A Critical Analysis of the United Pentecostal Chur

[BroMatt]

http://www.rickross.com/reference/upci/upci34.html

I found this online, and I wondered if anyone wanted to comment on the contents? PLEASE address the contents of the article, not any persons named in the article or the author.

This is not posted in any attempt to attack the UPCI, nor do I endorse the things written. However, sometimes it is a good thing to hear views from others that challange us to prayerfully search the scriptures.

[A.W. Bowman]

Just to let you know - I am reviewing the article.

[Cindy]

How is that critical to only the UPC? But, critical is the right word. I did not and will not read the whole article. It's too long.

[A.W. Bowman]

Originally Posted by Cindy

How is that critical to only the UPC? But, critical is the right word. I did not and will not read the whole article. It's too long.

No, while the UPCI was the focus, the author was clear that his article is applicable across much of the modern [Western]Christian church.

While I have yet to make any notes, I have spotted a couple of areas in the 20+ pages I have read so for that are deserving of additional comment/clarification. But, all of that for later. More time and reading are required.

[Cindy]

I got the point of not using the KJV. But I do use KJV and NIV.

[A.W. Bowman]

Originally Posted by Cindy

I got the point of not using the KJV. But I do use KJV and NIV.

Me too! Actually, I usually end up doing my own translations of difficult verses or those that have become the center of controversy.

[A.W. Bowman]

Okay, I finally finished going through this document. Most excellent analysis, worthy of a serious study, except for one thing:

The author spent his time taking the UPCI to task in their doctrines and world view, in particular, and Pentecostalism in general. The problem? His analysis is applicable across the board to the entire self professing Christian community.

Change all references to Pentecostalism to 'the church' and all references to the UPCI to 'religious denominations', and it works for me.

One additional note: While not every charge the author makes is applicable to every Christian group,it is comprehensive enough that I can't think of one group that does not fall within at least one of his primary complaints.

It is reminiscent of the charges made by Jesus against the religious leaders of His day, as recorded in Matthew 23.

[A.W. Bowman]

So, Brother Matt, it looks like the task of reviewing this evaluation of the church (as noted above, I am divorcing the author's critique from a specific organization or movement and allowing it to stand as a mirror to the Western church body in general.

While I will take the task, it would be nice that I have some assistance from the members of the forum. The problem is time. I am still engage in a major study covering the book of Matthew, chapters five through seven, along with a number of additional discussions on other boards, plus personal ministry requirements. Taking on this additional task will have to take something of a 'back seat', work on it as I have time sort of thing.

However, there are a large number of others here who are very well qualified to also take up this challenge - if they can fit it into their schedules as well. The author of the paper has set before us a very serious, not a trivial, assignment.

[A.W. Bowman]

My personal recommendation would be to take each major subject area in turn, and to discuss each of his points in order.

The first point: The Ministry. What is 'the ministry' according to the Bible, i.e., its authority, scope, duties and responsibilities within the church body - starting with the definition(s) of the original language terms from which we derive our ministerial vocabulary.

Anyone have any ideas or opinions?

[Sister Alvear]

I just personally think what people call THE CHURCH today is far removed from the ACTS church...however that is just my opinion.