The needs of people in urban areas are different from those in rural areas.

Interests vary. Some see the need for helping the sick, others for multihousing ministry. Education motivates many; feeding the hungry motivates others. An individualistic focus cannot help but promote some needs and neglect others that are either unseen or deemed unimportant. Denominations meet these different needs. The whole becomes more than the sum of the parts. Denominations provide vital assistance to churches and individuals, but they must promote and re-establish their significance if they are to survive.

Van Christian, pastor

First Baptist Church, Comanche

Right or Wrong? is sponsored by the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University's Logsdon School of Theology. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to btillman@hsutx.edu.