Brethren in modern culture

Early on, Brethren were separatists, living in the world, but being sanctified out of the world (John 17:14-19). Trends, fads, popular positions, conflict, gossip, anything worldly, the Brethren desired to be out of that fray. Today, many Brethren have mired themselves in society, losing their identity in Christ. The focus has shifted from winning souls for salvation through Jesus Christ to more social justice work.

There are, however, Brethren who separated, and reclaimed the positions of old. These are still not unified across the board, and variences do exist, but these are not so far removed from our founding as Brethren. The few movements that come to mind are:

The Brethren Revival Fellowship

The Covenant Brethren Church

Charis Fellowship

The Old Order New Covenant

How can the Brethren help us navigate modern culture and what we see today?

The Brethren's position of simple, quiet lives, allow us to look at the "rat race of life" unfazed, and wonder how that pace can be maintained with such vigor. It does bring sadness as we consider those who are trapped, and we pray and plead with them to see and find the rest and peace that comes from Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28). The desire to climb the ladder, and amass possessions, really just causes heart ache and stress. What matters the most? 1. Our faith and growth in our knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2. Our family, both immediate and extended, including our church family, 3. Finally, our friendships with others. This is what matters and what lasts. We do not chase after the new, fancy, latest, or greatest. We use what we need, and we are thankful for what we have.

This brings contentment and thanksgiving. We do not view Thanksgiving as something only celebrated one day out of the year, but every day. We are not driven by commercials and the commercialization of practically everything, but are content with what God has deemed His will to give us. God knows what we need and He will provide. Therefore, the commercialized nature of society is tiring for us as we see nothing more than greed, discontent, and selfishness on display. The Scripture tells us to be content which has some amazing concepts:

Contentment stands in contrast to worry (Matthew 6:25, 34), murmurning (1 Corinthians 10:10), greed (Hebrews 13:5), and finally envy (James 3:16). John the Baptist gave some commands to those who were listening to him teach. It is very telling what he says in Luke 3:10-14 (I would suggest to study out how this would apply to Tax Collectors and Roman Soldiers. Very telling).

Through contentment, we begin to show our tust in God (Habakkuk 3:17-19); God's care (Psalm 145:7-21); God's provision (1 Timothy 6:6-8) and finally, God's promises (Hebrews 13:5).

Is this not the better way of living compared to "Keeping up with the Joneses"? This Biblical way of living removes so much stress from our life and existance. This does not mean we do not buy anything new or purchase what we need, but we are not driven by the desire of "must have" (1 John 2:15-16).

In the political realm, Brethren have a different approach. The church has weighed itself down in the political realm, becoming a political rally rather than a Biblical voice for truth. Brethren are apolitical, in general. We leave politics up to the individual (in some Brethren circles) or banning voting (in other Brethren). Political speeches are not made from our pulpits, nor do we stump for any party. We do call out sin, regardless of where or who the sinner is, and we call for our body to evaluate who they support based on God's standards, not personal ideology or belief. Our calling, as Christians, and specifically Brethren, is to focus on winning souls to Jesus Christ. God's job is to control nations, and establish and bring down rulers. There are many nuances which we will not get into, but, as an example, the Church of the Brethren, and On Earth, Peace, have gone astray. They actively engage with politics. They promote, and support many causes the Bible condemns. It is enough to simply work faithfully for the Lord, why mire ourselves into the cares and affairs of this world (2 Timothy 2:4)? We are servants of the kingdom of God, not the kingdom of man.

Brethren do not have a showy church service as many modern churches who have blended secular with Christianity (2 Corinthians 6:14). The Brethren desire a pure church which teaches, lives, and functions solely on the basis of the Scriptures. There are varying degrees of how worship is done in the Brethren, but true Brethren focus on several key points: 1. They do not have any symbols or very limited symbols in their sanctuaries. 2. The Word of God maintains the center focus in all that is done and said. 3. Music is tasteful and honoring to God. 4. Fellowship is based on the desire to help each other grow in faith, bear one another's burdens, display our love for each other, and to compel each other towards holiness and righteousness (this will be expanded when we talk about piety). 5. Lastly, our worship is simple. We have special music, and gifted talent, but our focus is directed toward God who gives the talents, not on the one who received it.

Lastly, many may accuse us of being old fashioned or close minded, refusing new ideas or thoughts. If the new thoughts run counter to the Bible, then they are right. We reject and defend the truth of the Scripture against any and all who oppose it. But, if something new comes and it has a basis in Scripture, we use and accept it. Brethren, by nature, believe in simplicity. Anything we learn, or hear that is Biblical, will be brought out to the most common level possible, where everyone may understand, or can study deeper on their own. The Bible, not philosophy, ideology, or opinions drive our services. We do not believe in special knowledge, secret societies, or closed groups. God's Word and Salvation is not closed off to just a select few. All we do is to be seen and understood by all. To illustrate, we can look at William Tyndale.

William Tyndale (who was not Brethren), was amazed at the ignorance in the clergy of his day. Debating a local clergy from the Church of England, the man told Tyndale,

"It would be better for the people to have the pope's law than God's law."

William Tyndale retorted,

"I defy the pope and his laws! If God spares my life, in a few years a plow boy shall know more of the Scriptures than you do."

Brethren agree! We want all to know the simple truths of the Scripture, and be able to delve into the vast depths of the Scriptures' wisdom. Each one of us, walking together, searching the Scriptures daily in order to know the Lord Jesus Christ, our Master.