1880's church splits

[mnphysicist]

Church splits have always made me wonder. Where I grew up, there were 2 ELCA churches located 3 blocks from each other. When I lived in IA, it was the same scenario. I had always heard it was due to predestination differences that caused the splits. Considering both were in agricultural communities, the level of theological understanding and discussion back then amazed me. I'm not saying a split was a good thing, but to have people discussing theology instead of building programs, music, hymnal color, pastoral vestments, or other fairly trivial topics must have been a wonderful thing.

I came across a sermon this evening that was pretty cool in its description of history.
http://www.peacelutherangv.org/sermons/sermon_2005-07-24.html

I'd like to gets peoples views on why theology was so important 120 years ago to the average church goer, as compared to the back seat theology takes today. (This exludes of course the discussions here on CF) I find it sad that few will dig into God's word like they did back then. Why has this happened, and more importantly, what can be done to bring theology back?

Ron

PS, please don't derail the thread into discussions of predestination, we can always start another one. :)

[KagomeShuko]

I really can't say, Ron, since, wow, I'm a member here on CF and LIKE discussing theology. . .or at least reading it.

All I can say is that it probably stems once again from a lack of really caring about ministry and focusing more on entertainment, buildings, and this whole "church growth movement."

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[RedneckAnglican]

too much TBN...places were people can be spoon-fed the gospel...without having to think too much about it...