The Corruptible Church

During the time when I was trying to decide whether to get serious about my faith one of the more difficult obstacles for me was the history of corruption in the church in its various forms.  I just could not understand how God could allow His church to become corrupted as it has time and time again over the centuries.

To be sure, corruption of the church has come in many forms.  From the various abuses that led to the Protestant Revolution, to the scandal of sexual abuse that has plagued many churches in recent years, to doctrinal perversions that have come and gone through the ages, the church has from the beginning been infected with corruption and abuse.  

When you think about it, it should come as no great surprise that the church would encounter its share of problems.  Jesus warned us that false prophets would come.  Matthew 7:15.  In fact, Jesus warned us that those false prophets would perform miracles in His name.  Matthew 7:22.

Just as Jesus warned, from its earliest days the church was infiltrated with false teachers -- people bent on doing evil.  In his second letter to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle Paul warned the church of the deceitful ones who had come into the church masquerading as servants of righteousness: 

^"12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. ¹³ For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."

2 Corinthians 11:12-15.

Likewise, in his third letter John praised his friend Gaius for the love he extended to everyone, including itinerant preachers.  But at the same time, he condemned the evil displayed by Diotrephes, who apparently had a "successful" ministry but refused to welcome the brothers and always wanted to be first.  3 John 5-12.

I guess this problem has been on my mind a great deal lately because of the number of people I have encountered who have been subjected to "spiritual abuse" in the past.  Spiritual abuse, I suppose, can mean a number of different things.  But, here I am talking about a misuse of authority by church leaders that leads to emotional, spiritual or financial harm.

In some sense, this kind of corruption and abuse is the most dangerous.  It is not the kind of abuse that usually makes the newspapers.  It is pernicious -- subtle, gradual and often difficult to see until it is too late.  It is the kind of abuse that happens when church leaders forget about their original calling, and come to see church as being primarily about their own ambitions, power and even wealth.

Why does it happen?  Because of man's sinful nature.  Speaking of abuse in the context of indulgences, the Catholic Encyclopedia says this (which applies equally to every abuse and corruption in the church):

"But the explanation of this may be found in the abuses which unhappily have been associated with what is in itself a salutary practice. In this respect of course indulgences are not exceptional: no institution, however holy, has entirely escaped abuse through the malice or unworthiness of man. Even the Eucharist, as St. Paul declares, means an eating and drinking of judgment to the recipient who discerns not the body of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). And, as God's forbearance is constantly abused by those who relapse into sin, it is not surprising that the offer of pardon in the form of an indulgence should have led to evil practices."

In short, evil people will come into the church.  Given the fallen state of man, that is a fact we simply have to live with.  So, the question becomes how do we distinguish the wolves from the sheep?  Well, first it is not about effectiveness or miracles.  The wolves will do great things in the name of Jesus.  Rather, it is about the fruit.

¹⁵ “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

True and False Disciples

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Matthew 7:15-23.

So, what then is good fruit?  Well, its certainly not perfection.  Nor is it a large following, successful book, powerful speaking or even leading many to Christ.  Rather, I think "good fruit" is primarily consistent evidence of love for God and love for other people.  After all, when you cut through everything what remains is faith, hope and love.  "But the greatest of these is love."  1 Corinthians 13:13.

There are many people I know who are turned off by "organized religion."  And, while I understand the frustrations that one can have because of the imperfect church, to me that is an incredibly sad thing.  I am grieved that people would avoid the church because of past hurts when a healthy church has so much to offer. 

I have seen so many great things happen in the imperfect church.  In fact, I cannot imagine going through life without the love and support of my church family -- imperfect though we may be.

^{God bless your church.}