Hey, imagine that. The UPC has NO WRITTEN statement on either of those. Reckon that solves that.
Which is great. But I was looking at the broader discussion as well. How many men on the General Board would feel free to come into the winter meetings with a beard? If word got out that any of them even allowed such a thing in their churches they would be castigated for not having a "clean church" and politically isolated.
It may not be written, but the social stigmas don't even allow for a discussion of these issues at anything like the GB level. And so, I would ask: why?
Which is great. But I was looking at the broader discussion as well. How many men on the General Board would feel free to come into the winter meetings with a beard? If word got out that any of them even allowed such a thing in their churches they would be castigated for not having a "clean church" and politically isolated.
It may not be written, but the social stigmas don't even allow for a discussion of these issues at anything like the GB level. And so, I would ask: why?
I don't know... the mindset on this is rapidly changing.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
That the income statements of all UPCI churches are published and distributed to each member in good standing on an annual basis, whether or not they tithe.
This one made me chuckle. I have never known to many churches, UPCI or otherwise, who looked at someone as "in good standing" if they did not pay tithes. The only ones that would come to my mind are the independents that teach tithing as not required.
Well then you tell me, how many do you know that would castigate a Brother for having a beard, and go so far as to say he doesn't have a "clean church" ?? Twenty or even ten years ago perhaps... but today most have abandoned such judgment.
I could be wrong but I hope (and pray) I am not!
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Well then you tell me, how many do you know that would castigate a Brother for having a beard, and go so far as to say he doesn't have a "clean church" ?? Twenty or even ten years ago perhaps... but today most have abandoned such judgment.
I could be wrong but I hope (and pray) I am not!
I sense that there had some a general trend toward lighting up on some of the non-Biblical standards, until the WPF thing came along. Since then there has been something of a bandwagon going around making the same noises that were made back in the 70's. It's depressing, really.
Just when things start to get back to the Bible, all we like sheep have to stray into judgmentalism and sin.
I sense that there had some a general trend toward lighting up on some of the non-Biblical standards, until the WPF thing came along. Since then there has been something of a bandwagon going around making the same noises that were made back in the 70's. It's depressing, really.
Just when things start to get back to the Bible, all we like sheep have to stray into judgmentalism and sin.
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