AMEN! Change isn't universally good or bad, but needs to be made rightly in accordance with the will of God. People who want change for the sake of some perverse "shock value "are just as sinful as those who use "conservatism" as a means of self-gratifying control, or those who feel empowered by converting people to their point of view.

To me, it seems that there isn't so much an overt opposition to change within our tradition as there is an attitude of "we have this figured out". Furthermore, to make matters worse, if "knowing" something shuts the doors, lack of Biblical study skills and critical thinking skills most often buries them in cement. That might sound offensive, but I don't find ignorance (in myself or anyone else) to be offensive… just a challenge to be met. What I wish I had was a solution.

I am afraid for the future of Christendom… and it isn't because we aren't teaching enough concordance style studies or having people memorize and parrot tracts. It isn't because of the "change agents" (the good ones or the bad ones), who come and go with the seasons. What concerns me is that we don't seem to be very good at teaching people how to reason for themselves!

I've been a member of the church for 50 years and I have met people like your minister. I really despise labels being put on people as it is usually meant to be taken as an insult. I've never considered myself a "change agent' even though my opinions have changed throughout the years as I come to a better understanding of God's word.

I'm not looking for a more liberal interpertation or a more conservative one. I am searching the scriptures daily to try to increase my knowledge and understanding. If that means that I have to change my way of thinking at times based on what I've learned from the Bible then so be it. What is so sad is that so many in the Lord's church are afraid to even engage in a civil conversation regarding the issues.

I really do feel sorry for people like your minister. Not only do they not fully partake in the joys of being a child of God they are hindering others from doing so. I truly hope God touches their hearts and helps them to come to better understand His word.

That's exactly right. We'll only stop changing when we are truly perfect — or we think we're perfect.

Have you ever thought how change it would be for a Christian to not be a change agent? If Christianity isn't about change, what is it about?

Grace and peace,
Tim