The end Justifies the Means: Recognizing When Pragmatism has Invaded Christian Thinking
“Pragmatism is a philosophy most easily summarized by
the phrase whatever works. The central idea of pragmatism is that truth
is proved by whether or not the idea in question “works,” meaning it produces
the expected or desired results.”
Though this may not sound like anything you have seen in the Evangelical church, it is essential to understand what happens
when pragmatism gets a Christian makeover. It may sound like this:
“I don’t
think that speaker is Biblical, but what if just one person comes because of their
name and hears about Jesus?”
“I
don’t think it’s really Biblical to perform secular music/shows during corporate
worship, but it gets people in the door so they can hear about Jesus. Isn’t
that what is most important?”
“Whatever gets them in the door, do it. Paul said we
need to be all things to all people.”
These are all claims I have heard repeatedly. It is my goal to discus some problems that accompany this philosophy. Does the end really justify the means? Isn’t getting
people there the most important part, by whatever means necessary?
When pragmatic philosophy invades a Christian’s
approach to worship and evangelism, usually one of the first things to be affected
is a high view of Scripture and solid Biblical doctrine. Any Christian quickly
realizes that the cross is offensive to the lost world (1 Corinthians 1:18;
John 15:18-19). Rather than going to Scripture to see how the Lord of the
Church demands these things be lived out, Christianized-pragmatism finds itself
going to the lost world to see what it desires. We find ourselves trying to
soften the offense of the gospel message for the sake of a larger turnout, only
to be left with entertained goats and starving sheep.
Josh Buice explains, “The problem with this ministry
philosophy is that it has no anchor. It’s like a ship drifting on the high
seas. Wherever the winds of culture blow and whatever makes the culture happy,
that’s what the church offers up to God as worship. Keep in mind, the winds of
culture always blow people away from God.”
We somehow convince ourselves that “selling” Jesus by
any means is a more effective approach than a Sovereign God bringing His people
into the Kingdom. Hyper-emotional highs that leave you spiritually super-charged
for a few weeks (or days), but back in the same apathy and sin-cycle you were
in before is a far cry from the transformation of the entire being that
Scripture shows Christ performs (2 Corinthians 5:17, for example) or the
worship that our Savior deserves and demands.
If unbiblical means are used and people repent and
are saved during the process, while we rejoice in that conversion, is does not
negate the disobedience. We will still be held accountable (Hebrews 4:13).
John MacArthur writes,
“Living in an unstable
age, the church cannot afford to be vacillating. We minister to people
desperate for answers, and we cannot soft-pedal the truth or extenuate the
gospel.
Subtly the goal is
becoming church attendance and acceptance rather than a transformed life.
Preaching the Word and boldly confronting sin are seen as archaic, ineffectual
means of winning the world. After all, those things actually drive most people
away. Why not entice people into the fold by offering what they want, creating
a friendly, comfortable environment, and catering to the very desires that
constitute their strongest urges? As if we might get them to accept Jesus by
somehow making Him more likable or making His message less offensive.”
Now, am I suggesting that all innovative practices are
unbiblical and wrong? Absolutely not. We also must make a distinction between
personal-preferences and doctrinal truths. However, when we begin to start elevating
the “reach” over faithfulness to Scripture, it would be wise to re-evaluate. We do not have to carry the massive burden of constantly being "relevant." We can rest knowing that as we obediently share the gospel, pastors are faithful to preach the Word and sound doctrine, and the Bride of Christ worships Him as He commands - the Lord of the harvest will continue gathering His people to Himself.
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10
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