If you tear it down ...

I love reading about the emerging church and Christianity in the postmodern age. What's disheartening, though, is the claim by some -- in fact, by many -- that the "institutional church" (IC) must be dismantled in order for the Kingdom of God to move forward.

When you read about the problems the deconstructionists cite within the IC, the common denominator is found in man-made systems. Sad to say, if the IC is deconstructed, whatever replaces it will suffer from the same, or other, man-made problems -- particularly power-oriented problems.

Incidentally, central spiritual figureheads and those who have adopted positions of power can be found in small groups, cell groups, "house churches," and any other place where you find "community."

Be on guard, deconstructionists: In case you haven't figured it out, we live in a fallen world.

Grace and peace ...