Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
The Anabaptist magazine quote accuses the early church of early “apostasy,” especially on sacraments; based on the speaker’s definition of apostasy as “total desertion,” what kind of evidence would someone need before making that charge, and how should Matthew 7 shape the way we speak when we suspect serious error?
Another way to ask: If “apostasy” means totally abandoning the faith, what proof would you need before saying the early church did that, especially about sacraments? How should Matthew 7 affect how you talk when you think others are seriously wrong?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
By the speaker’s definition, calling the early church “apostate” would require very strong evidence that they totally abandoned the true Christian faith, not merely that they held a disputed interpretation. Matthew 7 should restrain our language: even when we suspect error, we should speak charitably and remember we will be judged by the harshness or mercy we use.
- He quotes the article’s claim: “False doctrines such as sacramentalism crept into the church… Apostasy arose early… by AD 150… saving merits of the sacraments… by AD 200…”
- He defines apostasy from a dictionary: “a total desertion of or departure from one’s religion,” and responds: “It’s not a light charge… That’s a pretty heavy judgment.”
- He ties this to Matthew 7: “With what judgment you judge, you will be judged… you get to choose.”
- He urges charity even if you disagree: “They have scriptures to back it up… but I think they’re mistaken nevertheless… that would be an appropriate Christian response.”
- He critiques quick condemnation: “so quick to call people heretics… ‘they strayed into apostasy.’”