There is no such word as “discipled”: The word disciple means “student”:
(We can’t be studented nor can we have studentship programs.)
Actually that's a common misnomer. Disciple derives from discipline, so actually it means something more than a student. I'd say you could easily make the statement that a disciple is a student (IE: one aspect of being a disciple) but a student is not always a disciple. The key being the discipline part; not only are you learning as a student would, but you are actively using it as a discipline.
The Bible never says “make disciples”.
(This is a result of the modern English versions, twisting what Matthew 28:19 says.)
The Strong's agrees that disciple is the idea here: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3100&t=NKJV
(This is a result of the modern English versions, twisting what Matthew 28:19 says.)
I'm curious if you're reading this as "make students" instead of disciples? If so, I don't really understand the emphasis here?
Finally, I believe Christianity is going to outlast consumerism just like it out lasted early paganism so we probably shouldn't worry so much about it. The monastery I belong to is part of a 1500 year tradition and it is still vibrant.
Well, I agree here. However, I'm also not quite of the mind to sit back (certainly not saying you are at all!). I think this sort of correlates with the Calvin view of OSAS/Predestination concept that we're saved so we can rest on our laurels (or God's laurels if you will). I think if that were 100% the case, then we'd either be dealing with a God who clearly and distinctly manifests himself to us on a one-on-one basis or we would have a vastly different Bible. However, the Bible is very clear about
doing things.
Where this article comes in is too many churches are now trying to do things and they're leaving God behind. There is a happy medium and I think Christians need to wake up and realize what they're deal with. We are in a culture where we are disciplined to like things and want them. Does that mean the system itself is a vast conspiracy theory bent on controlling our minds? Not necessarily. However, that system has come to define us. Thus the Biblical focus on idols and idolatry. The only difference now is the subject; in Biblical days it was gods and goddesses that provided things. Now we have things (companies, gadgets, etc) that provide things.
This might be relative only to other nerds like me, but a prime example: PC/Windows and Mac/Apple computers. If you're using Windows, you carry out your tasks with a Windows discipline. If you use Mac, with a Mac discipline. Ever seen the Mac stickers on the back of vehicles or the logo you see often in moves, TV, and so on? (Not to mention the long lines, time, and more spent on these devices.) We consume these things, and then we need the new updated version!
I'm of the mindset that churches need to be in line with the times. I point to passages like Acts 17 where the Apostle Paul was familiar with and used some of the literature of the day to make his point. I believe God can work through TV, radio, or some other means of communication (afterall, look at CB where we are speaking right now). I think we have to be careful to not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
However, the above makes me think that we have to be careful not to become consumer oriented as Christianity (the church). The focus is on Christ and others, not ourselves where consumerism is directly focused on self.