 |
|
| April
2007 letters Archives of letters to the editor  |
|
| Presbyterians,
'come out of Sodom and don't look back' April 30, 2007 There seems to be a lot of effort on retaining property when leaving the PCUSA. I understand and hope those efforts of faithful, leaving congregations go well. But if a congregation decides to come out of the PCUSA, don't worry about leaving. The world around us is perishing. Old things will pass away and we will eventually see a new heaven and a new earth. And Jesus Himself will be our living tabernacle. When Lot came out of Sodom, he was told not to look back. If you leave the PCUSA, don't look back. Flee. Better to worship in a high school cafeteria with a clear conscience than in a 200-year-old historic building. Geoff Robinson Haddon Heights, N.J. Louisville … again April 30, 2007 Is it not easy to describe "The Louisville Papers?" Something about false witness? Roger Dennie Elder Mt. Pisgah Presbyterian Church Roslyn, Wash. 'Is Human Life Sanctified by the Life-giving Spirit or the Life-giving Womb?' April 30, 2007 I would like to submit a letter from an evangelical pastor. The following is a letter from the Rev. David Black in response to my essay, "Is Human Life Sanctified by the Life-giving Spirit or the Life-giving Womb?," which originally appeared on the Presbyterians Pro-Life Web site last January and included on other Web sites including The Layman Online. I received the letter from Rev. Black several days ago and was able to contact him to obtain his permission to post it. He seems to have understood the explicit message I attempted to convey in my essay and summarized it in very clear English. Rev. In-kyu Parks University Presbyterian Church Akron, Ohio
About churches leaving April 30, 2007 Your answer to the Rev. Crawford's question [Letters, April 26, 2007] as to how many churches have left the PCUSA is at best in error, but frankly I almost have to believe intentionally misleading. You mention churches which have disaffiliated or are seeking disaffiliation without going to court, and then in the same breath mention J.J. White Memorial PCUSA as a church where "cases that have been decided in favor of the congregation(s)" are listed, insinuating these churches have disaffiliated. I know for a fact some if not most have not left the denomination. J.J. White sued for property, not to disaffiliate. You are at best in error informing the Rev. Crawford that J.J. White as a church is disaffiliating. We have not, and as of this date we are not. Our attorney told the Presbytery of Mississippi the "case" was only about property, and for you to insinuate otherwise in an editor's note is at best inaccurate if not intentionally misleading. Please be more careful with your reporting in the future. Robert DeCoux Elder J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church McComb, Miss. Editor's Note: No attempt was made to mislead readers of The Layman Online in listing those churches seeking to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA), those that have left and are battling in court over property issues, those that have left but have not gone to court over property issues and those that have settled their individual property issue with their respective presbytery while remaining within the PCUSA. The last category included J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church. That section followed the previous sentence, which was about how several congregations have not yet gone to court over property issues. It has been clarified by adding the word "property" to the beginning of the last sentence, so it now reads, "Property cases that have been decided in favor of the congregations include First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, Miss.; J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church in McComb, Miss.; First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula, Miss.; First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge, La.; and Ridgebury Presbyterian Church in Ridgebury, N.Y." In neither case regarding this last sentence, however, was there an attempt to link those resolved property cases with the disaffiliation issue. About Montreat and 'those who divide congregations' April 27, 2007 "Divide and crumble." (Oh, I know the saying is "divide and conquer" but, in the case of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina and the Presbyterian Church (USA), "divide and crumble" more accurately describes what is happening.) On April 24, the presbytery did something that the apostles foretold. Read these words from the Letter of Jude:
The references to "hallowed ground" for Presbyterians were ridiculous. The only truly hallowed ground in the entire universe is at the foot of the Cross, and the decisions of the presbytery certainly did not move us to the Cross, but away from it. Truly, there was no sign of the Spirit in the presbytery's campaign against Montreat Presbyterian Church, but we should not be surprised – after all, the apostles foretold the day of the "scoffers." They have divided the church in Montreat, so be it. At least the Evangelical congregation will once again be part of the Body of Christ, rather than be joined any longer to a people who have "made a religion out of their whims and lusts." Jim Wilken Marion, N.C. 'Does anyone now believe that the PCUSA has not lost it?' April 27, 2007 Does anyone now believe that the Presbyterian Church (USA) has not lost it? This article about a proposed "apology" is so much liberal, guilt-ridden, politically correct garbage! When will lay leaders and congregations stand up and say enough of this "feel-good, fuzzy-feeling nonsense." It's time to concern ourselves with preaching and teaching the Word of God and discovering why members are fleeing in record numbers. If we don't, in not too many years we will have a large number of "feel-good" people sitting alone in empty sanctuaries. Bob Jessen Elder Mt. Holly, N.C. Two-synod model not 'remotely acceptable' April 27, 2007 The occasional reappearance of the two-synod proposal [Letters, April 26, 2007] urges me to speak out once again. Despite the arguments for such a denominational configuration, I cannot find it remotely acceptable. The question surely will be asked, "Does your denomination support Christendom's traditional view of marriage, ordination and sexuality?" Under the proposed system, the answer would be a full "Yes" and a full "No." This perhaps would be like a parent telling a pubescent child that he or she is forbidden to have pre-marital sex while, at the same time, it is OK. Or perhaps it is like telling one child it is forbidden while the other child is told it is perfectly permissible. While some realities in the world are a yes-no mix, this is one instance in which I cannot see it being acceptable. A two-synod system is nothing but a cleverly disguised split (read schism). I fail to understand how one over-arching polity can properly satisfy two systems that are so utterly different in presuppositions. It would seem that the two-synod system in one sense would be the same as a denominational split (two presbyteries within a given geographical region) with the exception that, in the case of a true split, each would have its own definitive polity with which to inform, guide and nurture. It seems to me that a two-synod system would require a fuzzy, non-specific polity in order to provide for both synod types. I think the law of unintended consequences would rear its ugly head in ways too numerous to envision or count. Thus far, I'm not taken in by the idea in the least. Rev. Steven L. Seng First Presbyterian Church Wellsburg, W.Va. For friends of Mo-Ranch: A low for Mo? April 27, 2007 Mo-Ranch will host a conference that questions the universal validity of Christianity. I really love going to Mo-Ranch, the PCUSA camp and conference center in the Texas Hill Country that serves the Synod of the Sun. Going there is, for many churches in this area, an annual tradition that many adults, youth and children look forward to. It's peaceful, scenic and a great place to refresh your spirit and reconnect with God. But, from time to time, something goes on at Mo-Ranch that just makes you scratch your head and wonder who is planning things these days. The latest such event is a conference scheduled for early October titled Reflective Retreat: Religious Diversity as the Gift of God, led by Dr. Gene March. To augment the provocative title, here is the description that goes with the invitation to the retreat:
Lest you think that this seminar might leave the question open to an orthodox Christian answer to those thorny questions, look at who is leading the retreat: Dr. Gene March. First off, does anyone remember who Gene March is? Long, longtime readers of my blog may remember my first blog posts. It was an article of mine that Voices of Orthodox Women published, responding to an article by March in Horizons. In that article, March detailed his belief that Christianity is only for Christians and that belief in Jesus Christ as the only Savior for all humanity was contrary to some parts of the Bible and no longer a helpful belief for the modern world or modern church. Needless to say, I took issue with his assertion, not to mention a particular point that he made in that article that stated his opinion that the Old Testament prophets could refute the New Testament Gospels and Epistles! I guess it shouldn't surprise me that a former professor at a PCUSA seminary could espouse beliefs like these, but it did surprise me that our dearly-loved Mo-Ranch would use their money to give this man the cache of their name to teach his un-Biblical and anti-Christian views in such a public fashion. Maybe I'm getting jaded, but I could never imagine a conference center of the PCUSA hosting a conference titled "The Only Savior: Christ for all people and Christianity for all nations." Yeah, right, Toby. Dream on! So, I'm just sad today. Sad for the allies and friends of Mo-Ranch and the churches that entrust their questioning youth to their care every summer. The people you invite say something about the theology that you endorse. Like it or not, just by having this conference, led by such an obvious proponent of religious relativism, Mo-Ranch looks like it is joining the list of PCUSA institutions that have fallen into error. But is this error reversible? Time will tell. Pray for Mo-Ranch, friends. Lord knows, we need somewhere to retreat to! Toby L. Brown pastor First Presbyterian Church Cuero, Texas 'Deck was stacked' against Montreat Presbyterian Church April 26, 2007 My 15-year-old son Jeremy and I attended the day-long marathon at Montreat Conference Center that would decide what should be done with the beloved congregation of Montreat Presbyterian Church. For me, the outcome was not surprising. From the opening remarks, the deck was stacked against the congregation. George Barber, president of the Montreat Conference Center, welcomed everyone to Montreat and extolled the virtues of the valley. Everything there was connected – the conference center, the town of Montreat, etc. Even the homemade food in the foyer had been provided, not by a catering service, but by the loving and creative hands of Montreat residents. Everything was being played out to persuade unsure and uninformed commissioners by preying on their feelings. The packet of material given to commissioners and visitors provided background material on the Montreat community, the church and the process by which the presbytery's task force came to its decision. Some of that information had to be corrected by the Montreat Church but, again, the tone was defensive with just the right touch of "we're the victims here" – just as "The Louisville Papers" instruct – to bring over any fence sitters. The two recommendations easily passed. Montreat is safe from the religious rabble on the hill. There will be peace in the valley again and the church we all love so much is now safely back in the hands of the Presbyterian Church (USA). My astute son, however, made an interesting discovery. He had read the presbytery's packet of information beforehand. In the lobby of Anderson Auditorium, he noted maps of "Montreat, North Carolina." They are framed, colorful maps, very nice. Lake Susan, Anderson Auditorium and other landmarks (30-to-40 of them, I think) associated with the conference and college are highlighted. "If the Montreat Presbyterian Church means so much to them," Jeremy asked, "how come they didn't put it on the map?" Indeed. Why isn't the church on the map? Cindy Coleman member First Presbyterian Church Morganton, N.C. An appeal for a two-synod denominational system April 26, 2007 We essentially have one million evangelicals in an increasingly secularized organization. Thirty-two presbyteries have joined with the Constitutional Presbyterians and have taken a stand on ordination and doctrine. Evangelical churches within those presbyteries are safe and can even negotiate their way out of the denomination, if it comes to that, and pay a reasonable exit fee without fear. For evangelical Presbyterian churches in the other 145 presbyteries, the choices are more stark: Either litigate your way out of the denomination and join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church or watch, in silence, as the first actively gay clergy are ordained by your presbytery. It is a difficult time to be a Presbyterian in the Presbyterian Church (USA). I would like to make one last appeal to consider a two-synod denominational system. It would require that we appeal to the folks on the other side of these issues in order to garner a majority and get it adopted. They would be benefited by a two-synod system in the same way that we would. In a two-synod system, they would have the freedom in their presbyteries and synod to follow the Lord Jesus Christ as they see fit, in the same way that we would establish evangelical presbyteries nationwide in our synod to follow the Lord Jesus Christ as we see fit, from a Biblically based perspective. I also like the ideas of the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, and think that they should be seriously considered. We have set up a very basic Web site for folks who share our outlook. I know that this is a very difficult time for everyone. We have to just keep praying. Jesus is still Lord and He is still on the throne, and is still our Savior and Lord. That is our continuing hope. Just keep praying and listening. John Almquist A response to 'Louisville seminarians' article April 26, 2007 When I saw the link to the article titled "Louisville seminarians share the gospel with the city's lost" on Monday, April 23, I thought, "Wow, our seminary in Louisville is doing that!" But when I got to the article, I read that it was the Baptist seminary in Louisville doing this evangelizing. Oh, well, I guess I should have known better. Matt Ferguson pastor Hillsboro, Ill. Regarding psalm singing April 26, 2007 On The Layman Online on April 21, I read that "Psalms are read by only about half the congregations and rarely sung." So, psalm singing – for which Presbyterians have been historically known – has eroded with liberal minds. Fifty years ago, as a young United Presbyterian (UPNA) pastor, as a part of the Confirmation Class training I required of the youth to note the psalm we sang last Sunday in the worship service. In the 1972 Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland, page 11, the first item in the morning service reads: "A Psalm, Paraphrase, or Hymn shall thereupon be sung." (I bought this book in Edinburgh in 1975.) In the Manual of Worship (1947) of the United Presbyterian Church (UPNA), it reads: "It is important that care be exercised in the selection of psalms and hymns." That book's editor was my homiletics professor at Pitt-Xenia Seminary, Dr. A. H. Baldinger, who also served as moderator of the General Assembly. In 1925, when the UPNA Church debated a new hymnal at the General Assembly in Richmond, Ind., a motion passed that stated that "every one of the [150] psalms be included in the new book." That book was called The Psalter Hymnal. I grew up on it in College Drive Church in New Concord, Ohio. It was the book used in the Muskingum College Chapel when I was a student there. Yes, I regret the loss of psalm singing, and we are the losers. Ken Kettlewell Bill Curtis and the Word of God April 26, 2007 While I am completely supportive of pastors being stewards of the Word of God, I caution The Layman Online about picking up and printing any and every article by any and every speaker on the subject. The Rev. Curtis is the organizing pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church because he divided his prior congregation by refusing to allow any female candidates for church office, as well as any divorced men or women. He based his autocratic act on his reading of the New Testament, in which he literalistically quoted the pastoral epistles and ignored the witness of Acts and Paul's other letters. Being stewards of God's Word involves more than writing authoritatively about the subject; it also involves lives and leadership that bear the fruit of such stewardship. Stuart R. Gordon Associate for Discipleship First Presbyterian Church Nashville,Tenn. Editor's Note: As part of its news and informational ministry, The Layman Online publishes a wide range of material regarding Presbyterian and Reformed denominations – focusing specifically on increased coverage of the Presbyterian Church (USA), but also providing reliable information on issues facing the PCUSA and, within the larger context, the Protestant mainline denominations. In the furtherance of this ministry, The Layman Online is very selective in its use of material from other sources. This material is offered as an informational service to its readers with the aim, in which the Rev. Gordon and countless other letter writers have participated, of fostering a dialogue on those issues. How many congregations have left the PCUSA? April 26, 2007 I have heard from elders across the country that a helpful story would be a one-story index of all the recent and active examples of congregations seeking (or receiving) dismissal or disaffiliation. Perhaps The Layman Online could provide this needed service? Bill Crawford pastor Thibodaux, La. member New Wineskines Association of Churches Editor's Note: There are, no doubt, many churches that have left the Presbyterian Church (USA) of which The Layman Online is not aware. As information about those cases becomes available, they will be posted online. The congregations of which The Layman Online is aware are included in an extensive archive of stories. There also are a number of pending court cases in which congregations are seeking dismissal: Central Presbyterian church in Huntsville, Ala.; Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Okla.; Riverside Presbyterian Church in Linn Grove, Iowa; Covenant Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Neb.; First Presbyterian Church in Corinth, Miss.; and Hudson Presbyterian Church in Hudson, Ohio. Churches that have disaffiliated, or are seeking disaffiliation but haven't gone to court over property, include French Camp Presbyterian Church in French Camp, Miss.; Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church in Signal Mountain, Tenn.; Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church in Homeworth, Ohio; Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Montreat Presbyterian Church in Montreat, N.C.; and Stow Presbyterian Church in Stow, Ohio. Property cases that have been decided in favor of the congregations include First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg, Miss.; J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church in McComb, Miss.; First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula, Miss.; First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge, La.; and Ridgebury Presbyterian Church in Ridgebury, N.Y. About the Jaragua Project to proclaim the Gospel in Brazil April 26, 2007 Jaraguá do Sul, situated in a strategic position with about 160,000 habitants, is living the reality of continual expansion and attracts people from every part of the south of the country. It is estimated that the population of this city will double by 2015. Faced with this reality and being in the region of Brazil most resistant to the Gospel, we have a great opportunity to contact people who are out of their own culture. All this has revealed a great gap in the infrastructure of local government to support such a rapid increase in the population. For example, there are not enough vacancies for children in the city's crèches to meet demand. Just this week, we found ourselves in a great dilemma. Monica, a woman who recently came to our church, has four children: Felipe, 12; João Vitor, 5; Augusto, 20 months; and João Paulo, 9 months. As her husband's salary is not sufficient to sustain the family, Monica is obliged to work away from home. A neighbor offered to care for the children in the mornings while Felipe was in school. However, this situation did not last long. In consequence, Felipe stopped attending school in order to care for his younger siblings. The municipal authorities, in spite of the lack of conditions to help this family, noted the fact and Monica was in danger of losing her little family. Not being able to leave her recently acquired job, this mother experienced days of intense personal conflict. Such a situation as this is not uncommon. It is our intention as a church to help such cases by providing pre-school facilities that can increase as our own structure expands and strengthens. Usually, the people who are most likely to rise and meet such situations in Brazil are the spiritists. Should we as ambassadors of Christ leave such a great opportunity – such a great mission field to them? If we can offer help, time and space to such children, we will have an open door to evangelize families and influence them for God. The church itself is growing. At present, we are developing the Pioneiro [campaigners] program. On Monday and Tuesday nights, we have 50 boys and girls in our care and this has an enormous potential to grow. Last week, we had 11 people in the Baptism class. The church is engaged in an ongoing Home Bible Study Program that has good neighbor participation, and the church members who are actively involved in the program are greatly encouraged. It is an undisputed fact that this society is increasingly and positively hedonist; however, the Lord is blessing and we pray for a great harvest. This church could become a great blessing here and beyond in the future. On the human side, the expansion of the work depends on the possibility of carrying forward what we call the Jaraguá Project. Our difficulties start with little internal resources to promote our Conservative Bible Teaching Program. The local government also has restricted the areas that religious entities can occupy, and the price of land is high. In this situation, we reach out to you for help and prayers. Pr. José Soares Filho Igreja Batista Bereiana Rua Theodoro Roeder, 133 Jaraguá do Sul – SC – Brasil CEP. 89254 570 The PCUSA 'has been betrayed' by stated clerk, staff, 'The Louisville Papers' April 20, 2007 The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been betrayed - by the stated clerk, by the General Assembly staff, by the authors of the PUP report, by the Washington Office, by those presbyteries that stand in the way of churches seeking dismissal, by Presbyterian seminaries, and by pastors who worship at the altar of diversity and inclusiveness. The leadership of the PCUSA has embraced sinful behavior, violated the Scriptures, and coveted false witness. The PUP report capped decades of actions that have decimated membership, brought an avalanche of distrust, and thrown this denomination into a state of crisis. Realizing that the PUP report caused many congregations to consider leaving, the stated clerk issued "The Louisville Papers," which instructed presbyteries on how to intimidate and discourage such attempts. There has been no admission that the PUP report was a tragic mistake. Instead, churches are coerced into embracing a theology that violates the Word of God. Denominational discontent is reflected in the number of churches that withhold per capita, in the number of churches seeking dismissal, in the failed efforts of renewal organizations to promote change, and in the steady decline in membership. Those who have betrayed the PCUSA are admonished to read Colossians 2:8: "See that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world, rather than on Christ." Jack Vanderbleek elder and 40-year member Northeast Presbyterian Church St. Petersburg, Fla. About Salem Presbytery voting on apology April 20, 2007 Salem Presbytery is voting on whether to apologize for a riot that ended in multiple murder between the Ku Klux Klan and the Communist Workers' Party almost 30 years ago? A classic example, among many, of how our church has lost its way. The mission of the church is to make disciples of all "men." We should not spend our precious God-given time and energy on this earth apologizing for the existence of evil and human sinful nature but, instead, we should be devoting our energies to bringing more to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus died so our sins could be forgiven. Adam and Eve made sure sin would be in the world. Should we also apologize for their actions? No wonder our church is losing members. Jim Patterson Elder First Presbyterian Church Asheboro, N.C. Salem Presbytery No apology at all, but a desire to place blame April 20, 2007 It is very easy to repent for something you did not do and, at the same time, point your finger at parties you deem to be guilty "by extension and implication" for something they did not do. It seems to me that those on the left often traffic in corporate guilt almost to a point of flagellation (of themselves and anyone else within reach), then promote another meaningless workshop for 'honest conversation" and dialogue. We don't need more workshops, we need transformed hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ and filled with all the fullness of God. We need to live lives of integrity, compassion and spiritual power just like the early church. We need to become like Philip (Acts 8: 4-8), who rejected the racist norms of his culture to take the message and miraculous power of the gospel to the Samaritans. Many were healed, set free and experienced the saving love of Jesus – much better than misplaced guilt and a seminar. Thomas A. Litteer Pastor First Presbyterian Church Sparta, N.J. Christians murdered in Turkey April 20, 2007 My wife and I have been serving in Turkey with the PCUSA. I usually read The Layman Online every day to keep informed as to what is happening to our church. Yesterday, three Christians were martyred for their faith and witness in eastern Turkey. I am sending to you an article. Benjamin and Verna King Antalya, Turkey There are many Christian physicists April 20, 2007 Dr. Brown [Letters, April 12, 2007] always has keen insight and informative letters and I want to assure him that there are many Christian physicists. Most understand, however, that they are infants when it comes to the fundamental mysteries of the universe and respond to this limitation with wonder and with silence. As a point of interest, many of the best and brightest scientists of the last century felt that the ordering of the universe required intelligent design. It was, they said, mathematically impossible for the laws of the universe to occur by random happenstance. Figure it out. If every molecule in the universe were converted into a monkey at a typewriter and they typed away for 12 billion years, contrary to the common misconception, they wouldn't get Shakespere written. They wouldn't even finish one play. Stated mathematically, there has to be a very high order of intelligence in charge. One other point. Unlike theologians, scientists can't change the rules to suit their personal needs. You can't form a committee and rewrite the laws of nature. Unlike theologians, who play fast and loose with the revealed laws of God, most scientists stand in awe of them and humbly seek to better understand what He hath written. Would that we had more scientists and fewer theologians. John Cowan Cartersville, Ga. Please lift this up in your prayers April 20, 2007 We need your prayers. Our church is sponsoring its second annual MUSIC FEST this year, April 19-22. It is an ecumenical and evangelical outreach to the community, with pastors and singers from eight other area churches involved in the music and program. We are hoping that people will come to be inspired, renewed and revived. In some cases, there may be some who come to know the Lord for the first time as their Savior. This happened for two people last year when 448 people attended the four nights of services. But there seems to be a lot of scheduling conflicts, etc., in the area this year. So, we feel the need for some additional prayer. Hence, I am asking other people of prayer to pray for MUSIC FEST. Thank you and God bless you. Rev. Glenn Wilson First Presbyterian Church, Woden, Iowa Burt Presbyterian Church, Burt, Iowa 'Something seems terribly amiss in the logic and claim of Rev. Peery' April 18, 2007 Your article brings a question to mind. Rev. Peery, according to the article, claims that for the Presbytery of Western North Carolina to dismiss the Montreat Presbyterian Church to the EPC "would be tantamount to 'declaring that the Presbyterian church (USA) is apostate.'" If this is true on the presbytery level, is it also true for the local church? That is, if a local congregation dismisses a congregant to an EPC (or any other denomination, church, etc. for that matter), is this tantamount to declaring the PCUSA apostate? If this is so, does this mean the PCUSA is the only non-apostate church? Somehow, this doesn't ring true to our Reformed polity and theology. Something seems terribly amiss in the logic and claim of Rev. Peery. Rev. Steven L. Seng First Presbyterian Church Wellsburg, W.Va. |
|
| April
2007 letters, page 2 Home · News · PLC Publications · The Layman Online Reviews · Archives· History of the Lay Committee · Feedback · Links |