Forum people:

Since there is not a Biblical word for *institutionalism* in the N.T. (because they didn't have it:-)) I went to Webster's and got the definition. Having never looked the word up I was amazed that the dictionary and I agreed so well.

INSTITUTION: An established organization or corporation..esp. of a public character.

INSTITUTIONALISM: emphasis on organization (as in religion) at the expense of other factors.

Institutionalize: to incorporate into a structure an often highly formalized system=to put into the care of an institution.

As everyone knows this is what I believe has happened to the simple gatherings of the sheep in the kingdom. This has been taught the saints until they see no need to look closely into the word and compare it with what the apostles and our Lord taught.

Let us all be Bereans.

-- Anonymous, November 23, 1999

Answers

OK, Nelta. Be a Berean. Give us a short history of "institutionalism" in the church. Cover these topics: When did the church begin to meet for worship other than in private gatherings, as you recommend? When did the church begin to have "worship services", where they came together specifically for corporate singing, prayer and teaching? When did it all begin to go wrong? How many gathered in one place is too many? At what point (how many people in one place at one time) does it stop being "some Christians getting together on their own" and start being "a worship service that the Bible never talks about", as you have so often asserted? What are the Biblically-defined limits of what a "church" is and is not?

-- Anonymous, November 23, 1999

Hello Sam,

I do have church history books around here (many of them) but I am not interested in that as much as I am in scripture. I think you want to forcus on the wrong subject. All those questions you ask should be asked and answered by you (if you believe there is scripture for such) and others who believe there is scripture for the practices done today, such as formal worship.

If you wish to give scripture for the practices you mentioned, I am listening. Also, I will be interested in WHEN it all got started if you want to give that also.

Everyone needs to remember *truth is not damaged by examination.*

-- Anonymous, November 23, 1999