The idea that voluntary forms of Christian religion are somehow closer to the original Christian meaning than are
established churches cuts far too many corners, blurs far too many important distinctions, engages in too much special pleading, and ignores far too much history to be persuasive.
By criticizing these two positions I am seeking to
establish that, insofar as we are committed to genuine renewal in the
churches that we represent, there are no short -
cuts; we must begin with basics.