Avoiding Secular Influence in Christian Community and Decision Making

The New Testament warns against the influence of secular thinking and practices in Christian community and decision-making. The apostle Paul cautions the Colossians to beware of "philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ" ^[1]. This warning is echoed in various New Testament passages and has been interpreted by Christian traditions in different ways.

In the context of dispute resolution, Paul advises the Corinthian church not to take their disputes to secular courts, but rather to resolve them within the church ^[2]. This is seen as a way to maintain the integrity and autonomy of the Christian community. According to Tyndale House, Paul's instruction is intended to shame the Corinthian Christians for their failure to resolve conflicts internally, implying that they should have someone within the church capable of resolving their disputes ^[8].

The principle of avoiding secular influence is also reflected in Jesus' teachings. When asked to mediate a dispute over inheritance, Jesus declines, saying "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" [Luke 12:14, referenced in 5]. Adam Clarke interprets this as an example of Jesus' disengagement from worldly affairs, suggesting that ministers of Christ should not concern themselves with secular matters beyond what charity and discipline require ^[5].

The early Christian community's distinctiveness is also emphasized in the context of church discipline. Matthew Henry notes that the apostle Paul advises the Corinthian church not to associate with scandalous professors, indicating a desire to maintain the purity and integrity of the Christian community ^[4]. This is reinforced by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, who comment on the importance of Christians being wise in their interactions with those outside the church, "redeeming the time" and being mindful of their witness ^[6].

The avoidance of secular influence is not limited to dispute resolution and church discipline. It also extends to financial matters. Adam Clarke notes that Paul took care to have witnesses to his handling of financial matters, in order to avoid any suspicion of impropriety ^[7]. This prudence is seen as essential in maintaining the trust and integrity of the Christian community.

Different Christian traditions have interpreted these principles in various ways. While some have emphasized the importance of separation from the world, others have sought to engage with secular culture while maintaining their distinctiveness. John Gill's commentary on Matthew 7 highlights the need for discernment in judgment, distinguishing between legitimate judgment and rash or censorious judgment ^[3].

The New Testament's warnings against secular influence remain relevant today, challenging Christians to maintain their distinctiveness and integrity in the face of cultural pressures. By examining the biblical text and the interpretations of various Christian traditions, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of avoiding secular influence in Christian community and decision-making.

The historical development of this doctrine can be seen in the early Christian community's efforts to maintain its distinctiveness in a predominantly secular environment. The apostolic writings, such as those of Paul, provide a foundation for understanding the importance of avoiding secular influence. As the church developed, various traditions and interpretations emerged, reflecting the ongoing challenge of balancing engagement with the world and maintaining Christian distinctiveness.

The biblical text remains a crucial resource for understanding the principle of avoiding secular influence. As seen in Colossians 2:8, the warning against "philosophy and empty deception" serves as a reminder to prioritize Christ-centered thinking and practices ^[1]. By heeding this warning and following the examples and teachings of the New Testament, Christians can navigate the complexities of secular influence and maintain their commitment to their faith.

Sources

Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (BSB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:1: 6:1-11 When serious differences arise between two Christians, they are not to be settled by a secular court, but by other believers.”
Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 7 (introduction): Judge not, that ye be not judged. This is not to be understood of any sort of judgment; not of judgment in the civil courts of judicature, by proper magistrates, which ought to be made and pass, according to the nature of the case; nor of judgment in the churches of Christ, where offenders are to be called to an account, examined, tried, and dealt with according to the rules of the Gospel; nor of every private judgment, which one man may make upon another, without any detriment to him; but of rash judgment, interpreting men's words and deeds to the worst ”
1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 5:9: Here the apostle advises them to shun the company and converse of scandalous professors. Consider, I. The advice itself: I wrote to you in a letter not to company with fornicators, Co1 5:9. Some think this was an epistle written to them before, which is lost. Yet we have lost nothing by it, the Christian revelation being entire in those books of scripture which have come down to us, which are all that were intended by God for the general use of Christians, or he could and would in his providence have preserved more of the writings of inspired men. Some think”
Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 12:14: A judge - Without some judgment given in the case, no division could be made; therefore Jesus added the word judge. Pearce. A minister of Christ ought not to concern himself with secular affairs, any farther than charity and the order of discipline require it. Our Lord could have decided this difference in a moment; but the example of a perfect disengagement from worldly things was more necessary for the ministers of his Church than that of a charity applying itself to temporal concerns. He who preaches salvation to all should never make himself a party man; otherwis”
Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 4:5: (See on Eph 5:15-16.) in wisdom--practical Christian prudence. them . . . without--Those not in the Christian brotherhood (Co1 5:12; Th1 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion. redeeming the time--The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and buying off from worldly vanities the opportunity, whenever it is afforded you, of good to y”
2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 8:20: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us - Taking this prudent caution to have witnesses of our conduct, and such as were chosen by the Churches themselves, that we might not be suspected of having either embezzled or misapplied their bounty, See the note on Co1 16:4.”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:4: 6:4-6 I am saying this to shame you: It is a scandal for Christians to have to resolve their conflicts in secular courts, as if there were no one in the church sufficiently capable of resolving them.”

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