“What’s the Difference?” is an article from Dr. Gordon H. Clark’s papers. Both the original scan and a transcribed document are here made available. If you notice any typos on the typed document please email the administrator at douglasdouma@yahoo.com.
**Items from the unpublished papers of Dr. Gordon H. Clark should not be considered his definitive statement on the particular topic addressed. These papers are being provided for educational value. For Dr. Clark’s official positions consult his published writings.**
Unpublished 59. What’s the Difference? (original)
Unpublished 59. What’s the Difference? (typed)
Notes: An article of Dr. Gordon H. Clark from The Home Evangel.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE
One Sunday a group of young people were playing and singing jazz in the Sunday School room. A slightly older member of the church appealed to the Board to prohibit this type of activity in the building. But a still slightly older member of the church reported with satisfaction that he was able to persuade the Board not to adopt such Puritanic restrictions.
Of course, opinions differ. One person objects to jazz in church, another does not. One person goes to the ball game on Sabbath, another does not. Opinions differ. And is not one opinion as good as another?
Yes, one opinion is as good as, and no better than any other, unless God has stated His “opinion.” If we have no sure word from God on how He desires us to worship Him, then an opinion from Tibet is as good a guess as one from Riverside Drive. If God has not given a verbal revelation, then the opinion that one ought to attend church is no better than the opinion that one need not attend church at all. Churches that deny a written revelation have no valid reason for existence.
But if, on the other hand, God has spoken, then an obligation is placed on all men everywhere to obey. Only an acceptance of the Bible as the infallible word of God can settle such questions as church or no church, religion or no religion, salvation through Christ from sin and Hell or no need to worry now about any Judgment to come.