Thread by @CAHutch1990, A thread on the danger of closed Christian discussion groups online, with [...]

A thread on the danger of closed Christian discussion groups online, with a sub-thread on party spirit.

I do not think we can bind believers' consciences in saying they may not be a member of these groups.

I do think we can say they have particular dangers. 1/c. 25

Yes, this thread has been prompted by recent controversies, but it also stems from my involvement in closed email groups over the years, and party maneuvering at various church meetings. 2/

First, I want to acknowledge there might be prudential, kind reasons why one would take part in closed discussions with a small group as you seek wisdom how to deal with controversies that may arise. Friends may serve as a sounding board and caution. Prov. 11:4. 3/

For instance, your motive may be how best to approach a Matt. 18:15-18 confrontation. But the aim is restoration pursued at a timely pace. Once the matter is resolved, the small group may be dissolved. But even in this, you must be careful not to gossip. Love covers over sin. 4/

But when a permanent discussion group is created that involves scores of similarly minded people, but is still closed to the general public or fellow believers, then serious dangers can arise, as a group mentality takes over. 5/

And the first thing one ought to ask, is there any thing I am saying in private about a general matter that I don't want the world to know? And if so, why not? 6/

I am struck by what Paul said to his most troublesome church:

"Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return—I speak as to children—widen your hearts also." ~ 2 Cor 6:11-12 7/

Are we able to do that with one another? If not, why not? Have we forgotten our justification in Christ? That nothing can separate us from His love, including the misunderstandings of others? That should give us a freedom to speak openly. 8/

And a readiness to be proven wrong about a matter. Are we open to correction and quick to admit our grumpiness and faults?

If so, we may be less attracted to such closed groups. We are free to put our thoughts out in the open. 9/

The second thing we should be on guard against is what CS Lewis warns about in his masterful essay, "The Inner Ring."

Must reading for all church leaders, Lewis describes the attraction of wanting to be admitted into the secret circles of those who really call the shots. 10/

And importantly, those inner rings are not always those in official power. Lewis talks about beatniks sitting around a cafe table, exchanging ideas.

And we may long to get into that group more than the preppies who own the place. 11/

So know that danger in our hearts, and resist its sinful tendencies.

Do your work well for its own sake, and in time, the only circles who matter will take notice. 12/

But the other danger of the Inner Ring is that all the arrows are pointed outward.

Those not in the group are the enemy, even those in the Church, your brothers and sisters. And so instead of rebuking and sharpening one another towards greater godliness... 13/

... we fling all our darts outward. Because at least we "get it" unlike those not in the group. And so a culture arises. A culture of sarcasm, self-justification, atta-boyism, and pre-judicial statements towards outsiders.

I know this, because I have been part of it. 14/

It's too easy to fall into. And there can be group discipline of a sort where if one does offer rebuke or a different point of view or a reminder to love our enemies, then one may find oneself excluded, bit by bit, from future discussions and groups. 15/

And on that: yes, tone *does* matter.

This is Christian ethics 101. In short, in Christian ethics, both means and ends matter. And if our speech is not, as a rule, gracious and gentle, then we fail to reflect Christ.

Paul says it plainly in I Cor 13: Love is not rude. 16/

But back to private discussion groups and the culture they can exacerbate. It does not have to be that way but it's a danger whenever one thinks he is just with his "buddies" and can score points by dunking on outsiders.

Be aware and push back on it in your own heart. 17/

Moreover, such party spirit can then spill over into the courts of the church, sometimes quite purposely and orchestrated.

I still remember my first experience on an important committee of our General Assembly. We were debating important topics that year. 18/

And a particular group within the denomination had openly organized to pack the committee. And so we began w/ a pretty set voting bloc who for the most part, had already decided the issues before the first debate. To their credit, it was out in the open. Still frustrating. 19/

This was before smart phones, but I hear of groups who organize their blocs for votes via mass texts right before each vote. Is that ethical? Perhaps.

Does it also help create a sense of party spirit and mistrust among those not getting those texts? Indubitably. 20/

Paul had a thing or two to say about party spirit, thanks to the reports of Chloe's people.

"I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind... " 21/

"For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving like ordinary men? For when one says, 'I belong to Paul,' and another, 'I belong to Apol′los,' are you not merely men?" I Cor 1:10, 3:3-4 22/

And don't forget the "Christ" party (!), I Cor 1:12, who I take to be those who were too spiritual to get into the details of debating practical matters, and looked down upon those who sided with Paul or Apollos.

Apparently, they were no better. I am that guy, sometimes. 23/

So the point in all this is that closed online discussion groups - or other forms of Inner Rings - have the great potential to create and exacerbate this kind of party spirit that Paul calls "fleshly," immature. 24/

And a great clue that this kind of immature, "merely human" culture has arisen in a group is the way they speak towards those not present to respond. If you are in group like this and you hear or see open ungodliness, then say something. And reconsider your participation. 25/25

EPILOGUE: If you hear about another party in the Church & told to distrust them, it's best just to talk to them directly rather than believe rumors. 26/25

One leader in our denomination thought a particular "cigar caucus" meeting was a secret lobbying effort, when it was just a bunch of guys literally smoking cigars at a bar.

Of course, the name didn't help their cause. 27/25

And after that particular year of distrust (see above) in our denomination, I heard how various leaders from the various factions got together to hear each other out and to correct misunderstandings. 28/25

And so we did not split apart, because they listened to one another and figured out ways to compromise and live together in the same church.

These leaders made every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

It's possible. And it's commanded. 29/25

Latest Threads Unrolled: