Why Arguing From History Can Be A Tricky Business

Arguing that such and such has been the prevailing practice and that we are obliged to abide by it is a form of historical idealization.

There has been a concerted attempt to resurrect past scholarship. We should be delighted with the movements to return to the wisdom of our fathers. Nevertheless, many of those advocating for the return to the old paths have exaggerated the voice of the past. They have assumed, or at least given the distinct impression, that the past speaks harmoniously on all sorts of themes. This has created a form of chronological snobbery rooted in a faux historical narrative.

You will see this form of rhetoric used to score cheap points politically or theologically. The argument goes something like this: “Listen, this idea has been the default position until five minutes ago, and therefore any opposition is to go against the accepted historical norm.” But this is too simplistic and fails basic historical tests.

Historical Variances

There have always been variances among theological voices, and some issues in which slight variance occurred are rarely or no longer practiced among the general Reformational community in the 21st century.

Eschatology

While a form of Premillennialism (or Millenarianism) was the prevailing eschatology in the early church, post-Augustine forms of allegorical hermeneutics strayed from Premillennial eschatology. By the early fourth century, Athanasius emphasized the victorious and transformative power of Christ's kingdom. His eschatological views were deeply rooted in his understanding of the Incarnation and the redemptive work of Christ.

Worship

Forms of segregated worship (men and women sitting separately in worship) were standard until the 1900s. St. Cyril and Augustine strongly advocated this practice based on the distinction of sexes in Genesis. Yet, it is rarely practiced with few exceptions in Eastern Europe and Anabaptist Mennonites.

Additionally, head-coverings were widely practiced in many parts of the church, though it did receive opposition in the Reformation era by none other than Calvin’s student, Theodore Beza. While the practice has gained some attention, it is widely rejected exegetically and practically in the Reformed Church today.

Creation

Allegorical interpretations of creation that denied a literal six-day paradigm were common in the early church. Augustine held to instantaneous creation. I think much of that model has disappeared from theological discourse, and for good reason. Early church interpretations that the guilt of Eve rested on all women and erroneous views on sex and marriage were undone only much later in the 16th century in Luther’s writings.

Conclusion

I could name additional topics where variance or dogma prevailed, and contemporary discourse has changed, some for the better and others for the worse. Retrieval projects are generally selective to reflect the direction of our own projects. This is not wrong, per se, but it indicates that dogma on secondary issues varied throughout history.

Therefore, arguing that such and such has been the prevailing practice and that we are obliged to abide by it is a form of historical idealization. Such dogmatic practices were varied and remain varied even in our day. The Church is constantly learning and building on the teachings given to us. While history ought to be viewed conservatively, there are also times when the Word of God must re-examine older ideas and practices for the sake of the purity of the Church.

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Notations

The Bible as Discipleship

The Bible trains us to move, live, and have our being in God. Any model of discipleship that does not include learning to kneel, raise hands, eat, sing, bless, receive, give, sit, and stand is dishonoring biblical discipleship. When we formulate a discipleship curriculum without incorporating everyday biblical rituals, we secularize biblical formation and turn it into an encyclopedic course fit for the Bible trivia team.

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The Bible Read Cumulatively

The Bible is to be read historically/cumulatively. God is building a house for his name. The early seeds of history will produce the great tree that will cover the entire world. He is growing a child into a glorious bride, and that bride will inherit the whole world as an inheritance. God is building a home for his people to dwell in, where his name is exalted. The Scriptures accumulate imagery and typology to increase our appetites for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

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In today's episode of "Creator Corner" Elijah is joined by Pastor Uri Brito (‪@UriesouBrito‬), a pastor and the Presiding Minister over the CREC.

In this conversation, Uri Brito discusses his background, role as a presiding minister, and the responsibilities that come with it. He emphasizes the importance of cultural engagement for Christians, especially in light of political changes. Brito warns against political messianism and encourages building robust institutions for the future. He also addresses the significance of family liturgy, the importance of singing in worship, and the historical shifts in church music. The conversation concludes with thoughts on church discipline, the role of sports on Sundays, and the importance of pastoral clothing.