Parker T. Williamson
Executive Editor
An old hymn declares, “What a friend we have in
Jesus.”
After reading reports from a Presbyterian
“peacemaking”
conference, it occurs to me that Jesus himself could use
a few friends. Borrowing another hymn, may I suggest that
Presbyterians stand up for him?
“What’s the big deal about Jesus?” asked a
Presbyterian minister, Dirk Ficca, at the denominationally
sponsored conference. Ficca urged Christians to abandon the
Great Commission, lest they disturb those who choose other
paths to salvation. After all, he argued, it is God, not
Jesus, who saves us.
One would have welcomed a disclaimer from the Presbyterian
Peacemaking Program leaders. But this was not to be. Instead,
they issued an evasive statement that essentially restated
Ficca’s thesis. The statement credits Jesus as the person
through whom
we received
our salvation, but it
encourages the notion (contrary to Jesus’ own words) that
others may be saved by other means.
A subsequent statement by General Assembly Council officials
was no better. In the name of “interfaith” dialogue
they find nothing amiss when the denomination showcases
speakers who deny the Church’s faith.
Deja Vu
We have heard this theme before. In 1998, it appeared in
Building
Community Among Strangers, a document written by the
Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. Using a banquet
image, the committee envisioned prayers to Jesus, Gaia (the
earth mother), Buddha, etc., a meal where all ideologies claim
a place at the table.
In 1997, it happened with the National Network of
Presbyterian College Women whose mission statement didn’t
even mention Jesus Christ.
In 1993, the theme appeared in a conference called to “ReImagine
god.” Here, a goddess called “Sophia,” was
ceremonially toasted with milk and honey and theologian
Delores Williams dismissed Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins:
“We don’t need folks hanging on crosses and blood
dripping and weird stuff …”
Taking a Stand
The Wichita General Assembly declared ReImagining out of
bounds. A subsequent Assembly rejected
Building Community
Among Strangers and ordered the college group to re-write
its material in a manner that is faithful to Scripture. But
like the proverbial hydra, new forms of this heresy continue
to surface. Louisville has apparently not gotten the message.
May we suggest a measure of discipline? When your
congregation is asked to contribute to the “Peacemaking
Offering” on Sunday, October 1, will you remember how
this program used your 1999 contributions? Your church
dedicated its offering to the Lord Jesus Christ. Ask yourself
if the peacemaking conference that was funded by your gifts
was faithful to that commitment.
Our Lord could use a few friends. Presbyterians can begin by
curtailing their support for his enemies.