p. 80 | What Next? by J. O. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 10, 1914

What Next?

By J. O. C.

IT is now reported that an "All Faith" church has been founded in New York City. That is to say, the organization of a body of people having any or no special personal religious belief has been effected. The query may be fairly raised as to the object of such a nondescript institution. With all the varied church beliefs in cosmopolite New York, one would certainly suppose that the most peculiar religious notions might find a congenial resting-place, without resort to another less safe institution.

So motley a class as this new church freak, could not have been outlined with the design of any certain missionary reform, since it has been demonstrated for ages that unity in religious affairs can come only through some well-defined cause, so vital and commanding as to be of such necessary interest to every one concerned that it dissipates every minor difference of personal opinion. Just imagine the effect of preaching any definite Bible doctrine before such a dissimilarity of religious beliefs, with the expectation of holding the organization intact. What then, in the name of all that a church stands for, could one trust himself to give expression to?

Were the real object of Christian association more generally studied, fewer of such aimless semireligious organizations would rear their heads, demanding recognition. It is the social sanction of similar institutions, having a church title, that tends to draw the common mind from the sanctity of Bible truth, and so eases conscience with the theory that it makes no difference what one believes, so long as he is sincere.

This speculation not only belies Bible teaching, but places ignorant heathens on a religious level with the most devout follower of Christ, and thus destroys necessity for any church organization whereby effectual work may be done for the conversion of the ignorant ungodly. J. O. C.