The real issue in coming to an understanding of what is an acceptable Christian practice, is not simply the process of Biblical or theological hermeneutics; but communitarian, hermeneutical method. In other words, asking the question, ‘how can we as Christians facing life together develop understanding of Jesus’ way together’?
Well, we need to use the Bible. But we also need to apply what we see and find in the Bible.
The importance of advocating ‘bottom up’ discussion of Biblical mores and application is vital. Whether the larger Christian community, in terms of an Association or an Assembly, should do anything other than encourage discussion, is a moot question. It is unlikely that we can establish a single opinon on any contemporary social or ethical practice that is apparently acceptable in the wider, secular community, outwith the context of a local, ‘thick’ Christian community: a group of Christians covenanted together to live out values and practices that they agree upon. The important thing is to get communities to affirm what is most important to them in the way they live their lives.
