http://askanything.marshillchurch.org/posts/2-i-figured-it-was-time-i-ju

This is a great question, one that I have been trying to struggle through for awhile. I think Driscoll would offer some interesting insight on the subject. Brady just put a link up to vote on our blog carver319.wordpress.com, so hopefully we can keep you on top.

Should the Regulative Principle be scrapped, or should we develop a framework around which the RP should be used?

This in response to the fact that some go way, way overboard with the RP and some simply ignore it.

I agree. The regulative principle can be taken to an extreme; however, the aim in my questioning is more broad and intended to address the issue of how normative (and prescriptive) Scripture is in our methodology as it pertains to various ecclesiological matters. When we say that we believe in the sufficiency of Scripture, are we intending to say that it is sufficient for determining our methodologies as well as our theologies? Do you see where I am getting at?

I think this can get a bit ridiculous and the knitpicks have a field day representing their particular view of the regulative principle. Some would say that the means of worship do not matter (ie hymnbooks or projected lyrics) while other would see these as out. Should communion be from “one loaf” or only unleavened bread? I hope we do not miss the forest from the trees.

I think you already know the answer to your question…Mark does not hold to the regulative principle – this is no mystery to anyone. I think the real question you have is the final one: “Why not?”

First, I tried to watch that video, and for some reason my internet connection is really slow, so I am going to have to check that later.

Second, from what Driscoll has insinuated, I am led to beleive that at times culture indeed determines their methodology. Now granted, whatever we do is going to be culturally informed. I mean, if we are going to have pipe organs and hymnbooks, we are saying that 18th century(?) culture is preferred. If we go with 21st century culture, it will be more praise choruses and the praise band. What makes 18th century culture more biblically normative than 21st century culture? Are there aspects of worship in the Bible (such as head coverings) that are culturally distinctive of 1st century Christianity that is not necessarily prescriptive or regulative in worship today?

There are some who prefer doing church the “traditional” way – meaning that of their parents or grandparents (usually early 20th century revivalism style). Others, say in Reformed Baptist circles, tend to lean to 17th century Puritanism. Still others are saying that much of this discussion is either adiaphoric or Scripture is silent on these matters, which then, is why I ask if you go from prescription which is explicit to general principle which is more implicit.

Third, practically speaking, I would be interested to know further how the regulative principle affects not only worship but church government and even missional practices, especially contextualization. This is important because in the worship and missional nature of the church, there is an inherent effort to be conversant, ergo relevant, to the culture. In such efforts to be relevant, how, where, and when do we regulate our methodology? I have seen and heard churches, for instance, who meet in bars, text messaging their thoughts and questions which appear on multiple T.V. screens and are read by their pastor as he preaches for a more “interactive” worship experience. How does the regulative principle address this? How far is too far? Where do we get the standard, and how do we draw the line and say this is unbibilical methodology? Other hot-button issue is multi-site churches. Should there be a virtual preacher on Sunday mornings? Should a congregation be divided in multiple campuses and still be called one church? That’s just a few for starters. I need to think through this some more.

Thanks for releasing your votes, and I agree with your sentiments.

Danny,

Let’s just say that it’s all your fault. Or, it could be the Southern Baptist default way of communication (that being the alliteration of course). But then again, I did leave out the poem.

Bryan,

You’re welcome.

Tony,

If it does, at least I know who to come after!