Knox is solidly on the Bible Belt, not the gilded buckle exactly, but on the belt. There are several characteristics of local Christianity that have a strongly local flavor, such as a strong non-denominational urge. Several local churches even advertise themselves as such. I understand and sympathize with this urge to accept a wider range of religious belief. After all most Christians lay-people don’t get too worked up about the relative merits of the different baptism techniques like sprinkling, pouring (infusion), partial immersion, total submersion, immersion mixed with pouring, etc. These differences, which after all historically have caused and continue to cause schisms, do lend a bit of gravitas to Christian leaders. Without gravitas one wouldn’t be much of a leader, eh?
Anyway, back to the non-denominational urge. There have been many schisms of local churches. Curiously, sometimes even non-denominational churches have breakaway groups that form new churches. Historically, in the wider world, schisms are serious business involving torture and war. More recently major Christian schisms are more about television coverage and who gets the money. Locally these non-denominational schisms are much less serious affairs. What tends to happen is that a group of parishioners become unhappy with some aspect of their leader. It might be a perceived moral shortcoming, a doctrinal difference, or simply management disagreement. It is kind of odd that a doctrinal difference can arise in a non-denominational setting but it certainly does.
Sidetracked again! So let me get back to the non-denominational urge. Most local believers don’t really care about the fine print in their churches by-laws. They like and respect most Christians that believe and act more-or-less about the same as they do. The widespread use of marquee sign is a reflection of the kind of hazy and wispy doctrine with which local folks find comfort. Although the use of cute sayings on marquee signs is probably national in scope, Knox has embraced the practice. There are many interesting, sometimes inspirational, sometimes confusing, examples. If one were to just take photos of the stranger examples, it would be the basis for an amusing calendar.
A theologian or serious scholar of Christianity could have a field day exploring the doctrinaire implications of some of these signs. Several historical heresies have been unwittingly advocated (not, of course, the stranger stuff like Gnosticism). Not being either a theologian or serious scholar of Christianity, I can’t speak with much authority. I would like to ask you to ponder the example below.
Anyway, back to the non-denominational urge. There have been many schisms of local churches. Curiously, sometimes even non-denominational churches have breakaway groups that form new churches. Historically, in the wider world, schisms are serious business involving torture and war. More recently major Christian schisms are more about television coverage and who gets the money. Locally these non-denominational schisms are much less serious affairs. What tends to happen is that a group of parishioners become unhappy with some aspect of their leader. It might be a perceived moral shortcoming, a doctrinal difference, or simply management disagreement. It is kind of odd that a doctrinal difference can arise in a non-denominational setting but it certainly does.
Sidetracked again! So let me get back to the non-denominational urge. Most local believers don’t really care about the fine print in their churches by-laws. They like and respect most Christians that believe and act more-or-less about the same as they do. The widespread use of marquee sign is a reflection of the kind of hazy and wispy doctrine with which local folks find comfort. Although the use of cute sayings on marquee signs is probably national in scope, Knox has embraced the practice. There are many interesting, sometimes inspirational, sometimes confusing, examples. If one were to just take photos of the stranger examples, it would be the basis for an amusing calendar.
A theologian or serious scholar of Christianity could have a field day exploring the doctrinaire implications of some of these signs. Several historical heresies have been unwittingly advocated (not, of course, the stranger stuff like Gnosticism). Not being either a theologian or serious scholar of Christianity, I can’t speak with much authority. I would like to ask you to ponder the example below.
You very well may somewhat indignantly ask, “Well, what’s wrong with that?” And my answer is, “I’m not certain, but it bothers me.” The saying, although, without a doubt, cute and quite suitable for innocent youngsters, seems more appropriate to the worship of nature goddesses like Demeter and Persephone, than the God of the Bible.In any case it certainly isn’t any big deal. Just some of that local color.
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