Two Plagues in the Church

What are the two major plagues affecting the modern church? Brandon Scroggins addresses the twin plagues of pragmatism and consumerism in the modern church. Pragmatism, he explains, refers to the tendency of starting with the wrong foundation - what works. This approach typically aims at drawing more people, increasing the budgets, and enhancing the number of baptisms. However, Scroggins asserts that the right starting point should be the truth, which can only be found in the Scriptures. The Scriptures not only reveal what is true but also guide us on how to conduct church life in accordance with that truth. The second plague, consumerism, is the idea of treating church membership like a subscription to a service, where we pay money and expect benefits. This consumeristic approach, Scroggins argues, is contrary to the essence of Christianity which is about putting the flesh to death rather than indulging it. Instead of starting with what man desires, we should start with who God is and what He says we need. John 8:32 (NKJV): 'And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'