Why do so many Christians in this area say that they believe in what the "Bible and the creeds" or "the Bible and the catechism"? It's the Bible. Creeds and Catechism's are just man's way of paraphrasing scriptural truths into handy Q&A's and summaries for our benefit. They are not gospel. They may be based in scripture, but they are not divinely inspired. If we give these peripherals as much credence as scripture, it makes Christianity no different than being a Jehovah's Witness or a Mormon. (Which Christianity proclaims itself to be different from.)
They're good to inflict upon young children to memorize, but why do so many churches elevate them to such a high level of importance? I've even seen people who argue the Regulative Principle of Worship (use only what can be interpreted from scriptures) that use the catechisms to back up their points. (Which is terribly ironic when you think about it.) I've even heard sermons before preached on a catechism entry.
I have no problem with the creeds or the catechisms, I don't want you to think that I'll be throwing a creed burning party or anything. But how on earth did many reformed churches allow these things to take such a high level of importance?
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As far as I know, all Reformed churches call them SUBORDINATE standards. This means that they are under the authority of the Word.
ReplyDeleteThey are helpful in giving us the way in which we interpret the Scriptures.
Anyone can say.. No Creed but Christ (not that I am accusing you of that)... but the logical next question is... which Christ??? We need a creed to know which one!
Nate, isn't that what our ministers are there for? I think that between sermons, bible studies and personal devotions that we ourselves can get a pretty good handle on who we call Savior and Lord.
ReplyDeleteAs far as calling them to be under the authority of the Word... That is good, but you and I know that what is on paper and what is practiced are two very, very different things. I speak not of paper, but from experience.
They are definately helpful, but I think faith should be primarily governed by the Holy Spirit, devotions and the works, faith and community of the church. It should be used as a tool, but in almost every reformed church I've been to and heard about, it's used as a crutch. Not even a crutch for some, more like a wheelchair!
Again, I have no problems with the catechisms and the creeds. Although, years catechism has left me with a love/hate relationship with the Heidelberg... :P
But for something that is just paraphrasing the Bible, I still can't understand why it's given so much prominence in many churches. I mean, if it says what the Bible says, why not use the Bible? (That is where we learned who Christ is to begin with. ^_^)
They are helpful, but in my humble opinion, they are given too much play in reformed circles. They do not need to be read every week during worship.
I will say, though, I'm kind of sad I never got to learn from the shorter catechisms, because memorizing paragraphs and paragraphs for catechism? Not fun! :( (Oh, the childhood scars I bear.)