Hardware versus Software
When there are isolated malfunctions and separate errors in a system, it is generally the individual component, mechanism, and/or device—a.k.a. the hardware—that is evaluated and either repaired, replaced, or recycled. However, when there are malfunctions and errors that are widespread, occurring frequently in a large number of components, mechanisms, and/or devices (the system is down), the issue is more complex…but also, paradoxically, more rudimentary.
There have been plenty of cases where widespread problems stem from a manufacturer defect. In these cases, the fault lies not with the hardware or the software of the product itself, but actually with the manufacturer’s product testing protocols.
There are also instances when malfunctions and errors occur en masse due to software issues. These issues can be much more problematic. Hardware malfunctions, while varying in degree, can often be diagnosed visually (though some level of invasive action may be necessary in certain cases).
In very broad and basic terms, the modern technological components that comprise any device (hardware and software), are two sides of the same coin. The purpose of the hardware is to provide a vehicle through which software can be run. The cellular device I’m holding in my hand would be useless if it was only hardware.
The software, coupled with electricity, is what makes the hardware functional. If there is a problem with the individual hardware that comprises my phone, the software won’t be able to operate correctly. But if there is a problem with the software—if the malfunction or error is systemic—then it won’t matter the condition of my device’s hardware. The system will not function as intended.
If the system is down, the device, no matter the condition, will malfunction until the error in the system is corrected. A new phone won’t fix a systemic problem.
Over the past few years, what has become clear is that the Church in America, having dealt with the malfunctions and errors of individual leaders and ministries, is facing serious systemic problems. These are not hardware issues.
For so many of the same types of malfunctions and errors to be occurring—many of which have come to light in the past three and a half years—the error must be software related. What’s more, it’s apparent that a large number of these systemic problems are due to viruses and malware that have been integrated into the system by its oversight.
I’m aware that I’m not the first one to take notice of this mass system failure. It’s all over social media. What has been particularly troubling are the efforts—or lack thereof—being made to “diagnose and address” these issues.
Addressing Systemic Issues
Setting aside the metaphors, churches, ministries, and leaders, large and small, that have been rocked by scandals, have only been focused on one thing: damage control. Precious few—a number that I can count on one hand—have addressed the problems of gross sexual immorality, abuse en masse, and rampant avarice adequately and correctly.
Those involved have been unrepentant when caught, have lied attempting to save face, and then have tried to move on as if nothing happened. Some, barely a year post-scandal, have started new ministries. Yet in my estimation, the worst problem revealed—the major systemic problem—has been the collective mindset of a large portion of the church: I’ll call them the consumer base.
It’s the consumer base that enables the predators, abusers, and snake-oil salesmen (after they’ve been caught), to return to their trades and reopen their shops.
It’s the consumer base that is so enamored with the created celebrity-leadership culture, that they step over the victims of their panjandrum idols to get a front-row seat at their comeback tour.
It’s the consumer base that demonizes the abused, telling them to keep quiet and take it because that’s what it costs to see revival.
Sadly, I could go on… but I think I’ve made my point.
It is this consumer base, and the system structure’s oversight that created it, that has demonstrated the need for a hard system reset.
A need that is met with ardent opposition.
So much so, in an attempt to avoid it, most have either been ignorant enough or arrogant enough (it’s funny how often those two coincide) to think that by simply removing the malfunctioning leader, board, group, etc., and replacing them with a new one, the issues will be resolved. But again, if the problem is systemic—a software issue—a new device won’t fix it.
To ensure the malfunctions and errors are addressed properly, there has to be a full diagnostic analysis conducted of the entire system.
To be clear: no, I’m not suggesting Deconstructionism. Deconstructionists presume the present issues stem from manufacturer defects. As such, they seek to recalibrate the system in a way contrary to its original programming (the New Testament). In an effort to distance themselves from a system that has hurt them and others (a fact I am in no way diminishing), they have swung the pendulum so hard in the opposite direction that they have left truth behind.
The spirit driving the Deconstructionist movement is not the Holy Spirit. The need is not for wholesale demolition and redesign but a return to factory settings. In other words, the problems we see are not the result of flaws in the original design (manufacturer defect).
What I am suggesting is that if there ever was a time to evaluate whether what the church has become, and what it has been doing, lines up with the New Testament, it’s now.
The multi-billion dollar institution that is the American Church has been caught out. For the past few decades, behind closed doors locked from the inside with deadbolts; through sermons loaded with the language of manipulation, shame, and guilt; via the guise of 501c3 tax-exempt status, the oversight of the system has allowed it to become corrupt, and have themselves been corrupted by it.
This will inevitably happen again with the next batch if the systemic problems are not resolved.
Hard Reset
John the Baptist came proclaiming to a system inundated with viral corruption a message of hard reset. He said, “Metanoia! Rethink. Reconsider. Reorient yourselves and your lives because the Empire of Heaven is near!”
For those that did, serious adjustments had to be made. The KOS (Kingdom Operating System) wasn’t as user-friendly as what they were used to. But it changed everything.
Metanoia was a call to reorient around a central figure. To return to the Source. To allow the reprogramming of Heaven to take place.
The Church in America would be wise to follow suit—to allow the Programmer to reset the system, as hard as it might be, and return to its Resurrection beginning.
Otherwise, the cycles of systemic malfunction and error will continue. Viruses and malware will run behind the scenes, corrupting programs and devices to the point of inoperability until the device is so vice-ridden it has to be recycled out for a newer model, doomed, it seems, to the same inevitable end.
The system is down. It has been for some time. It needs to be reset—hard. But it’s not up to me. I’m one man. It’s not up to the ministry of My Choice is Life. We’re only a few.
However, we can offer our analysis.
We’ve run the diagnostics: the prognosis for recovery is metanoia—radical reorientation. That might sound drastic, but maybe that’s the point. Using a new device takes some getting used to. But upgrading to a whole new Operating System: that requires intentional recalibration—a willingness to embrace the needed change.
What will that look like? It’s hard to say at this phase. The detailed extent will only be revealed when an honest diagnostic analysis is done. However, one thing is certain: It’s not going to be like it was—it’s not supposed to.
In fact, it was never supposed to be that way in the first place.