It is often talked of purposeful living, but how much of it is rhetoric when we are honest with ourselves and examine our lives. One fallback from departing from ethical principles, is a loss of purpose. We are lost in a sense of despondency because there is no moral good in which to strive for. With no standard in which to strive or live for we sink deep into a pit of despair or despondency. Although believing we are free from contraints in the stride for freedom of legalism some have errored and abandoned any principle.

Definition Of Principle

The following definition is a partial text of the definition of principle from Noah Webster’s first Edition:

1. In a general sense, the cause, source or origin of any thing; that from which a thing proceeds; as the principle of motion; the principles of action.
   
2. Ground; foundation; that which supports an assertion, an action, or a series of actions or of reasoning. On what principle can this be affirmed or denied? He justifies his proceedings on the principle of expedience or necessity. He reasons on sound principles.
   
3. A general truth; a law comprehending many subordinate truths; as the principles of morality, of law, of government
   
4. A general truth; a law comprehending many subordinate truths; as the principles of morality, of law, of government
   

Philosophy Of Ministry

In my study of Ecclesialogy and human experience over the last 22 years, I have observed a change in church culture, from a philosophy of ministry or ethic that was based upon principle to that which is goal orientated. Which has been reflective of a sociological shift in ethics (reflective of situational ethics). This is the difference, as I understand it. The goal-orientated ethic would be stated as thus: As long as we achieve the end result or the goal, we have accomplished our purpose. Hence, if our purpose is “fellowship” (as yet undefined as the term is in contradiction of experience) whatever vehicle is used to achieve it is secondary to the end result. This philosophy of ministry has been largely popularized by the “Seeker Sensitive” churches that will compromise biblical principles (as traditionally been known) in order that the goal (bring people into church who would not normally come, and inevitably be committed followers) be accomplished. In practice these churches have pulled down fences (historical church traditions) that have been in existence from hundreds to thousands of years whether understanding their reasons for establishment of these traditions or not. Some of the byproducts that maybe viewed as positive have been freedoms of worship styles, multi-media and incorporation of the arts. Without writing a thesis there have been many negative byproducts as we have shifted from a biblical model of ecclesiology and ethics to a self-styled contemporary philosophy that has no concrete definitions and purely situational in practice. Of course reason says that you should never pull down a fence until you understand why it was there if the first place. Many of the traditional “fences” were torn down based upon their right to do so, without any biblical underpinnings.

The second ethical expression seen in philosophy of ministry is that of a “principle based” approach. Explained as such, based upon my understanding: Achievement of the goals are secondary to the principle that should be learned in the process of their achievement. These principles must never be violated for the sake of accomplishment. This view is perceived as antiquated and legalistic by secular philosophy/reason (and sadly by many contemporary clergy). This view was so beautifully portrayed by “Chariots of Fire” when Eric refused to run on the “Sabbath” (Sunday) as a matter of principle, regardless what goals could be obtained. The goal could never violate the principle. The proponents of this ethic were the “Reformers” of old, the Dwight Moody’s the Charles G. Finney’s, the Spurgeon’s, and this ethic so penetrated the cultural framework so much so that you see the influence in men like Winston Churchill impacted profoundly.

By violating our own principles we become guilty of hypocrisy. This becomes a violation of our own conscience and will. It is time to evaluate our own prinicples and our violations of them and re-instate reason with an honest heart before God.