Pragmatism – “The quality of dealing with a problem in a sensible way that suits the conditions that really exist, rather than following fixed theories, ideas, or rules”¹ To deal with the problems that face us in an efficient way that works, rather than worrying about set rules. It’s an approach that is prevalent throughout the church today. And it seems like a logically superior way to deal with problems, doesn’t it? If we answer this question with worldly logic, most definitely. However, the logic of our warfare is very different to that of the world. Pragmatism is a blight on the church that must be ripped out roots and all.

The problem with pragmatism for the christian, and the church, is that one cannot embrace it without rejecting the Word of God as the all-sufficient authority. When the Christian turns to pragmatism, he puts the outcome of the problem in the primary seat of importance, rather than faithful obedience to the Lord.

Pragmatism, as the definition highlights, is glad to set aside rule and theories in order to achieve an expedient result. One of the greatest examples of this in the Scriptures is Caiaphas’ words about Jesus. In John 11 Caiaphas says to the religious leaders, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”² Caiaphas was correct, it is better that one man should die than that a whole nation should perish. However, what he neglects to mention is that in order for this pragmatic solution to take place, an innocent man would have to be betrayed and murdered. The question that is not asked by the Jewish elites is whether it is right to do so.

Pragmatism sacrifices what is right on the altar of what is expedient. It casts aside the rule of God, for what gets the job done. It makes idols out of success and results and bows down and worships them at the cost of faithfulness and obedience. The worst part is, the god of pragmatism sneaks into our hearts without us even realising its happening.

Have you ever heard a person tell you that their action is justified because its for a good cause? One might call it the Robin Hood ethic. Steal from the rich and give it to the poor. The poor need to be cared for, stealing enables me to look after them, therefore it is pragmatic for me to set aside the rule of stealing in order to care for the poor. Would God bless such an action?

Yet, this is not a theoretical or historical problem. Consider a glaring example of pragmatism in the very recent past. Up till 2019 the Lord’s Supper was understood to be a sacrament for the gathered church of Christ. There was no real discussion of whether one could partake in the Lord’s Supper online while watching a live stream. Yet, now it is very common to hear of churches that broadcast their Lord’s Supper services so that members and others can participate in their homes. It is pragmatically justified, “People are sick and can’t make it, they need the sacrament too!” Yet these people don’t stop and ask whether its biblically right or acceptable.

The question is, how do we fight against pragmatism in the church and in our own lives? The only sure way to fight against this idol is to put faithfulness before results, and the Word before conditions. The Lord has given us his Word and has told us that there is a blessing involved in keeping it. As Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”³

1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/pragmatism ↩︎
2. John 11:49–50 ↩︎
3. Luke 11:28 ↩︎