TJC

Tonight my friend the OD invited me to his church for a "special" dinner, which turned out to be part of a special outreach for the region. He had two reasons for inviting me, one of which was that this would be an opportunity for me to meet some more girls, since they would be coming from all over the region, and not just his church. Alas, I don't think there was anyone close to my age and single.

As for the church... of course, TJC claims to be the true Church of Christ, sent by Him during these final days to bring salvation to mankind. So what happened between the time of Pentecost until now? The Church simply apostasized (either gradually or suddenly -- how familiar are the pastors of the TJC with the Church Fathers and the teahcings and practices of the early Church? The so-called "Apostolic Churches" should do what they can to be reconciled with one another, so that they can present a clear witness to the common teachings of the Apostolic Church, even if they cannot come to an agreement on the nature of the primacy of the bishop of Rome. (And yes, TJC does claim that its teachings are apostolic.)

Reading through the brochures, I found much that I could agree with. But it is the differences that stand out and make me wary of going there. As a guest, how confrontational can I really be? I am invited to be a guest of their church, not to tell them about the Catholic Church. A conversation with one of the OD's fellows almost lead to a discussion about Christianity and what it is, but it was cut short by the arrival of another person.

Members of TJC are encouraged to pray in "tongues" -- it is something that they can do once they have been baptized and received the Spirit. Being in a room of people
using glossolalia, shaking, and clapping has always weirded me out, and it perhaps is the biggest reason why I have a strong emotional aversion to returning to the OD's church. It's probably the last time I'll be going there...

What are the marks by which we can identify the true Church? According to TJC, "every Christian needs to seek a church that shares the one faith that the apostles once shared (Galatians 1:8, 9, 11, 12; Epheasians 2:20, 21), has the abidance of God's Spirit (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 2:22; Romans 8:9, 16, 17; Revelation 22:17), and is confirmed by signs and miracles from God (Mark 16:20; John 5:36: Hebrews 2:4)." How does TJC show that God's Spirit is presence? Speaking in tongues? "Receiving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, is the guarantee of our inheritance of the kingdom of heaven." At the end of the praise service, there was to be a final prayer with laying on of the hands by the pastors. The OD's brother-in-law looked at me and using body language asked if I was going to go up to the front of the church where people who would have laying on of the hands would be, and I shook my head. I'm a bit wary of being touched for reasons that should be obvious.

As for signs and miracles: "Since the establishment of the True Jesus Church until today, many have found the truth of salvation in this church and have experienced the wonder of Gd's power." Not exactly objective evidence...

TJC teaches that "Sacraments--which includes baptism, footwashing, and the Holy Communion--are actions in which God effects salvation on the believer through the use of physical elements." Holy Communion is unleavened bread and grape juice -- TJC apparently is opposed to alcohol, given that during dinner, one of the church members was criticizing the doctor at his college for drinking. (The OD and his wife say they don't really drink alcohol, but perhaps there is a religious reason for this--I've never asked before.)

Does the TJC have a proper understanding of grace and nature? If not, then why would these "sacraments" other than baptism be necessary, beyond the fact that they were commanded by Jesus?*



*Which reminds me--what do the Orthodox think of the distinction in Catholic teaching between grace and nature? There are some American converts who are opposed to this distinction, but what about among bishops, both here and abroad?