“Goodwill Or Salvation Army?”

Monday, January 21, 2013

     If a denomination is not "the church" that Christ built, then can it just be viewed as another human organization?  I mean, if they are selling something, can I buy it?  If they have a pre-school, can I send my kids there?  If they host a basketball league, can I play ball?  Thanks!

Sincerely,
Consumer Awareness

Dear Consumer Awareness,

This is an issue that brethren are squarely divided over (and for good reason); it is a tricky question.  One point of view is exactly as you expressed – these churches aren’t the Lord’s church and are just like any other human organization.

On the other hand, the thought is that we don’t want to support false teachers.  The Bible is clear that false teachers shouldn’t be supported – we shouldn’t even give them a greeting (2 Jn 1:10).  The issue is very similar to the issue of eating meat sacrificed in an idol’s temple that Paul discusses in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.  We must all obey our conscience in such matters and be careful to not be judgmental of others’ choices.

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