For those of you who don't know, Jonathan Edwards is often considered to be America's greatest theologian. He was a reformed minister, instrumental--both by his preaching and writing--in leading one of America's greatest revivals in the 18th century.
In a chapter entitled "The Crucible" the reader is introduced to Jonathan's forced resignation. Edwards believed that one must show some credible signs of salvation in order to participate in the sacraments. Furthermore, all parents requesting baptism for their infants must testify to a vibrant faith in Christ. Both of these stances, after almost 20 years of ministry in the same town, did not go over well. Eventually, the church voted him out, without really wrestling with the issues at hand.
Here's how Mardsen summarizes Jonathan Edward's reflections upon this event: "It was a great advantage to his opponents, especially in stirring upon the common people, 'that the controversy was a religious controversy.' Because 'a precious and important doctrine of the Word of God' was said to be at stake, the people could 'look on their zeal against me as a virtue.' They could 'christen even their passions and bitterness in such a cause with sanctified names, and to let 'em loose and prosecute the views of their bitterness and violence without check of conscience.'" (Edward's words in italics)
I think he's right. There's something about convictions that can tempt us to embrace ungodly behavior. In fact, religious convictions often inspire us to embrace attitudes and actions that do not reflect the grace of Christ. Does this mean we abandon all convictions? By no means. Rather, we must always pursue truth with a spirit of humility and with a desire to remain reconciled. Anything less than that simple commitment will not serve anyone well, not to mention failing to reflect the grace and truth of the Word.
I imagine this church that ran Edwards out of town has already realized they could have done better had they remembered who and whose they are. Paul's words to the Ephesians applies: "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4.1-5)
Peace.
