One In Jesus

Miller follows up his argument based on Colossians 3:17 with familiar arguments based on 1 Corinthians 4:6. I addressed this argument some time ago. See Going Beyond That Which is Written.

He also makes the argument that either all silences are permissive or else all silences are prohibitions. This argument is a classic false dichotomy. See this post for more on this flawed reasoning — The Question of Silence

Miller gives an example from everyday life to make his point. It’s a good example — Continue reading →

Miller begins his argument that those who worship with instruments are damned by building the case for the necessity of authority —

Perhaps no other doctrine is emphasized so frequently in Scripture as the principle of authority. Yet, perhaps no other doctrine is so discounted, ignored, rejected, or misunderstood. Nevertheless, the Scriptures make clear that, from the beginning of human history, God has required people to structure their behavior based upon His will. We humans have no right to formulate our own ideas concerning religious truth. We must have God’s approval for everything we do.

(emphasis in original).

The first sentence is manifestly false.

The third is certainly true. God does expect to be obeyed, but one can only obey a command. That’s what the word “obey” means. The American Heritage Dictionary defines “obey” as “To carry out or fulfill the command, order, or instruction of.” You simply cannot obey a silence.

It’s certainly true that only God can prescribe religious truth. But it’s ludicrous to say we must have God’s approval for everything we do.

Continue reading →

A few weeks, I saw on a discussion board that someone had written a book challenging Rick Atchley’s sermons, called “Both/And,” defending the decision of Richland Hills Church of Christ to add an instrumental service. Rumor had it that someone paid to print 20,000 copies, enough to mail one to every Church of Christ in the country! And I’ve been waiting for my copy to arrive but I’m apparently not on their mailing list. (I’m just so shocked!)

Well, I found that the book is now available in full text on the internet right here. It’s called Richland Hills & Instrumental Music: A Plea to Reconsider. I’m looking forward to reading through it.

And so, the next few posts will address the author’s arguments on why instrumental music is sinful. Continue reading →