For clarity and to avoid derailing this thread further, I am moving this to a fresh post.
Heirbyadoption wrote:
Thank you for sharing that. It certainly expresses many good benefits of having a corporate rule of life. But it doesn't really answer the questions which seem like they would be fundamental ones prior to expanding on those benefits. Would be glad for your perspective on them specifically.
Do we have Biblical authority to do so? ... At what point our extraBiblical applications/legislations become Divine-command-violating-traditions such as Jesus warned about?
Perhaps these things are non-issues for some. From discussions with folks on here and throughout Anabaptist circles, they are a major question in the mind of many, especially in my generation; not to seek an escape so much as in recognition that we have inherited much of our faith in practice rather than having primarily developed it through personal conviction, coupled with the privilege of looking back on history and seeking where the car has left the rails at times (for a variety of reasons). In that recognition, I get the distinct impression (again from my generation especially , being the late 20s-early 40s) that we desire to establish a solid Scriptural foundation if we are going to commit to upholding various practices or corporate rules of life. As such, to the quote questions, there seem to be 4 realistic possibilities. Where there is overlap from your article, Ernie, I apologize. And if I have missed it, I also apologize, but I didn't see your article address these so much as promoting the benefits and practicality of having a corporate rule of life.
1. The Scriptures are silent on establishing a corporate rule of life, and we are at liberty to form them and request compliance to them within our congregations and of those that would seek to unite with us.
2. The Scriptures promote the benefits of the establishment of a corporate rule of life.
3. The Scriptures caution against the dangers of the establishment of a corporate rule of life.
4. The Scriptures are explicit against establishing a corporate rule of life, and we do not have the authority to form them nor to request compliance to them within our congregations and of those who would seek to join us.
For clarity and to avoid derailing this thread further, I am moving this to a fresh post.