The Dorean Principle: A Biblical Response to the Commercialization of Christianity
Conley Owens
Billions of dollars change hands in the name of Christ. Is the gospel at stake? Many rightly condemn the wealth amassed by false teachers, but at a fundamental level, little differentiates their practices from those of legitimate ministries. Seminaries, Christian publishers, and other church and parachurch organizations all engage in the commerce of exchanging religious instruction for money. Now, more than ever, the church must turn to the word of God to find wisdom on these matters. The Dorean Principle offers a fresh look at the Bible’s guidance on ministry fundraising and exposes common practices that run afou...
Episodes
Foreword
Foreword
Introduction
Introduction: A Call for Discernment
Chapter 1—The Command of Christ
Chapter 1—The Command of Christ: Reciprocity vs. Colabor
Chapter 2—The Policy of Paul
Chapter 2—The Policy of Paul: Contradiction vs. Consistency
Chapter 3—The Triangle of Obligation
Chapter 3—The Triangle of Obligation: Immediacy vs. Indirection
Chapter 4—The Burden of Support
Chapter 4—The Burden of Support: Difficulty vs. Obligation
Chapter 5—The Prerogative of Servanthood
Chapter 5—The Prerogative of Servanthood: Freedom vs. Duty
Chapter 6—The Sincerity of Ministry
Chapter 6—The Sincerity of Ministry: Pragmatism vs. Principle
Chapter 7—The Greed of Wolves
Chapter 7—The Greed of Wolves: Feature vs. Essence
Chapter 8—The Apostles of Corinth
Chapter 8—The Apostles of Corinth: Partiality vs. Equity
Chapter 9—The Pattern of Colabor
Chapter 9—The Pattern of Colabor: Theory vs. Practice
Chapter 10—The Testimony of History
Chapter 10—The Testimony of History: Claim vs. Evidence
Chapter 11—The Scope of Ministry
Chapter 11—The Scope of Ministry: Impunity vs. Jurisdiction
Chapter 12—The Challenge of Parachurch
Chapter 12—The Challenge of Parachurch: Help vs. Hurt
Chapter 13—The Issue of Copyright
Chapter 13—The Issue of Copyright: Protection vs. Freedom
Chapter 14—The Path of Progress
Chapter 14—The Path of Progress: Problem vs. Solution
Conclusion
Conclusion: A Final Word About the Gospel
Appendix A—Further Study
Appendix A—Further Study
Appendix B—Copyright in the United States
Appendix B—Copyright in the United States
Appendix C—Copyright and Natural Law
Appendix C—Copyright and Natural Law