Yet another silly speculation from me; just what you've always wanted!
For conservative evangelical churches which have rules and standards as conditions of membership (e.g., no drinking, smoking, dancing, or TV), I've had the thought that one must approach them in the same way as monastic rules: codes of conduct meant to help cultivate a certain type of relationship with God.
Almost immediately, however, I contest myself by saying that these rules often classify these things as evil of themselves, or if not, too close to evil to allow. Further, talk of "testimony" is often found, where monastic rules (to my knowledge) are not about showing sanctity to the outside, but rather cultivating it on the inside.
What do you think?
For conservative evangelical churches which have rules and standards as conditions of membership (e.g., no drinking, smoking, dancing, or TV), I've had the thought that one must approach them in the same way as monastic rules: codes of conduct meant to help cultivate a certain type of relationship with God.
Almost immediately, however, I contest myself by saying that these rules often classify these things as evil of themselves, or if not, too close to evil to allow. Further, talk of "testimony" is often found, where monastic rules (to my knowledge) are not about showing sanctity to the outside, but rather cultivating it on the inside.
What do you think?