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Discussion: The Jerusalem Council

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Discussion: The Jerusalem Council

Number of replies: 1

When I was a missionary in Cambodia there was a church that had been financed by some individuals in America. Because of that, the leader of this church felt he should place an American flag somewhere highly visible to those who came to worship. As time went on the leader of this church presented the following list to the congregants:

A good Christian is one who comes to church:

  • Wearing a shirt with a collar, a tie that is not too colorful, a suit jacket, and black shoes
  • Carrying an English translation of the Bible
  • Singing Christian songs that originate from the USA.

Instructions

In the discussion below, respond to the following prompts:

  • Watch the video clip on the decision of the Jerusalem Council (6:02) in Acts 15. What was the decision that was made?
  • Based on your understanding of the Jerusalem Council, react to what the leader presented as a "good Christian".
  • Give several examples of requirements or expectations that can be seen in the church today that are more cultural than Biblical.
  • Respond to 2 of your peers by the end of the module with substantive feedback that moves the conversation along.
In reply to First post

Re: Discussion: The Jerusalem Council

by CJ Rooney -
Verse 19 says "We should not make it difficult for the Gentiles turning to God" but rather that they should go on to simply tell them the things they must (not) do. The leader in the Cambodian example is following a very legalistic example of a Christian viewpoint, as we have discussed in other modules. They serve no purpose to further the people's relationship with God, and likely make the people feel alienated from their culture. (As Rev Lo mentioned in other videos, with the example of people wearing jewelry to have 'money' with them at all times.) Similar requirements in the Church today would be looking down upon men with longer hair, those with piercings or tattoos, those who do not wear a suit to church, those who use a different translation of the Bible than you do etc. (A saying that comes to mind is "Don't be so Heavenly minded that you're no earthly good!"