Many Christians are in a variety of denominations because of doctrinal differences. The early Church had other things on its mind. In the Thessalonian church, Christians separated from each other because of a disagreement over work. Paul laid "down the rule that anyone who would not work should not eat" (2 Thes 3:10).

Paul became extremely upset by certain teachings. He states: "These are the things you must preach and teach. Whoever teaches in any other way, not holding to the sound doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching proper to true religion, should be recognized as both conceited and ignorant, a sick man in his passion for polemics and controversy" (1 Tm 6:2-4). What's the fuss? Paul took exception to the teaching that slaves could take liberties with Christian bosses. He said: "They must perform their tasks even more faithfully, since those who will profit from their work are believers and beloved brothers" (1 Tm 6:2).

Paul said that if we do not have good labor relations, the Church's teaching will suffer abuse (1 Tm 6:1). Paul taught that an employee's relationship with an employer should "adorn in every way possible the doctrine of God our Savior" (Ti 2:10). However, what the early Church meant by doctrine and what we mean seem to be different. Let's teach about life, lifestyle, work, and relationships. Let's not merely have religion, but commit our lives to Jesus and His new way of life.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2010

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