Wednesday 16 September 2009

Background

In the middle of this letter to an early Christian group, thewriter reminds the reader of his purpose. He is setting out what hebelieves to be correct behaviour for Christians, based on correctbelief.

Until this time, the very first groups of Christians, who had beenknown as followers of 'The Way', had defied convention. They met ineach other's houses, were led by women and men; they were dynamic,excited by their faith, teaching and healing and sharing all theyhad with those in need and supporting one another. Now these firstChristian groups are becoming more established and settled, and thewriter believes that it is important that there are agreed forms ofconduct and belief.

The early Church suffered severe persecution, with many of thefirst Christians martyred for their faith. As "the household ofGod" - God's representatives on earth - it is clear that the writerbelieves that the behaviour of followers should avoid anyunnecessary criticism. Their behaviour must be beyond reproach andthere must be clarity in their thinking and beliefs.

Throughout the history of the Christian Church there has beenfriction between the settled, established, institutionalisedChurch, and the Church charismatic, focused on a dynamic, livingfaith impatient of rules and regulations. Such a faith can beattractive and the institutional Church can be experienced astiresome, unwieldy and stifling to a living faith. The Church,however, is always under threat. Sometimes the threat isindifference; at other times the threat is outright attack andphysical persecution, as in many parts of the world today.

Today we might bemoan and become frustrated with the cumbersomenature of the institutional Church but, as in Timothy's day, itprovides "the pillar and bulwark of the truth" - a framework withinwhich the living faith might be explored and expressed.

To Ponder

What do you consider the pillars of truth to betoday?

Have they varied over time? If so, how?

How free do you feel you are to explore thedifficult questions of faith while still being loyal to theinstitutional Church?