Very few criticize McDonald's for their cleanliness and efficiency or their business model. The thing that many criticize McDonald's for is the quality of its food and the proliferation of the fast food culture. Perhaps that is something that we need to think about in regard to the Christian churches too. Is the exclusive franchise model something that Jesus approved of? Some Russian Orthodox Christians seem to believe that they have an exclusive franchise. They persecute western Protestants in Russia believing that eastern soil ought to be exclusively their domain. However, they are not the only Christians guilty of bullying. Protestants harassing Catholics and vice versa have been too common in modern western history. The persecuted often become the persecutors and none of it can be rightfully claimed to be something that Christ taught.

Did Jesus say anything about exclusive franchise agreements - where permission is given to defend your franchise with maltreatment or burnings at stakes? Did he mention anything about assembly line Christianity - stand up, sit down, kneel, raise your hands, bow your heads, sing to the music, fall over backwards, you pay we pray? None of those things is wrong. In fact they all have a perfectly wonderful use. However, are they the core that Jesus taught or the optional extras of Christianity?

I'm sure that some good argument could be made for clean restrooms, but the theological arguments for exclusivity are based upon the suppositions and theories of covetous men. None is based upon a clear statement of Jesus such as that Peter would ordain so and so and whoever he ordained would form an unbroken line of successors. Such a clear statement is simply not to be found in anything that Jesus taught. The same can be said for liturgy. Nowhere did Jesus or any of his apostles say that there is only one right way to "do" church.

Doctrines are a big cause of division between Christians. Church teachings are too often the predigested thoughts of past generations. There is a big difference between the teaching style of Jesus and that of McChurch. Like McDonald's food, church teaching is often fast food. We are not encouraged to think things out for ourselves, but are fed a diet of theological conclusions, that it took prededing Christians generations to form. Rather than being encouraged to think, we are told to check our brains at the door. We must all fit the standard denominational McChurch hamburger patty size. If we dare to think outside the square, we are castigated. Instead of being unified in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3), we are forced to an artificial McChurch uniformity in doctrine.

Yet there is a uniformity of doctrine that is important, the doctrines of Jesus. Surprisingly, most churches actually agree on the essentials that Jesus taught. Other teachings are of far lesser importance. You name the doctrine, dogma or idea that divides Christians and I believe you will find that it actually did NOT come from any simple proclamation of Christ or the apostles.

What do you think?