Biblical Ethics Exercise #3: Participation in Religious Associations

Choices of Association

In this series of articles we will be exploring the realm of Biblical Ethics by considering example case studies and the arguments in support of and opposed to differing sides of ethical questions. This article we will look at:

Is it right to participate in religious associations supported by those who teach falsehood for the sole purpose of evangelism?

To set the stage for this particular question, it is to be assumed that the original participation in such an association is NOT for the purpose of acceptance (e.g. to act just like “any other denomination”) but instead is as a means to further the truth and challenge falsehood. This is a key distinction; however, it can become a difficult distinction to maintain as a practical matter.

Arguments for

Such associations many times reflect the “religious” thinking of a particular community at large. There may also be a social element which provides a widely open door to people who are, at the very least, open to “religious” discussion. Is it not a natural environment to discuss matters of Christianity with those who at least “claim” to serve Him?

As an example, Paul is seen as one who would go to the places of worship (e.g. the synagogue and the pagan altars) in order to preach the Gospel. Among the Jews he could argue the truth that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, while among the pagans he could argue the primacy and reality of the true God (cf. Acts 17).

Arguments against

There is a grave danger in taking part in an “association” no matter how minor a part that may be. To gather with such a group comes with the immediate danger of granting legitimacy toward the group and the falsehood held by its members. While the intention might be to seek out those to reach with truth, the practical outcome is to condone falsehood simply by one’s presence.

Truth Has No Association With Falsehood

The example of Paul is flawed in its application because Paul went to either God’s former covenant people who were (more or less) following what God had commanded in the past, or to pagans following total falsehood not in the name of God at all. To gather with those who espouse to serve the same Christ and New Covenant, yet by falsehood is a different idea. To compare with Paul’s situation, this would be as if Paul traveled to Corinth and gathered with the “I am of Paul” group found there (1 Cor. 1:10ff). How can one both join a group and seek to preach against what the group represents at the same time?