I've discovered a new movement in the last few days. There are a bunch of (independent, fundamentalist) churches in America, who believe that the Bible ought to be taught according to the acronym "I.C.E." This involves the following concepts, concerning which this article provides further information.
Isagogics: Interpreting the Bible within its historical setting;
(NB: This is mis-spelt "Isogogics" on many web-sites)
Categories: Understanding the Bible in the light of biblical doctrines;
Exegesis: Studying the Bible in its original languages, paying strict attention to grammar, syntax, etc.
Well, I find this fascinating. On one level, they're using complicated words to describe something quite obvious - that if one is teaching the Bible, one should learn Greek and Hebrew; look at the relevant historical and cultural context; and compare Scripture with Sctripture. These are things that resonate with me as a Presbyterian, and are all held strongly by my denomination.
So why is there a special movement to emphasise this, apart from the fact that Americans seem to love movements? And what can I learn from them? Well, as it turns out, when one digs below the surface, there are some grave problems with the ICE movement, and indeed they serve as a warning to Presbyterian churches, who are faced with similar tempations. Today I will restrict myself to just one more point, and finish this in another post.
The flagship church of the ICE movement seems to be Berachah church, who's pastor for 50 years, R. B. Thieme, has trained every other pastor associated with it. (Do you hear warning bells?) Anyway, their Doctrinal Statement says,
The purpose of this church is to present isagogical, categorical, and exegetical Bible teaching, standing unequivocally for the fundamentals of the faith as contained in the Holy Scriptures; and through the teaching of the Word in this church, the sending out of missionaries, and the ordaining of pastor-teachers, present the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ both at home and abroad.
The thrust of this church is to communicate Bible doctrine to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, for the purpose of attainment of spiritual maturity...
Isn't that interesting? The purpose of the church is solely to teach the Bible, and biblical doctrine. This represents quite a truncated vision of the church's mission. There's no concept of worship, evengelism, or even personal application. Everything is Bible knowledge. Worship is education. Church is Bible school.
Which serves as a warning to reformed evangelical churches. Don't be like this! Don't have such a narrow view of things.
Actually, it gets worse. But I'll explain that tomorrow.
Our next excerpt of Paradise Lost has Milton describing the True Love between Adam and Eve in the garden...
Here Love his golden shafts employs, here lights
His constant Lamp, and waves his purple wings,
Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile
Of Harlots, loveless, joyless, unindeard,
Casual fruition, nor in Court Amours
Mixed Dance, or wanton Mask, or Midnight Ball,
Or Serenade, which the starved Lover sings
To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.
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