December 2005 letters Archives of letters to the editor

A chaplain does not become someone he is not when he prays in any context December 28, 2005 Sorting out the military chaplain situation became more confusing with the letter of Chaplain Michael Neubert [posted December 27, 2005]. Rightly, he distinguishes between what he terms "command performances" and what is obviously voluntary religious activity. In the latter, the chaplain is free to do whatever he wishes. So, prayer "in the name of Jesus" is acceptable. In the former with its required participation, such "catch phrases" as "in the name of Jesus" are unacceptable. Other than the required nature of the former and its mix of faiths/no faith, he does not adequately explain why when someone who is known to be of a particular religious persuasion cannot pray within the faith he represents. After all, it is the chaplain who is called upon to pray for the event and/or those present. The chaplain does not become someone he is not when he prays in any context. He does not become a priest or minister of nothing when he is asked to pray. However, this is what Neubert expects and demands. Further when anyone is asked to pray, that individual is asked to pray, not everyone present. An example of this is seen in worship when the one praying usually invites those present to join in the prayer. This is not true of a "command performance," at least none I have attended. Neubert's "command performances" are an example of what Robert Bellah described as "civil religion." Succinctly, this is the general American belief in monotheism. But for the Christian this is insufficient and unacceptable. I submit that no matter how benign participation in the "civil religion" can be, it is unacceptable for a Christian chaplain or any Christian to pray to the god of this civil religion, a god who does not exist. A minister reported to me that he had thus prayed at a public gathering and regretted it. As part of his support for not praying in Jesus' name, Neubert points out that Jesus' prayer did not conclude "in Jesus' name." This reasoning is so spurious that it hardly warrants comment. First, the obvious fact is that it was Jesus praying and the prayer also applied to him. To pray as he did to the Father was reasonable. Second, he was indeed praying as a Jew and not as a Christian. Third, for us, in the context of a Christian worship service it is indeed acceptable to pray as Jesus did in this prayer. The need for the petitions in the prayer have not changed over time. There is something else missing in Neubert's letter. Jesus himself told us that whatever we ask in his name would be granted (John 14:13, 14, 26; 15:16; 16:23). So, why would a Christian chaplain not pray in the name of the one who said he would respond particularly at a "command performance" before a military mission? Finally, Neubert's use of the phrase "catch phrase" to describe "in the name of Jesus" strikes this writer as derogatory. This is supported by his use of "in Jesus' name" to end his letter, which could hardly be called a prayer. Given the content and context of the letter, I am struck by how insulting and contemptuous this appears. Neubert could have made his case without using "catch phrase" or closing his letter as he did. It calls in to question his whole presentation. Why would a Christian chaplain even appear to denigrate what his fellow chaplains – and every Christian – does? David A. Medeiros, member Londonderry Presbyterian Church Londonderry, N.H. Protecting political views and preferences at the cost of destroying a church December 28, 2005 It is with sadness that I read of another good person choosing to leave the PCUSA. I understand that churches have difficult times and that HPC has their share since churches are filled with human beings. Yet, as I read the account written by Tom Stewart [letter to the editor, posted December 27, 2005 ] it has become clearer to me that many in the PCUSA are more inwardly focused then outwardly focused. It sounds like a small few (under 10 percent of the membership) played their political cards with the presbytery to protect their personal country club. Instead of working through the presenting problems they chose to blow up the whole church to get rid of a pastor who was pushing them to be Biblical people who were more concerned with introducing their neighbors to Jesus. A few were willing to protect their political views and preferences at the cost of destroying a church and the lives of others who opposed them. It is also sad to read from an insider how much disregard the political left of the PCUSA has for the Book of Order except for the places they can exploit to continue to push the PCUSA toward a more culturally and politically correct group. Jesus never asked us to accept culture; instead he asked us to live counter culturally while loving unsaved people with God like love. Loving people means telling them about Jesus who is the answer to better living for now and in eternity. Living counter culturally means living a Biblical lifestyle that hates sin but paradoxically loves sinners and strives to introduce them to God's only solution to the human dilemma Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only answer. The more I read the more I realize that many in PCUSA are just not willing to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ which our ordination vows, our confessions, our Book of Order and our Bible clearly demand. It is a sad day and my heart grieves for a once great denomination that stood against the culture for Biblical truth and the Lordship of Jesus Christ has lost its way and has retreated from cultural engagement to a mentality of survival entrenchment at all costs. I wonder where we are heading and what will the result be? It is a sad day that another good person, who loves God, feels it is time to leave the PCUSA. How many more can we afford to lose? Dr. Worth Wilson, pastor Cle Elum Community Church Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Cle Elum, Wash. This awesome power should be called by it's rightful name 'murder' December 28, 2005 God Bless Bishop Timothy Whitaker of Florida for speaking out against abortion! As a former member and officer of United Methodist Women I was shocked to learn that the Division spent money UMW money ($5,000) to co-sponsor a pro choice march in 2004. I have since resigned from UMW as I do not want to support the UMW Division financially or otherwise. I was also shocked to learn that the Methodist Book of Disciple states "While individuals have always had some degree of control over when they would die, they now have the awesome power to determine when and even whether new individuals will be born." This awesome power we control should be called by it's rightful name "murder." A very upset 3rd generation Methodist – now visiting other churches who don't believe in abortion. Joyce Boone Texas Confessing churches ,must formulate new strategies for growth December 28, 2005 I've been following the progress of the Confessing Church Movement for the past four-and-a-half years. I conclude that a major split of conservative churches from the PCUSA in 2006 is possible. However, it should be recognized that liberal theology is not the only problem faced by Presbyterians. I've seen conservative churches slide in membership as fast any liberal one – for a number of reasons. Perhaps the biggest problem faced by conservative churches is failure to evangelize. Often, the congregation expects the pastor to be the sole evangelist, or at least the leader of a team. Unfortunately, by the time a Presbyterian ministerial candidate gets through the system and completes his seminary degree, he is more likely to be a Greek or Hebrew scholar than an evangelist. The only antidote that I can think of is revival inspired by the Holy Spirit in which the rank-and-file membership develop a fervent drive to impact their neighborhood and community for Christ. Another common problem is coldness to visitors. There are those churches in which the membership all went through high school together, raised their kids together and grew old together. Now they don't care if they ever see a visitor; a visitor may take somebody's customary seat. Another problem is "white flight." The ethnic composition of the neighborhood changes, but the church fails to reach out to the new arrivals. The old white membership eventually moves or dies out. A church formerly Presbyterian becomes COGIC or AME. One problem I've observed is the cantankerous session member who keeps things stirred up. I used to have an Uncle Jack who was a ruling elder in a PCA church. Over a span of 15 years he led the church through two splits, ran off every minister the church called and purified the membership from 600 down to 200. All that were left were Uncle Jack clones. He was proud of that; he saw that as evidence that he was doing his job. I know of an EPC church in which one wealthy ruling elder paid for everything out of his pocket. That meant that everything had to be done his way. Last I heard, that church was down to about 35 members. It has been said that the last words of a dying church is, "We've never done it that way before." This is particularly true of an aging church that needs more young people. I personally prefer traditional worship and liturgy and hymns by Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley, but if I were a pastor, I'd incorporate some contemporary Christian music in order to retain or attract youth and young adults. In short, if many "Confessing" churches pull out of the PCUSA, I hope that they will formulate new strategies for growth. Merely sitting there and being conservative (or even charismatic) is not sufficient. Rev. Dr. Larry Brown African Bible College Lilongwe, Malawi Meenan and Manock were never given an opportunity to reconcile December 28, 2005 To: The Session of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood Subject: Withdrawal of church membership I hereby request that you withdraw my membership at FPCH effective immediately. This is not a decision I take lightly. It is very painful, but necessary. Several years ago when I first became a member of Hollywood Pres. I thought I had found a church home at last, and I did for awhile. My involvement in Sunday school classes, the children's ministries and the friendships I made was one of the highlights of my life. I loved my church and never wanted to leave. There was a time when Hollywood Pres. was a peaceful and joyful environment. Where its members and those who entered her doors could be ministered to, cared for and loved. The positive experiences that I had at Hollywood Pres. sustained me over the years when there were many trials and challenges in my own life. I always looked forward to attending my church and having a time of fellowship with other believers, growing in the word and ministering to the children. I have been so blessed by the wonderful teachings of Dr. Alan Meenan and Dr. David Manock. Both pastors are truly gifted and have obeyed the Scriptures by not compromising the word of God. Unfortunately, over the past several months I have witnessed the crucifixion of two great men of God. This is not to say they are perfect; none of us are perfect. We all need correction from time to time in a loving and fair manner according to the Scriptures. Since the AC was appointed over Hollywood Pres. we have had one problem after another. Their conduct all along has been deceitful and misguided. They have never followed the Book of Order and sadly to say most if not all are not born-again believers or have no real commitment to what the Scriptures teach. It is my understanding that some believe that there are many ways to God and that it is acceptable to read from the Koran. Furthermore the lifestyle of some are clearly not in accordance with the word of God. This is the leadership that Hollywood Pres. embraced. Furthermore the administrative committee had the blessings of the PCUSA and presbytery, which are corrupt and liberal. Even though the AC continually preached peace, unity and purity, it was never the case. What we had was division, all out war, and possessed believers who have been deceived and given themselves over to satanic activity. All along the presbytery and the AC had an agenda, which was to get rid of our pastors no matter what. The majority of us who begged and pleaded to please bring our pastors back fell on deaf ears. All the letters and emails that were written in support of our pastors were never acknowledged. What was acknowledged were the complaints of a few members who had their own selfish ambitions and egos to feed along with the leadership of the church. Dr. Meenan and Dr. Manock were never given an opportunity to reconcile with those whom they had either offended or who felt they had issues with our pastors. The whole process was a sham and a circus meant to tarnish the reputations of two great teachers of the word of God. The evil that has penetrated FPCH is tragic. A once vibrant church has now become a cold and dark den of thieves and a haven for demonic activity. The word of God has been defiled, compromised and ignored. The Holy Spirit no longer rules and reigns. There is no joy, only sorrow and sadness. Many fine people have left the church. Attendance has fallen and giving is down. If God were in control, this whole situation would have played out a lot differently whether or not our pastors remained. I am saddened that a once great church has been taken down by a minority of people who saw fit to participate in a shameful attack on our pastors instead of seeking reconciliation and dialogue that might have brought healing and peace to the church and the body of Christ. It was quite evident to me when I participated in the AC interviews, that those who had grievances against the pastors did not want to reconcile or give our pastors a chance to hear their grievances and make peace. Instead they chose to hang on to their petty complaints. There were never any criminal charges filed, no sexual misconduct or anything of a serious nature to warrant a lynching of these two pastors. The fact that Dr. Meenan was against the ordination of homosexuals was the real issue that never came out in any of the meetings because the presbytery would never admit that that is the main reason they went after Dr. Meenan in the first place. May God have mercy on those who have been apart of the destruction and devastation that has played out over the past several months at Hollywood Pres. Gloria Anne Gonzales Glendale, Calif. PCUSA seems to remove effective Christians and reward those who aren't December 27, 2005 If I recall, the mess at Hollywood Presbyterian is similar in nature to your own experience in North Carolina. Years ago you told me this was happening to many in the denomination and as I see it affecting my friend, Alan Meenan, I am sad for Alan and for the PCUSA. If you will allow an "outsider" to comment, the PCUSA seems to have a propensity to remove Christians who are effective and reward those who are incompetent. Perhaps this is true of all organizations, but it seems to be more prevalent in the PCUSA. I left the PCUSA ten years ago and am now a member in one of those "cult" churches – Willow Creek Community Church here in the Chicago area. I am remembering Paul (Romans) and his admonishment not to be arrogant or point fingers, but it has been a breath of fresh air spiritually. We have a "seeker" service and a mid week Bible study as well as Bible studies and doing life together in small groups. The church does skits and plays non-traditional music during worship. This year, 55,000 people will come to our Christmas services the week before Christmas. We have a mission – to change irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Christ. The church is growing spiritually and by size as we learn together what it means to be devoted Christians. It seems as I read accounts of what happened at HPC, bringing churched and unchurched people to a full understanding of what it means to be a Christian is frightening to certain HPC members, the administrative staff at Pacific Presbytery and the PCUSA. The behavior of the Pacific Presbytery indicates the administrative arm of the PCUSA increasingly is a platform for religious politicians and malcontents to espouse personal theology, not a place to enhance faith and bring in new believers. God is in charge. In 20 years, it won't matter much what administrators in the PCUSA do or say. With a growth rate of negative 50,000 per year and many of its members aging and dying, it will only be a small, insignificant organization that missed the huge evangelical revival here in the United States. The PCUSA will probably continue on with what it will call "the faithful few" as millions will have come to Christ through other churches and denominations. I've read your comments relating to HPC. Thank you for your staying true to your commitment to what is right in God's church. Tom Stewart 'If and when God calls us to go elsewhere, he will open the way' December 27, 2005 Every elevator at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, bears a tiny sign, almost hidden among the buttons, which says, "Exit When Doors Open." To this I always add, "And not a moment before!" Beyond the immediate humor, the sign is a matter of puzzlement. I have not asked the management what it means or why it is there, but I usually ask the hospital employees on the elevator with me at the time. None of them ever know. In fact, they seem not to have noticed the sign before I ask about it. When else could you exit the elevator? Not a moment before the doors open, and not a moment after they have closed again. "Exit When Doors Open." What does it mean that we live in a world where that kind of sign needs to be posted? As I leave the hospital, it occurs to me that such a sign might make more sense in the church than in the elevator. From time to time, ministers feel led to seek a new call. More to the point, they feel compelled to leave their current one. One danger is that they will leave before the doors open. Another, I suppose, is that they will stay after the doors have closed. Sometimes we are called to hard duty. It is a temptation to look elsewhere. But it would be a mistake to try to leave our labors before God opened the doors for us to do so. It would also be a mistake to think that every opportunity to leave is an act of God. Some apparent opportunities are distractions, some are temptations, and some are occasions for reaffirming our current call. On the other hand, there may be a danger of staying too long. I do not see this as often, but it may happen that we harden ourselves to the leading of the Spirit and stay somewhere longer than is intended. That would be an act of ingratitude as well as disobedience. These are matters which call for great prayer. Let us take care to fulfill the duties of our callings. If and when God calls us to go elsewhere, he will open the way. Until then, it is not appropriate to try to leave. "Exit When Doors Open." And not a moment before they have opened or after they have closed again. Dr. James C. Goodloe IV, pastor Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Richmond, Va. Marriage is closely tied to the relationship between Christ and his Church December 27, 2005 In Ephesians 5:32, the relationship between a husband and wife in marriage is seen as being closely tied to the relationship between Christ and his Church. I think we absolutely must try to appreciate more fully the deep meaning behind this Scriptural passage if we are ever to come closer to an understanding of the beauty and power that were meant to be inherent in God's plan for intimacy in human relationships. Because of issues facing the Church and society in general, we have had to examine more closely the place and meaning of sexual conduct in human relationships. Clearly, God cares what each of us thinks on this subject, or he wouldn't let the results of irresponsible sexual behavior of any kind – heterosexual or homosexual – be so serious. What we should be doing is trying to learn more about God's goal for human intimacy as presented in the Ephesians passage and in other places where we are encouraged to be obedient to his standards. There are definitely rich rewards in this. God's blessing and presence are able to lift a relationship to a level unattainable by human effort. I realize that all of this is part of a great mystery. But the Bible tells us that a divine romance is going on, and to understand more fully the rules of divine romance is to come very close to the heart of human existence. Phyllis Woods Winter Park, Fla. Chaplain makes his faith clear without using the catch phrases December 27, 2005 Any Christian chaplain may pray in Jesus' name at any worship service, prayer meeting, Bible study or any other voluntary gathering. But chaplains also take part in ceremonial occasions where an invocation is offered. Most of these are "command performances" where certain groups of personnel are ordered to be present. In those setting the crowd will include any faith and no faith. In those public, command settings only, chaplains should say their prayer and end with "Amen." I have no problem with this policy. When Jesus himself taught us the Lord's Prayer – our model for all prayer – he did not end with "in Jesus' name." And I have never found it hard to make my faith clear without using the catch phrases some of our colleagues feel are critical. There really is no civilian parallel except, perhaps the school prayer issue. In every civilian setting all those present are there voluntarily. But again, in every voluntary gathering I, as a chaplain, can be as frank and forceful about my faith as I like. I have no problem telling folks at a chapel service that Christianity is true and there are no substitutes. But I won't do that at a command function. LT Klingenshmitt has dramatically misrepresented the issue. Please post this correction. In Jesus' Name, CDR Michael Neubert, CHC, USNR First Presbyterian Church Herrin, Ill. PCUSA

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