There is a lot of push back today against the doctrine of “original sin”. Some question whether the Bible teaches it, others question whether it is fair that someone pay the consequences for someone else’s sin.
So what is “original sin”? The term refers not to the actual sins we all commit, but to the universal sinfulness shared by all human beings, a sinfulness which is traceable to the moral fall of the first humans, Adam and Eve.
While debated, some of the more common passages used to support the doctrine of original sin are Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Romans 5:18, Ephesians 2:3, and 1 Cor. 15:22. Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned”.
Some argue that it is not fair or just that humanity has to be punished for Adam’s sin. It should be noted that we are not being “punished” for Adam’s sin. Instead, we are living with the consequences of Adam’s sin. There is a big difference there. God does not punish us for Adam’s sin, that idea is mistaken.
However, because Adam fell, we live in a world that is completely affected by that act. Now someone may reply, “But that’s not fair! Why should I live in a messed-up world because of what someone else did?” That is true – it’s not fair. It is not fair when a negligent driver hits an innocent person and that person dies. But it sadly happens. It, interestingly, is also not fair that God would offer anyone salvation in Jesus Christ. Mercy is not fair. So, if we want only justice, we are in big trouble. But the Christian message is that God, in his mercy, is willing to reverse the consequences – this time with our representative as Jesus, instead of Adam. We can have the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ when we are united with him (Romans 5:12-19).
However, what is often forgotten in the push back against original sin, is why it is actually a very important Christian doctrine. There are many reasons why, including its explanation of why human sinfulness and evil is so persistent and pervasive.
But here’s another: when we discard the doctrine, we set ourselves up to look down on others. Original sin is a very democratic doctrine, because it means that we’re all sinners. We all have faults and flaws. We all depend on the grace of God. By denying original sin, we begin to think that it is possible to become virtuous, even perfect, and obtain God’s salvific favour if we perform certain actions.
This most famously goes back to an argument between two theologians back in the fifth century. Pelagius – who denied original sin – argued that it was possible for Christians to become perfect through their own agency. For him, “grace” was just free will, the Law of Moses, and the teachings of Jesus. In Pelagius’s thinking, if you acted sufficiently virtuously, you could attain perfection and God’s favour through your own good actions. This, of course, went completely against the gospel of grace as taught in the scriptures.
Against Pelagius was Augustine, the famous North African Bishop, who argued that due to original sin (which Pelagius denied) all people are deeply affected by sin and thus cannot earn salvation through their own agency. They need God’s grace. Augustine, thankfully, won the day, and Pelagius’ teaching was declared heretical by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.
A denial of original sin allows us to sit in moral judgment on those we consider less enlightened as ourselves. It allows us to look down on people in disgust. It creates the toxic environment we are seeing today in our public and political discourses where people look down on others who do not share their own particular opinions and beliefs.
Sadly, Christians who believe in original sin can be as equally toxic or destructive as anyone else. But that is inconsistent with their core beliefs. If a Christian believes in original sin, then they have to equally believe in the beautiful doctrine of grace. That our salvation is not based on our own works and actions, but on the works and actions of Jesus Christ. And thus, it is impossible to look down on anyone, and as the famous saying goes, “there but for the grace of God go I”.
As in wider society, there is significant anxiety among many Christians. Apart from general worries about Covid, lockdowns, livelihoods, vaccinations (for and against), vax mandates, and some people losing their jobs, some Christians are also concerned about the State impinging on the Church, or about how churches can operate within the traffic light system.
From our very wide contacts across churches, however, we can confidently say that most Christian people in New Zealand accept that Covid restrictions and vaccinations are necessary measures during a pandemic (even though some may disagree with the Government on many matters), and that the vast majority of Christian pastors believe they should obey the authorities, are feeling for those most vulnerable, care for those they disagree with, are struggling with how best to hold church gatherings within the new framework, and are eagerly looking forward to completely unrestricted church services post-pandemic.
As is their right, and on various grounds, some Christians have decided not to take the vax, and continue to act with grace, reason, and respect towards others. Some others have become close-minded, angry, militant, and divisive, and that is causing problems in some churches.
To all Christians we say: love and honour one another, listen to one another, show the fruit of the Spirit, and whatever your views on lesser matters always keep Christ at the centre.
CHOICES: vaccination certificate-required church, or open-entry?
This issue is particularly preoccupying church leaders at this time. The very idea of the Government prescribing who may or may not come to church is troubling to many. Some believe the separation of vaxed and unvaxed believers us contrary to biblical principles. Some see the matter from a more pragmatic perspective.
Some churches, especially those which already have multiple services, may decide to offer two different types of church services (at least once we reach the orange level):
vaccination-certificate-required church gatherings (which are allowed to be larger)
open-entry church gatherings (but with smaller numbers allowed – see the NZCN summary graphic of the traffic light system above). In these services, no consideration need be given to whether or not attenders are vaccinated. We feel it is unhelpful to see these open-entry services as just “services for the unvaccinated”.
Some smaller churches may opt for just one or more open-entry services.
For very large churches, with thousands of members, limits on numbers are obviously highly restricting. Some such churches may delay resuming on-site church services for some months.
Some churches may rely heavily on small groups.
Some may hold outdoor gatherings or picnics, in accordance with whatever is permitted at the time.
Some churches would like the Government to change the rules about church gatherings. For the sake of public health, the authorities may or may not be willing to agree to that. For instance, some are hoping that tests such as Rapid Antigen Tests may be able to be used by some who don’t have vaccination certificates.
Please pray for church leaders as they find their way through all this, and also please let us know what your own church or denomination is thinking! We are happy to share useful resources.
Here is a heartfelt piece from Rev Frank Ritchie, asking for people to be generous with regard to whatever decisions their church makes. Among other things, Frank writes: “Be gentle with your leaders. I can almost guarantee any who take this seriously will be having sleepless nights and have probably shed tears. They feel the pressure of loud voices. If they’re listening, they’ll be wondering if they’re making the right calls. There is no absolute right and wrong in navigating this. We stick close to God and trust that the wisdom of the Spirit is guiding our steps…”
We the Church respect our Government’s role in keeping our country safe through the implementation of varying measures as we confront the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic together. To them we pledge our peaceful cooperation.
We the leaders of the Church respect the consciences and choices made by each church member to be vaccinated or not vaccinated. To them we pledge our impartial care and edification.
We the members of the Church respect the challenges facing our leaders in facilitating the gathered life of the church whilst cooperating with the varying measures asked of all organisations. To them we pledge our encouragement and patience.
We the vaccinated leaders and members of the Church respect the consciences and choices of our unvaccinated leaders and members, and accept that the way we are able to interact with them will be limited as we confront the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. To them we pledge our non-judgemental love and solidarity.
We the unvaccinated leaders and members of the Church respect the consciences and choices of our vaccinated leaders and members, and accept that the way we are able to interact with them will be limited as we confront the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. To them we pledge our non-judgemental love and solidarity.
We the Church have chosen to be known by the love we have for one another, and choose the privilege of demonstrating that love to all people through the mutual respect we have promised to embrace.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
James 3:17-18
The 22 October announcements have been helpful, in that at least we know what the new rules are and how they affect churches. For churches, the new rules contain both some welcome easing of restrictions and also some ongoing challenges for churches of every size. One good thing is that churches are free to choose for any particular gathering whether they require vaccination certificates or not, and then to operate that gathering with the required numerical limits and safety measures.
Below, we set out our take on the new rules as they apply to churches, and also suggest some options for how churches may gather. These are far from easy times (we remain in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, and many Christians continue to feel a deep unease with restrictions on church gatherings), but we are confident that with God’s guidance we can find our way through.
The new COVID-19 protection framework:
our summary of what it means for churches
SOME REASONABLE AND PERMISSIBLE OPTIONS…
All-in church services: Some churches may decide to hold church services for everyone, with no vaccination certificate required but with limits on numbers, and to manage the risks for everyone with all appropriate safety measures in place. Small churches would be able to hold just one service, while larger churches would require two or more services.
Two different types of church services: Some churches may decide that they will hold two different types of services…
Church service(s) which are only for those who have vaccination certificates, and which can have greater numbers attending.
Church service(s) which are open to everyone, regardless of vaccination status, and which have smaller numbers allowed.
Those church services which require vaccination certificates and those which don’t would need to be clearly designated, so everyone knew what they were attending, and on what basis. We must also do all we can to avoid any sense of division.
Providing access to church in other ways: Some churches may decide that they will care for and make provision for those who are unvaccinated in other ways, such as through small groups, zoom gatherings, pastoral visits, and through continuing access to church services through livestreaming, Zoom, and so on.
Waiting: Some churches may feel reluctant to gather until everyone can gather together. This is very understandable, but churches will need to take into account that the current rules are likely to remain in place for quite a long time.
Finally, here are some reflections and questions by Tim Palmer as a follow-up to his article last week.
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.
2 Timothy 2:7
If you did not see our post last week, on “Christian churches and Covid lockdowns, the jab, and vaccination certificates”, see here. We reported what appear to be the majority and minority positions among Christians on a number of Covid-related issues.
Our overarching concern, though, was to encourage Christian people to avoid ungodly division and rancour over these matters, and instead to relate with respect and graciousness to those we may disagree with. As fellow believers in Christ, we must carefully guard our unity in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6).
We also noted the biblical mandate to obey the governing authorities (e.g. Romans 13:1), even though we all know that this and every other human government sometimes gets things wrong.
Insights from various sources
In the last week or so we have become aware of many Christians writing on these matters. Here’s some of it (and we don’t necessarily endorse all of it). See, for instance, this piece by Tim Palmer, surveying a wide range of Christian perspectives on vaccination. Or this article from the Baptists, as well as these from the Syndey Morning Herald, The Gospel Coalition TGA U.S. Edition, and especially this piece from TGA Canadian Edition.
And finally, here’s an interesting secular article from The Spinoff on the wide range of people who are not happy with taking the vaccination.
Determine your position and then communicate your position with as much love, humility and patience as you can muster. And then huddle together, pray and endure.
This too shall pass.
Don’t let a momentary agony rob you of an eternal glory. Don’t sacrifice your ministry, your fellowship or your soul in support of either side of this passing controversy. Make reasonable policies, communicate kindly with affected parties, suffer losses and transfers with quiet dignity and pray for wisdom, insight and blessing upon our elected officials. We are in a crisis and many people outside the church are making extraordinarily difficult decisions on our behalf.
Lord have mercy!
TGA Canadian Edition
Lockdown protests
We have been asked what NZCN’s view is on lockdown protests, and whether Christians should participate in them. Our view is that in a free society public protest is a valued right, and we make no judgement on whatever concerns and values may lie behind any current protests.
In the context of a pandemic, however, our rights of assembly are temporarily restricted by emergency laws, and our personal liberties are necessarily constrained for the sake of others. All Christians must act within the law, and must not do anything which would risk further prolonging the current public health crisis.
We are aware that some protests are planned to take place around the country. If you are planning to go, please keep safe and protect others by following the practices of social distancing, wearing masks, and turning on Bluetooth tracing in your Covid app.
Whatever government is in office, we are urged to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:2).
As in society at large, Christian people and churches hold a wide range of views on all sorts of things, including some of the current issues around Covid and vaccinations. But here’s our take on what the majority of Christians and churches think in these matters…
1 Lockdowns
Almost all Christians accept that the purpose of lockdowns is to help prevent the spread of a highly contagious virus, and a major threat to public health. Yes, lockdowns seriously affect many businesses and livelihoods, temporarily restrict our freedom of movement, and have brought the suspension of large gatherings including church. However, lockdowns have spared New Zealand the huge loss of life that has happened in many other countries. In all parts of society, there appears to be some flouting of lockdown rules. But most Christians would not see that as responsible or morally right, and most do their best to comply with lockdown rules.
As Christians, we are biblically bound to submit to the law, and to respect and pray for those who govern. We don‘t have to agree with everything governments think or do. Who does, with any government? At the time the New Testament was still being written, some emperors were ruthless despots, who required people to either worship them or be put to death. The biblical injunction to obey the powers that be is not absolute, however: Christians should put God first if those in authority forbid us to hold or express our faith, or if they try to compel us to do something clearly unethical and wrong.
2 Vaccinations
As with society at large, the majority of Christians are willing to accept public health authorities’ assurances that Covid vaccines are generally safe and effective for most people, and that a high vaccination rate is the key to New Zealand starting to move beyond a reliance on lockdowns to manage the pandemic. Most church leaders accept that when a high percentage of the New Zealand population is vaccinated, all of us (including the unvaccinated) will be better protected against the virus, and that as a society we can then move forward. Some church leaders have been pro-active in encouraging their people to get vaccinated, to help protect them, while at the same time respecting individual choices.
For various reasons, a minority of Christians are unwilling or unable to take the vaccine, or have serious hesitations or worries about taking the jab. The anti-vax movement is not a specifically Christian movement, but it does include some Christians. Some are influenced by medical professionals here and overseas who have raised concerns about the Covid vax. Some others fear that something underhand could be going on.
To vaccinate or not is not an issue of doctrine, but a medical and public health issue. It is not an issue which excuses us from Jesus’ command to love one another, or which nullifies the principle of making “every effort to guard our unity in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). We recommend church leaders encourage their people to make their own well-informed, prayerful decision, to respect the conscience of others, and to avoid judging those who see things differently.
3 Vaccination certificates
Vaccination certificates could be another useful practical tool in the fight against Covid, at least in the short term until vaccination rates reach 90%. Because of Christian values of welcoming all, however, most churches would be very concerned if people without a vaccination certificate were excluded by law from attending church. Most churches will likely want to retain measures to help protect everyone, including those not vaccinated. Some unvaccinated people may choose to avoid mass gatherings for the time being. Those attenders who are vaccinated may be at a relatively low risk from those who are not. It was reassuring to hear the Prime Minister say that churches would probably not be included in laws to exclude the unvaccinated.
ALSO
In these strange and uncertain times, it is good for Christian believers and churches to keep the main things the main things: to love God, to love others, to proclaim Christ, to be salt and light, and to pray and work for the extension of the God’s kingdom.
