Most of us have done it I guess. We get a new software program, or sign up for an Internet service and up pops a screen detailing in lengthy legalese what we are agreeing to. It is called the "License Agreement" on something like it. We are offered a button to click. It says, "I have read and accept these terms."

Now tell the truth. Do you always read everything in this document? Or, do you quickly scroll down to the bottom and click "I Agree" without reading the document you've just accepted? I bet most consumers are like me… we are in such a hurry to get the benefits of this new software so we click "I Agree" with an under-the-breath "whatever" attitude. We don't have time to read legal agreements--we want the practical use of a product as fast as possible.

If these companies really wanted us to agree with their fancy lawyer-written statements shouldn't they made it clearer, or easier to understand, or shorter? Even a summary would help--like, "I agree to buy new editions of this software every year through Bill Gates' life or you can sue my pants off." I read several of these statements as I prepared this column--and I can't figure out what they mean anyway. They are confusing and worded for some group of people beside me. So, like many consumers, I just click "I agree" and get on with my life.

I've never had a problem doing this. I've used software and Internet services for years --different companies with different agreements. I don't read most of their agreements--I just click "I accept." From what I can tell these statements are all about the same (though their lawyers would argue they are significantly different -- with each company listing its own "distinctive."

Which brings me to my observation of the week. I've noted that many folk join the church on a similar pattern. Churches have lengthy statements of doctrine which new members supposedly agree to when they join. But most new members can hardly tell any difference from one denomination to another. They move from reformed churches to Methodist churches barely noticing any difference, other than worship styles. When asked if they have read and fully agree with the doctrine of the new church they are joining they verbally click "I Agree" --then get on with deriving the benefits of their new association.

So, is this a good thing? Or is it dangerous? Is it a sign of a rising practical lay-unity in the church--a unity around a few essentials common to all denominations? Or is it a sign of the meltdown the importance of any and all doctrine whatsoever? But most important of all, whether good or bad, where does it lead?

To contribute to the thinking on this issue e-mail your response to Tuesday@indwes.edu

By Keith Drury, March 2001. Revision suggestions invited. May be duplicated for free distribution provided these lines are included.

Other "Thinking Drafts" and writing by Keith Drury -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday