Critiquing: #014 The Church, Worship, and Unity

May 21, 2019 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier

Church attendance — Theology of worship — Denominational unity — Christian virtues — Ecumenical movement

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Episode Assessment:

Metric	———	Commentary
Degree of Accuracy	B+	The episode demonstrates a high degree of factual accuracy, particularly in historical contexts.
Degree of Coherence	B	The logical coherence is strong, with clear connections between points and thorough explanations.
Absence of Fallacies	B-	Few logical fallacies present; occasional overgeneralizations about denominational differences.
Degree of Evidence	C+	Moderate evidence is provided, often relying on anecdotal experiences and personal observations.
Degree of Testability	C	The claims are somewhat testable, but many rely on subjective interpretation and personal belief.
Rational Confidence	B	Rational confidence aligns well with the degree of evidence presented and the logical coherence.

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Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:

1. Degree of Evidence:
   The episode frequently relies on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences rather than empirical data. For instance, Tom Wright mentions his experiences with ecumenical movements without providing concrete data to support the broader applicability of these experiences.

“If you’re not united, why would anyone believe that there really is a new creation?”

^{Actual statistics on the degree of doctrinal unity among various denominations can be found at the Christian Thought Survey site.}

2. Degree of Testability:
   Many of the claims, such as the impact of Christian unity on secular perceptions, are difficult to test empirically.

“If you’re not united, why would anyone believe that there really is a new creation?” This is a compelling argument but lacks a clear method for empirical validation.

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Syllogistic Forms of the Arguments and Counter-Arguments

Syllogism 1: Christianity and Community

1. Major Premise: Christianity is a communal faith requiring participation in a community.
2. Minor Premise: Churches provide the necessary community for Christians to practice their faith.
3. Hidden Premise: Practicing faith in a community is essential for a full Christian life.
4. Conclusion: Therefore, Christians should attend church to fully participate in their faith.

Counter-Argument:
The argument presupposes that physical attendance at a church is essential for community participation. However, with the rise of digital platforms and online communities, Christians can engage in meaningful communal worship and fellowship without traditional church attendance. Virtual churches and online prayer groups can offer support, teaching, and community, fulfilling the communal aspect of Christianity in non-traditional ways. Additionally, individual spirituality can thrive through personal study, meditation, and small group gatherings that do not conform to traditional church structures. The essence of Christian community is the support and growth of individuals in their faith, which can be achieved through diverse and innovative means beyond the physical church setting.

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Syllogism 2: Unity and Credibility

1. Major Premise: Unity among Christians is a testament to the truth of the Christian message.
2. Minor Premise: Denominational divisions hinder Christian unity.
3. Hidden Premise: The credibility of the Christian message relies on the visible unity of its followers.
4. Conclusion: Therefore, overcoming denominational divisions is essential for the credibility of the Christian message.

Counter-Argument:
While unity is important, it is not the sole indicator of the truth of the Christian message. The diversity within Christianity can reflect the multifaceted nature of human understanding and interpretation. Rather than seeing denominational differences as a hindrance, they can be viewed as a testament to the richness and adaptability of the Christian faith across different cultures and contexts. Unity does not necessarily mean uniformity; it can be achieved through mutual respect and cooperation despite doctrinal differences. The authenticity and truth of the Christian message can be demonstrated through the lives and actions of its adherents, regardless of denominational affiliation. Moreover, the existence of diverse interpretations and practices within Christianity can stimulate healthy dialogue and growth within the faith community.

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Syllogism 3: Virtues and Community

1. Major Premise: Christian virtues require a community for their practice.
2. Minor Premise: The church provides the community needed to practice Christian virtues.
3. Hidden Premise: Practicing virtues in a Christian context is essential for moral and spiritual development.
4. Conclusion: Therefore, Christians need the church to develop and practice their virtues.

Counter-Argument:
Christian virtues can be practiced in various community settings beyond the church, such as family, workplace, and broader social networks. These environments also provide opportunities to exercise virtues like humility, charity, and generosity. The development of virtues is not confined to the church; it can happen wherever Christians live out their faith in relationship with others. Moreover, the essence of practicing virtues lies in the intent and sincerity of the individual, which can be nurtured in multiple contexts. Engaging in community service, participating in social justice initiatives, and fostering personal relationships are all viable avenues for developing Christian virtues outside the traditional church setting.

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Syllogism 4: Liturgical Practices

1. Major Premise: Liturgical practices shape the spiritual life of a church community.
2. Minor Premise: Diverse liturgical practices can enrich the spiritual experience of the community.
3. Hidden Premise: Spiritual enrichment is a key goal of church liturgy.
4. Conclusion: Therefore, churches should embrace a variety of liturgical practices.

Counter-Argument:
While diversity in liturgical practices can be enriching, it can also lead to confusion and division within a community if not managed carefully. A unified approach to liturgy helps maintain consistency and cohesion in worship. Introducing new practices should be done gradually and with clear communication to avoid alienating members who find comfort and spiritual connection in familiar traditions. The balance between innovation and tradition is crucial in fostering a spiritually vibrant and inclusive community. Furthermore, maintaining some level of liturgical consistency can help preserve the identity and continuity of the church, ensuring that all members feel a sense of belonging and connection to the community’s shared worship experience.

◉ Addressing Argument #2:

Ecclesiastical and Doctrinal Disunity

The argument that ecclesiastical disunity diminishes the credibility of Christianity hinges on the premise that the Bible’s inherent vagueness, resulting from disunity among its human authors, precludes any form of doctrinal unity. This essay will examine the proposition that if the Bible is irreconcilably vague, then no ecclesiastical unity is achievable. Furthermore, it will defend NT Wright’s assertion that disunity within the church justifiably diminishes Christianity’s credibility, suggesting that Christianity’s truth claims are weakened if its adherents, who possess both the Bible and the Holy Spirit, remain polarized on central doctrines.

The CTS Charts 3 document shown below highlights the degree of doctrinal disagreement among Christians, revealing significant discord on various theological and moral issues. For instance, the chart shows that there is a wide range of beliefs regarding the nature of Jesus, the requirements for salvation, and the morality of certain actions. This extensive doctrinal diversity suggests that even with the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians interpret central doctrines in vastly different ways. Such disunity is not merely about minor theological points but extends to fundamental beliefs that shape the core of Christian practice and faith.

General Observations from the Christian Thought Survey PDF:
The CTS Charts 3 document outlines numerous doctrinal positions held by different segments of the Christian community. It illustrates a broad spectrum of beliefs on key issues such as the divinity of Jesus, the nature of salvation, and moral teachings. For example, some Christians believe that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine, while others doubt this dual nature. Similarly, beliefs about what constitutes sufficient faith for salvation vary widely, with some asserting that complete certainty is necessary, while others maintain that a high degree of belief is sufficient.

• More charts with similar data are viewable on the Christian Thought Survey site. The data was gleaned from a survey of 406 Christian leaders on 200 items related to Christian doctrine and practice.

This doctrinal disunity reflects deeper issues within Christianity regarding the interpretation of the Bible. If the Bible were clear and unambiguous, one would expect a greater degree of consensus among its readers, especially on central tenets of the faith. The existence of such profound disagreements indicates that the Bible’s vagueness and the varying human interpretations contribute significantly to the lack of ecclesiastical unity.

NT Wright’s Position on Ecclesiastical Unity:
NT Wright correctly argues that the credibility of Christianity is compromised by ecclesiastical disunity. The Christian faith posits that the Bible and the Holy Spirit are sufficient for doctrinal unity and understanding. However, the reality of widespread and deeply entrenched doctrinal disagreements suggests otherwise. If the Bible were clear and the Holy Spirit’s guidance unmistakable, Christians would presumably be united in their beliefs and practices.

This disunity is not just a theoretical problem but has practical implications for the credibility of the Christian message. Outsiders observing the fragmentation and conflict within Christianity may reasonably question the truth of a faith that cannot unify its adherents even on fundamental issues. The lack of unity undermines the claim that the Bible and the Holy Spirit are adequate for guiding believers to a coherent and unified understanding of their faith.

Conclusion:
The extensive doctrinal disagreements among Christians, as highlighted in the CTS Charts 3 document, support the proposition that the Bible’s vagueness contributes to ecclesiastical disunity. This disunity, in turn, justifiably diminishes the credibility of Christianity. NT Wright’s assertion that ecclesiastical disunity undermines the credibility of the Christian message is well-founded. If Christians, who are said to possess the Bible and the Holy Spirit, cannot agree on central doctrines, it casts doubt on the sufficiency of these components for achieving doctrinal unity and, by extension, on the truth claims of Christianity itself.