The P.O.P.E. in the Pulpit: Confronting the Crisis of Christian Unbelief: 1 of 5

A5-Part transformative experience

I. The Sanctuary and the Finance Office Part 2 here

The Christian world is a small one. Sometime in the 1990s, it became "okay" to talk about the hard stuff. We are now quite open about our struggles and tend to wear our hearts on our sleeves. This is mostly positive, though there are times when it’s better to keep things closer to the vest.

It is along these lines that I share a "tip of the iceberg" moment I had regarding the tolerance of sin in the church. A contact of mine recently revealed; without naming names, an ideology that has become pervasive in modern congregations: the idea that leadership is comfortable tolerating "sin in the camp" just to pay the light bill and afford a few creature comforts.

It appears that somewhere between the sanctuary and the finance office, the modern church has learned how to keep the building bright while placing a lampshade over the truth. Leadership is often willing to tolerate unrepentant lifestyles as long as it secures the tithes and volunteer hours of those living in open compromise.

To an onlooker not intoxicated by this corruption, it looks as untoward as a guest at a party dancing with a lampshade on his head.

To keep the lights on and the programs running, many pastors have mastered what could be called Pastoral Obfuscation of Proper Exegesis—or, more simply, P.O.P.E. It is the art of explaining away Jesus’ commands so that the pews stay full, the volunteer slots stay filled, and the donations stay steady.

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This series explores the method used and the coping mechanisms used by often well-meaning pastors to cushion the truth to their congregations. It must be acknowledged that the pastoral heart is often driven by the same impulse that moved Moses to stand in the gap for Israel. When judgment loomed, Moses

Pastor outlining the 5 Part Series on Unbelief

interceded, not because Israel was innocent, but because he loved them. This same instinct lives in many pastors today. They see the pain, the broken homes, the fragile faith of those entrusted to their care, and they feel compelled to shield rather than expose. Their desire is not rebellion, but protection.

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Next, Part 2 will discuss the Fiat Grace, and the inflation it causes, the leaven of sin (tax levy) and the inflationary tale of Fiat Grace.

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What’s coming in this 5-part series:

• The P.O.P.E. in the Pulpit: Confronting the Crisis of Christian Unbelief ✅

• Part 2: Fiat Grace and the leaven of tolerated sin.

• Part 3: Marriage for life vs. the Sadducee’s Gambit.

• Part 4: Saul’s rebellion and modern pastoral fear.

• Part 5: Christian unbelief, hermeneutics, and the purity call.