FROM THE EDITORS
Marshall Shelley
April 1, 1988
At virtually every gathering of pastors I've attended in the past year, the subject has come up. Either in general discussion or in private conversation, two or three names would be mentioned-prominent ministers who had stepped down after admitting some moral lapse.
The inevitable questions: Do you think he (or she) should return to ministry? Under what conditions?
The problem of lapsed leaders in the church is certainly nothing new. As early as A.D. 250, Cyprian, the bishop of Carthage, wrote The Lapsed, trying to address the problem. Perhaps his approach is worth reviewing.
Here was the situation facing Cyprian: For two hundred years the church had held a strict discipline, by today's standards, for any sins committed after baptism.
For example, the influential Shepherd of Hermas, written around 150, condemned the moral failings of the church: some deacons had appropriated funds given to them for charitable causes, and some elders were proud and even negligent. Forgiveness was not granted lightly. "Thinkest thou that the sins of those who repent are straightway remitted? By no means; but he who repenteth must vex his soul, and humble himself mightily in all his conduct . . . and if he bear the afflictions that come upon him, He who created and empowered all things shall certainly be moved to compassion and give him healing."
For most sins, the church would accept this repentance and restore the offender through a ceremony of absolution. Three postbaptismal sins, however, were considered so grave that forgiveness must be left to God alone; the church would not take responsibility for performing absolution. The sins: apostasy, murder, and fornication.
Bitter controversy arose in the early 200s, however, when the former slave Callistus, ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
