<

Johannes Gutenberg changed church.

With the invention of movable type and the completion of the first printing press in 1440, Johannes effected change in science, art—yes and even religion. Mass transmission of the printed text changed the world.

It changed the church.

I grew up believing I alone was among the few who belonged to the New Testament Church.  I was partially right.

I was right that I belonged to Christ’s church.

I was wrong in my identification of God’s children. I was also wrong in believing my way of doing church was identical with the church of the first century.

It dawns on me that Johannes Gutenberg is to blame.

Hear me out on this one.

Think about it. Prior to movable printing type human kind depended on rare copies of manuscripts and hearing the preaching of clergy to learn of God’s purpose in His world.

With the invention of the printing press and the distribution of the Gutenberg Bible Scripture became available to us commoners.

It turns out the not-so-great aspect was us commoners all had an opinion.

In addition, Mr. Gutenberg’s invention allowed the rapid spread of written history and many aspects of culture.

Poof, we were no longer in isolation.

Most all churches in America have DNA from the Great Awakening, the Second Great Awakening, and the Civil War.

Through the printed page my generation inherits all of the fights and traditions generated throughout Catholic history, protestant history, and American history.

Gutenberg’s printing revolution moved the war into the backyard of my soul.

I inherit more of the culture initiated by Johannes Gutenberg than I can possibly imagine. Through culture and the printed page I acquire truths and untruths.

The question is what do I do with Gutenberg’s resulting church?

Here is how I am attempting to address Gutenberg’s church in my own life:

1. I want my commitment to God generated from the depth of my soul.

2. I want to live within the entirety of Scripture, making an all out effort to know the heart of God and of His desire for me.

3. I want to strive for humility as I relate to God and others. As I discover tradition in my own life that I have mistaken for doctrine, it makes me want to be more tolerant with others.

4. I want to remember God is in control and remind myself that He did not appoint me to judge His church.

5. I want to trust God’s indwelling Spirit to help me grow to be more like His Son.  For it is the Son who paints over my human weaknesses and human miss-understandings with His blood.

6. I want to be a healthy member of the body of Jesus–His church.

How have you transferred your membership from Gutenberg’s church to the church of God?

Stay tuned.

Gary J. Sorrells – Reflecting on Cross Church

http://www.godreflection.org