Authoritarianism in Church Discipline



Discipline went sadly astray in the case of the blind man (John 9). It was the evil of authoritarianism which is an abuse of authority. After Jesus had healed on the Sabbath one who was born blind, the Pharisees decided to investigate the matter.
  1. The interviews to get to the bottom of this case were carried out in an atmosphere of intimidation. In verses 20 to 23 it is apparent that witnesses testified under fear.
  2. A second sign of authoritarian abuse is a cruel dividing of family and friends in the process of discipline. The Pharisees called family members to testify in the hope of using their testimony against the blind man and against Jesus. When the testimony of a man’s intimate loved ones is required to establish a charge, and when testimony about private conversations is the thin evidence of a case, church authority has overreached its mandate from Christ.
  3. A use of lengthy sessions to break a suspect or to establish his guilt is another evidence of authority turned sour. The Pharisees are determined that their interpretation of the event will prevail. It amounts to harassment. They pressurise the man.
  4. As the contention between the healed man and the synagogue leaders rose, the leaders grew indignant that a mere member would question them. (v34). ‘How dare you lecture us!’ At the start the Pharisees sought to build a case, searched for grounds to accuse Jesus and the beneficiary of His work. In the end, the issue was daring to stand in opposition to themselves. A subtle shift had taken place. No longer is discipline used to correct heresy and scandalous immorality. Discipline is employed to defend the officers and their reputation. No sin is now more grievous than that of criticising the leaders (however true the criticism). They have become paranoid, believing that nothing threatens the church more than a challenge to their authority (however misused).
  5. The Pharisees relentlessly persecuted the one who disagreed with their opinion and policy. When the healed man dared to grow more insistent in spite of their pressures and when he refused to concede to their unfair position, he was driven from their fellowship. Most severe measures of discipline were employed for insufficient reasons. No heresy or shocking sin was present. But the ultimate measures of exclusion and social ostracism were employed against him.
    (Summary of article by Walter Chantry in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Apri1 1988.)


    Any comments or questions please E-Mail me or Rev William Macleod the Editor.

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