Helpful post on how churches protect evil

This came out today on a blog I follow:

https://graceformyheart.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/why-do-they-protect-evil/

Some insightful tidbits:

While these churches would be very careful to deny any hope of salvation by works, they still teach that our relationship with God depends on good performance. Good performance, by this teaching, can be measured and compared. Thus, some people are more spiritual than others, some are closer to God than others, and some are more assured of Heaven than others—even within the church.

What’s the primary fear of those involved in the performance system? No, it’s not sin. It’s exposure. The greatest fear for many who consider themselves Christians is that others will find out the truth of their compromises. The draw toward sin is just part of the daily battle, but exposure of sin is shameful and humiliating. The risk of others learning the truth is the risk of weakness and failure. To be seen as weak is to become unworthy, even to be rejected. To be rejected is to lose honor, privilege, and power.

First, exposure of the individual’s sin is exposure of the system’s weakness. The truth is that performance spirituality, the attempt to find acceptance with God through the law or works, does not change the heart. The compromises of the flesh continue to reign in the hearts of those who follow the system. Sin is hidden, but not overcome.

So, when the abuser is found out, the failure of the system is exposed. If the sin of the abuser can be covered however, the failure of the system can also be covered.

But there is another part of the answer, one that reveals even more of the evil of the performance system. The flesh admires strength. Which person appears stronger, the victim or the abuser? A man who has abused women and has been able to cover his sin for a long time will be regarded as both strong and smart by those who look through the flesh. Victims, on the other hand, are considered weak and gullible by the flesh.

Now, I happen to think that restoration of pastors and church leaders who abuse is the wrong goal. Losing a ministry, being out of a job, suffering humiliation from others: these things are small losses under grace. We know that selling insurance or managing a fast food restaurant is not less spiritual than being a church leader. The right goal is repentance, subjection of the flesh, and walking with Jesus. If that means a person can no longer be in ministry, that’s okay.

Please go and read it for yourself. There is much more wisdom there, but this is what I found especially applicable to the RPCNA system.

First off, we see how legalism is wrapped up in the gospel - although the RP church would claim that we are all saved by grace and that our works have no merit, they fall into the trap of measuring people by their performance and alternatively praising those who measure up and condemn those who don't. Or, stated a different way, praise those who cover up and lie about their inadequacies and condemn those who are sincerely trying to conquer sin and grow.

Second, we see how much performance is wrapped up in the image of the church. That is why much of church discipline, especially discipline of pastors and elders, is hidden behind closed doors. The most legalistic of sessions are those who are continually pushing against the requirements for open meetings.

Third, we see how domineering and abusive ministers and members are lifted up in front of the people, rather than condemned. They are powerful vs. the weak victims, and exposing them would expose the church as no better than other "lesser" denominations.