 |
|
| March
2008 letters Archives of letters to the editor  |
|
| 'Thud'
from Louisville was the other shoe dropping March 31, 2008 If one was listening carefully, that "thud" from Louisville was the other shoe dropping. According to the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly and the General Assembly Council, "Per capita is a fundamental way in which all . . .congregations and governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church (USA) are connected. … Per capita is as important as being Presbyterian!" Following last year's incredible assertion by the Synod of the Sun that any church opposing the so-called property trust provision of the Book of Order destroys Presbyterian connectionalism, COGA and the GAC now declare that "per capita funding is how . . . Presbyterians discern God's call in their lives." How interesting. No need for Scripture. No need for worship. No need for repentance or evangelism or any of that messy religious stuff. Just give us your property and your money and you have an in with God. At least for those who have called for the PCUSA to identify the essential (fundamental) tenets, there is now a denominational answer – dirt and dollars! It appears that, in Louisville's eyes, indulgences were not such a bad idea after all. Luther and the other giants of the Reformation must be spinning in their graves. Michael R. "Mac" McCarty PDA response to Katrina 'indicative of other shallow thinking' March 28, 2008 Thank you for your article on the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance failure to actually provide for the real needs of the Katrina disaster victims. Somehow, I find this to be indicative of other shallow thinking used by Presbyterian Church (USA) leadership in matters such as the PUP travesty. This was a childish attempt to destroy the authority of the Presbyterian Book of Order. The people who signed onto that kind of action should be ashamed of themselves. In that case, we can only hope that the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission will develop some teeth. Ted Chapman Arcadia, Calif. Article on PDA 'could not be ignored' March 28, 2008 I usually just read your articles and shake my head and move on, but this article on the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance could not be ignored. You see, our area received much help from PDA when, in 2004, Hurricane Charlie devastated our area. Hurricane Charlie blew through our area on Friday, Aug. 13. Many, many folks lost their homes or their homes were severely damaged. We could not locate folks in many churches. Six of our churches were badly affected, with First, Punta Gorda losing their whole building. Chapel by the Sea effectively had the gulf sand and water "relocated" to their sanctuary. On Sunday, Aug. 15, as we gathered together, dirty because there was no water or electricity, we did so with PDA staff present in the most severely hurt areas. They offered hope and financial gifts immediately. On Monday, Aug. 16, our presbytery was overwhelmed with help of all kinds from PDA. This help continued for the next two-and-a-half years with many, many monetary gifts but, more important, gifts of self through personnel, volunteers and direction. We could not have recovered with the help of PDA. For you to continue to attack the work of PDA is an outrage. How can you continue to find fault with the Presbyterian Church (USA) over and over again is beyond me. But how dare you suggest that money is not being spent in the right way. You go and work and see what is done and learn how you have to figure how to stretch the dollars to get the most help for people. Talk to others who have worked in the Gulf Coast and in Peace River Presbytery. We in Peace River Presbytery are grateful for the work of PDA and the PCUSA. Candy Reid program coordinator Peace River Presbytery Editor's Note: The Layman Online stands by its news analyses on PDA's response in the aftermath of the Gulf Coast hurricanes. A reply regarding Jim Berkley's blog March 28, 2008 Jim Berkley's latest blog asked a good question about the new general legal counsel of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as to whether she, in effect, practices the faith we in the PCUSA expect. I found myself asking the same thing about Paul Rolf Jensen a few years ago. While he was not an employee of the PCUSA, he was a lawyer filing charges against many in the PCUSA that included my pastor, Steve Van Kuiken. Mr. Jensen's action made a significant change to my church family that brought much hurt and division. Yet, Mr. Jensen is no more familiar to me as a person than someone living in China. It's that cold and empty. Mr. Berkley and others in this situation at least are early enough in the process, I think, to reach out. Hopefully, they will not experience the same coldness and emptiness. Maybe I'm foolish to believe this, but I think reaching out is what matters and will make a difference. I realize the end result may not be what all want. But I think one will truly feel more alive than dead in reaching out. That's what it is all about, just as Christ taught us and demonstrated for us on the Cross. Earl C. Apel deacon Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church Cincinnati, Ohio Joan Gray 'has correctly identified the problem in the PCUSA' March 27, 2008 The Rev. Ms. Gray has correctly identified the problem in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Anxiety is literally rampant about our "shrinking churches." Yet, we are reluctant to talk about our faith. Want to know why? It is elementary. There is no faith present to talk about. Churches are mostly social events, if not centers for political or social advocacy. Until a church becomes a worshipping, believing community of Jesus Christ, they will continue to shrink and evangelism will be a tougher nut to crack. Sidney L. Leak, III honorably retired Orange Beach, Ala. Thank you for your Special Report March 27, 2008 Thank you for the Special Report on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As a member of one of the first teams sent by Seattle's University Presbyterian Church, I can attest to the ecumenism of the people who gathered to assist at First Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Roman Catholics from Wisconsin, Mennonites from Vermont, Baptists from North Carolina and Presbyterians from a number of churches across the United States all participated as brothers and sisters in Christ. We operated just fine without the contrived ecumenical assistance of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Louisville, symbolized by their failure in Gautier. Our teams were gathered under the orders of a common Savior to help the needy in distress and to live out the Gospel on a daily basis. Bruce McCartney Puyallup, Wash. A reply regarding 'PCUSA failure shouldn't stymie world missions' March 27, 2008 One should certainly lament the drop-off in funds dedicated to mission, but to hear that lament coming from The Layman Online is not without irony. It is, after all, The Layman Online that has most vigorously and consistently condemned the Presbyterian Church (USA) as apostate and incompetent and unworthy of support. So, funds are drying up. People who believe that their resources will be wasted are refusing to give. Mission accomplished, as they say. Rev. David Williams Trinity Presbyterian Church Bethesda, Md. Editor's Note: The Layman Online stands by the commentary and its historical news coverage of the PCUSA. 'Mistaken and destructive antics' of homosexual advocacy groups March 25, 2008 What is truly mistaken and destructive for the Presbyterian Church (USA) is the intransigence of these advocacy groups. Especially repugnant is the continual refusal of the Covenant Network to abide by the constitution of the denomination or by its highest court or by the last three denominational votes on the ordination standards. I single out the Covenant Network because its members include a large number of power brokers from within the denomination – people who should know what their antics are doing to our once great church, people who have served in powerful leadership positions. Have they sampled the reins of power and enjoyed defying the lowly membership for so long that it is now impossible for them to accept that the vast grassroots of the Presbyterian Church (USA) want the current Biblical ordination standards to remain intact? Larry Froistad elder Rapid City, S.D. The GLBTQ agenda March 25, 2008 The agenda of the LGBTQ lobby has been very clear from the start. Perhaps it is the wrong agenda. Many Presbyterian Church (USA) members and congregations have separated from the PCUSA over doctrine, theology, misguided social engineering by church agencies and other grievances. Perhaps it is time for this group to pick up their marbles and go somewhere else. It is abundantly clear that the Episcopalians and perhaps some others would honor their perversions. Those of us left in the PCUSA do not believe that fidelity in marriage or chastity in singleness are negotiable points in our constitution. They are, indeed, among the essential tenets of the Reformed faith and no amount of activism will change the fact that theology is not a matter of personal choice, but a search for the revealed truth. Jim Keyes Myth 'perpetrated by denominational apologists' March 25, 2008 There is a myth often perpetrated by denominational apologists, let's call it the "Permanent PCUSA." Friends, the Presbyterian Church (USA) is 25 years old. Many, if not most, of our congregations are much older. How in the world could anybody honestly claim that the resources of those local congregations belong to a much younger institution? How can there be any claim that members who gave decades ago were giving to the PCUSA? It is a myth. Furthermore, it is also clear, in case after case, that the local congregation had no idea what the trust clause meant or that the exemption was really no exemption at all. Just because some national bureaucrats were able to confuse the matter does not mean their land grab is defensible. Furthermore, one elected official in Ohio does not make truth. I suspect the members of a local congregation who are the genetic and spiritual descendants of those same donors would have a much clearer understanding of their parent's intentions than anyone else. I am so glad that this Easter I do not celebrate a myth but a real, saving Lord. He is risen! Bill Crawford pastor First Presbyterian Church Thibodaux, La. Thank you for making The Passion 'so clear to everyone' March 25, 2008 I just finished reading your description of the Passion and I want to say "thank you" for making it so clear to everyone. My wish would be that every person in the whole world would read it and believe it, be baptized and be saved. Lucy Leming Chattanooga, Tenn. A reply regarding the Metherell article on the Passion of Christ March 25, 2008 Kudos to The Layman Online for posting this article. It is a subject that most would prefer not to discuss. I cannot find fault with its biomedical conclusions. While I laud your decision to post this article, I must say that it is incomplete. The article, just like Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ, only tells part of the story. The Apostle Paul is quite clear about the meaning of the Cross of Christ. In Galatians 3:13 he writes, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.'" Paul's point is abundantly clear: as Christ hung on the Cross, he bore God's curse for our sins. Put differently, the curse He bore was the wrath of God that our sins deserve. This same line of thinking is found in II Corinthians 5:21, where Paul writes, "For our sake he (God) made him (Christ) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." This is the doctrine of double imputation: Our sins were put on Christ as He hung on the Cross while His righteousness is given to any who believe in Him. The point that I am trying to make is that the physical sufferings of Jesus pales in comparison to the wrath of God that fell on Him during His final hours. While the ultimate meaning of the Cross is love, we must arrive at that destination by discussing hard Scriptural teachings, such as penal atonement and propitiation (assuaging and turning aside the wrath of God). Christ's physical sufferings give us an idea of what our sins deserve from a thrice holy God. An excellent summary of these doctrines can be found in Article 21 of the Belgic Confession. Rev. David Sarafolean Christ Covenant Church PCA Midland, Mich. Thanks for the article on The Passion March 25, 2008 Oh! I see what Christ has done for me and everyone who will turn to Him! If all who wear a cross and everyone who looks at these crosses on the street only felt within their hearts what Jesus means to us. Thanks for this description in detail. How can the world not see and fall on their knees asking for forgiveness and thanksgiving to God? Daryle Getting 'Hooray for the high court of the PCUSA' March 25, 2008 Hooray for the high court of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Their interpretation of the "fidelity and chastity" amendment in the Book of Order was correct and in line with the Holy Scripture. The groups advocating its abandonment must be joking when they say that it will harm the peace, purity, and unity of the denomination. Their advocacy of ordaining homosexuals into the ministry or leadership roles of the church is exactly what has helped to cause the schism within the denomination and, thus, thousands who have chosen to leave. They need to read and interpret the Scriptures correctly, as the high court has done. When God through the Scriptures says that homosexuality is a sin, then it is a sin. You can't spin His Word and apply your own meaning. Jack Fox elder (non-active) First Presbyterian Church Towanda, Pa. A reply to the letter by David Carothers March 25, 2008 In response to David Carothers [Letters, March 19, 2008], the people who purposely buy from those who are the "most notorious," to use his words, are motivated from different directions. Some react with the sentiment that, if a denominational entity suggests it, it must be a bad idea. I understand that. There is a lot of stuff that gets lumped under the heading of "social justice" that is misguided, to say the least. My motivation to ignore boycotts like the ones by such entities that our social justice mavens suggest is partially personal, and partially practical. For instance, I ate at Taco Bell when the Coalition of Immokalee Workers called for a boycott for the simple reason that my granddaughter had food and shelter because her mother works at a Taco Bell. I don't hate tomato pickers, or seek to be oppressive, but my granddaughter is not going to go hungry. Yet, that connection led me to a practical consideration. Our refusal to patronize Taco Bell or Burger King (if we feel led to support the boycott) will not really help the tomato pickers. Instead, it will hurt local workers who struggle to survive on wages that are not enough to make the rent. The corporations that run the restaurants will just make adjustments to cover their losses. To them, it's simply a business expense and their workers are expendable if they find their costs to be running too high. Think about the unintended consequences of your actions the next time you think about supporting these efforts. It may not be as just an action as you think. John Kerr Jacksonville, N.C. Kudos for San Diego Presbytery March 25, 2008 What a contrast there is between the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Heartland Presbytery and the Presbytery of San Diego. The former behaves like the Politburo, and the latter is actually doing something constructive and creative. This is a graphic demonstration of how hopelessly tangled the PCUSA has become. Diversity is good, but what we seem to have here is irreconcilable differences. Whoever volunteers to succeed Clifton Kirkpatrick as stated clerk should undergo a sanity hearing. The PCUSA is obviously at a crossroads. At the next General Assembly, it can follow the Heartland model, imitate the KGB, and muddle through as it has been doing for decades, or it can follow the San Diego model and move forward, perhaps arresting the denomination's 40-year decline. Even though I'm in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, I realize that the Kingdom of God is not served by dying denominations, and I'm hoping that the PCUSA takes it cue from San Diego, to the glory of God. Larry Brown African Bible College Lilongwe, Malawi What the blogs reveal about the PCUSA's theological divide March 24, 2008 I am writing this early on the morning of Good Friday. In the distance, in the predawn darkness, the local mosque is calling the Muslim faithful to prayer. For me, the literal, physical Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the bottom line. If you believe that it is true, you may be a Christian; if you don't, you're not. Belief in a "spiritual" resurrection won't do. "Resurrection" by definition is physical, and a "spiritual" resurrection falls short of the apostolic kerygma. To say, "Anyhow, even though we can't take the Resurrection story as literal truth, Jesus lives in my heart," is equally inadequate. You may as well say the Easter Bunny lives in your heart. Without the power of the Resurrection, the church lies helpless before a resurgent Islam. Without Resurrection power, secularism tightens its grip on culture. I've been reading blogs by Presbyterian Church (USA) pastors. On one end, there's "Classical Presbyterian" by Toby Brown; on the other, there's "Shuck and Jive" by John Shuck. What this shows is the incredible vastness of the theological range within the PCUSA. Diversity can be a source of strength, but the diversity within this denomination is of such enormous proportions that it loses cohesion, meaning and purpose. It is unable to answer the question, "Who are we?" If it cannot answer that question, then logically the next one is, "Why continue as a denomination?" Inability to answer the all-important "Who-are-we" question, or to ignore it, must surely be a leading cause of the PCUSA's 40-year decline. My denomination, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, faced a similar crisis several years ago. In trying to embrace everybody within the evangelical stream, it became too charismatic for non-charismatics and not charismatic enough for the charismatics. Some churches wanted to adhere to the Westminster Confession of Faith; others wanted in its place a one-page "Essentials of the Faith" that was so brief and broad that the Dalai Lama could sign it. The General Assembly of 2001 in Denver resolved this by embracing both documents, with pre-eminence for Westminster. Along the way, we lost a number of congregations, particularly the more flagrantly charismatic ones, but we can now answer the "Who-are-we" question, and we are stronger and more flourishing than ever as a result. In my opinion, the PCUSA would be vastly better off if it accepted the loss of a number of conservative congregations, if by so doing it could then answer the "Who-are-we" question. It could then move on from there and stop expending time, money and energy waging theological battles. It could battle Burger King and other forces of evil unhindered. The conservatives that left could spend more time proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and doing evangelism. The Toby Browns and the John Shucks could blissfully live in total ignorance of one another's existence. The word "denomination" would regain its original meaning. If ever there was a couple in bad need of a divorce, it's the opposite poles of the PCUSA. Larry Brown African Bible College Lilongwe, Malawi The 'Passion of Christ' March 24, 2008 There is no point in arguing how much physical abuse Jesus suffered or didn't suffer at the hands of the soldiers. The physical suffering of Jesus is not the focal point of the substituionary Atonement. Many Christians over the centuries have undergone as much or more physical abuse than Jesus suffered at His trial and Crucifixion. The focal point of Jesus' suffering for sinners is the spiritual punishment He received from God the Father for our sin. Jesus' physical suffering was just a small part of His vicarious suffering for the believers' salvation. It is impossible for any Christian to conceive what the punishment of hell was like. We believe that He suffered the punishment of Hell that we deserve. It is that suffering that paid the penalty for Adam's sin and our own sin. That is the suffering for which we should give thanks, and not just one weekend a year. Bob Gordon pastor Timber Ridge ARP Church Lexington, Va. Some words your readers might wish to remember March 24, 2008 For those who are struggling with church-building issues in the Presbyterian Church (USA), there was a hymn written in 1939 by a member of the Collingswood, N.J., church of which the Rev. Carl McIntire was the senior pastor, a year after that church left the First Presbyterian Church of that town. It has a 1939 copyright by the Bible Presbyterian Church there, so you may not be able to print it, but I sent off for it. It is entitled "Looking unto Jesus." I can remember singing it there the few times I was in that worship service. First stanza:
Rev. Dr. David Myers retired PCA pastor Boiling Springs, Pa. A reply regarding the moderator's evangelism suggestion March 24, 2008 I was encouraged to see Moderator Joan Gray's suggestion that Presbyterians start carrying around a "give-away" Bible. I've been very encouraged by the ministry of the Pocket Testament League. They will send you "free" pocket-sized Gospel of John pamphlets. These can be given away to many, many people. Because it is small, it is much more likely to be read. It's also very portable and so easy to give away. They even have multiple translations and covers to pick from. Leave these with a generous tip when you dine out. Give them to the homeless, along with a meal. Share them with co-workers and neighbors. Try to give four or five each week! You can even put your name, or the name of your church, on the back on a sticker form that they print and provide. There are tips for giving these away in the materials they send. God promised us that the Word can't return to Him void, but accomplishes what He purposes, so let's get it out there! Chris Larimer Louisville, Ky. 'I'll start going to Burger King more often' March 19, 2008 I don't eat much at Burger King, as I'm more of a Chick Fil'A fan but, if Cliff thinks I shouldn't patronize BK, then I'll have to start going more often! Mike Montgomery Atlanta, Ga. A reply regarding Burger King and the Immokallee workers March 19, 2008 Although I disagree, I can at least understand those people who believe that the Presbyterian church should not be speaking out on matters such as the working conditions and exploitation of migrant farm workers. But there is something else I definitely do not understand. It appears that in response to information about people in the U.S. working 10 hours a day, seven days a week, for sub-poverty level wages and living with whole families in small trailers, the reaction of some readers of The Layman Online is to intentionally bypass those fast-food outlets now paying a slightly higher wage and purchase their burgers only from the most notorious. I might wonder, when they buy athletic shoes, do they check all the brands to be sure that they buy only those shoes made in the worst sweatshops by the youngest child workers? When buying groceries, do they make a special effort to purchase those items produced through the destruction of the largest amount of rainforest? Do they gag if, by accident, they are given a fairly traded cup of coffee? What kind of people say and do such things? David Carothers Harrisonburg, Va. A reply regarding 'Is America a Christian Nation?' March 19, 2008 The Pew Survey says "yes," but everything points out that we are not a Christian nation. We have abortions, crime is up, public schools are not allowing prayers or devotions, the economy is falling and we're fighting two wars. We would be attending church more often, praying often, sending out more missionaries to preach the Gospel throughout the world, including those in the U.S. who aren't saved. If we were a Christian nation, more people would not be afraid of saying, "I believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior." Charles Freeman Mississippi A question about the Easter Hymn March 19, 2008 A question for Peggy Alexander from her posting [Letters, March 17, 2008] of "An Easter Hymn for 2008:" What is the source of this hymn, and is it available for public use? I am always concerned about proper attribution and copyright concerns when it comes to possible use of material found on the Internet. Thanks for the help. And a blessed Easter season to all! Tom Sawyer pastor Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church EPC Homeworth, Ohio Cliff and Burger King 'clueless, as usual' March 18, 2008 Cliff should be upset of the millions of jobs that have been out-sourced to Third World countries paying slave labor wages. Burger King does not pay a dollar a day, as does China, or $40 a month, as does India. Cliff is clueless, as usual, having nothing to say, wrecking the Presbyterian Church (USA), and now his reward is to teach in a cemetery called Louisville Presbyterian Seminary? Cliff is a great example of how to further wreck the PCUSA by teaching others to follow him in the destruction of the PCUSA. Blind leaders of the blind blaming others for their own sin. Cliff, please read Genesis 3. You might learn something of yourself. Louis Stephen Nowasielski Wilmington, Del. Used Burger King packages to be sent to Kirkpatrick March 18, 2008 I am going to begin sending my used Burger King packages to our exalted stated clerk. If he really wants to ruin BK, he should go to work for them. Look what he has accomplished in his time at the helm at the Presbyterian Church (USA). Why, with his guidance, he could send BK into financial ruin in no time. Nick Smith Rothschild, Wisc. Burger King, Wendy's, etc. March 18, 2008 In the recent fuss about Burger King, I must confess that last night I planned on stopping there after choir practice for a double whopper combo. Believe it or not, it was closed. I'm not sure the proposed boycott caused this. Well, I don't really think so. But I did go to Wendy's to get my fix. I'm sure some will think I'm joking, but this did really happen. I will also confess as a "liberal" that I ate at Taco Bell when the boycott was in effect there as well. Shame on me! Mr. Eric Wells wrote a letter to your forum [Letters, March 14, 2008] that prompted me to share some thoughts. Mr. Wells stated about Mr. Kirkpatrick: "Perhaps this is indicative of a long-awaited and much-needed epiphany. If Mr. Kirkpatrick is so overwrought with messianic zealotry in his quest to combat exploitation, he need not concentrate any farther than his own office." "Revisions in Scriptural interpretation have undermined the belief in the inerrancy, transcendence and integrality of the Word of God. This, coupled with the manifest declension from the Westminster standards, exploits the Presbyterian faithful by voiding reinforcement of moral truisms and perspectives in tandem upon which the elect rely for spiritual sustenance. The primary liturgical basis is compromised." There are some more comments. But in regard to this all I can say to Mr. Wells is he needs to wake up, the Presbyterian Church (USA) for the most part has been somewhat liberal for some time, so that is not a surprise. However, I can relate to these statements by Mr. Wells: "As a recent participant in the Delphi Automotive attrition program, I can say with authority that the exploitation with which American workers contend, via corporate greed, is no less abject and sullenizing than in any other quarter of the Earth. If rally we must, would it not make more sense to thus proceed in the cause of the U.S. workforce? After all, charity begins at home, does it not?" I also worked in corporate America until a few years ago when I was affected by down-sizing or right-sizing and was told by my company good-bye rather than my having the choice to leave. Note that no one ever calls this left-sizing. Wonder why? The bottom line is we like our junk food (although we consider that quite tasty), driving our cars (despite the cost of gas), and getting things so cheap at our gigantic stores (despite those being made overseas and being shipped at a higher cost via oil). Is this following Jesus? I sometimes wonder. What I find in my own life these days is that there are those on both sides of the spectrum that claim to have greater purity in how they walk with Jesus. Yet, I can't help but see inconsistencies on either side. But then, I think being inconsistent is what faith is all about. It is accepting the fact we aren't all perfect and all are short of the glory of God. The trouble, I think at times, is it is scary for anyone to admit this. And so everyone keeps up the perfect stance. What good does that do? Earl C. Apel deacon Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church Cincinnati, OH San Diego Presbytery should be commended March 18, 2008 I want to commend San Diego Presbytery for having the courage and foresight to begin to create structures, within the Presbyterian Church (USA) where evangelical and Biblically-based Presbyterian churches can be gathered and protected. Realistically, restructuring is the only way forward for evangelical and Biblically-based Presbyterian churches that are not inclined to litigate their way out of the PCUSA. It was one of the main reasons I prepared an alternative, but there are many ways to restructure and reach that end (see the Beaver Butler overture). I really commend the Presbytery of San Diego. Congregations and presbyteries with courage need to link up with them on their great adventure in faith. Being weak and "going along to get along" has not served us well, and has brought us to this place. Take courage, pray and step out in faith. John Almquist A reply regarding 'Women's Ordination ... Are We in Trouble?' March 18, 2008 Thank you for your magazine and its articles. – I'm thinking about attending a support group for people who read your very informative paper, since Time dropped their regular Religion section. It's called "timed out" and they serve refreshments. In response to your feature of Sylvia Dooling's article from Voices of Orthodox Women, please let me offer the following. As long as homosexual ordination is a realistic facet in the Presbyterian Church (USA), you will have nothing to worry about regarding women's ordination being threatened. An explanation follows. Doubtless, women's ordination circles in all the notable Presbyterian denominations prefer to separate the two in order to protect ordained female leadership from an association with homosexuality. And, granted, female-ness has nothing per se in common with sodomy, nor do women pastors equal LBGT. However, cross-pollination of men's and women's church leadership roles strongly links the politico-ecclesiastical positions of the two 20th-century inventions. They are next-door neighbors with a two party phone line flying under the radar. Re: both heavily rely on a broad application of Galatians 3:28 to issues other than salvation: in this case, church leadership. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, and there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Attempts to separate female and homosexual ordination are evocative of older attempts to "agree to women deacons, but just not women elders," or "agree to women elders, but just not women pastors." Remember those timid steps toward our present state? I do. Also, ordaining both dodges Christ Jesus' normative example of limiting leadership in the church to regenerate / repentant male believers in Him. That's where The Layman and VOW, imho, stumble. Please think – Deborah, Huldah and Anna served as prophetess and judge during the darkest times in the Old Covenant: the Judges, the half-light previous to the surrender to Babylon, and around the advent of Lord Jesus which was the end of the Old Covenant. They excelled, they were stellar, we will see them in heaven, but did God wait till the worst times to perform normative work? Their being "remarkable" implies they were not normative. Sadly, after half-lights finish breaking – multi-colored, interesting, beautiful, graced and good though they be – then comes the sundown and the Babylonian darkness. Such as, "my children and/or grandchildren have forsaken Jesus Christ." Kindly disregard estimations of any fearsome motives and consider, "should one be a-feared?" Not with Him. Alec Ream The issue is not Burger King, but the PCUSA's 'Have it your way' theology March 17, 2008 The denomination should not be so concerned with Burger King's food but, rather, with the "Have it your way" theology that has infiltrated the denomination. It would seem to me Burger King fits right in. Evan Dowdy Kirkpatrick and Peace River's quid pro quo? March 17, 2008 As a recent former elder-commissioner to Peace River Presbytery, I have painfully watched the birthing of the Immokolee farm workers program by the "social justice" zealots of our presbytery and the continuing feeding and nurturing to its present status. Indeed, the Immokolee program could well be considered the keystone of Peace River's mission efforts, achieving its full adulthood with the successful boycott of Taco Bell over tomato pricing. Located near the southern extremity of the presbytery's borders and thereby geographically removed from the majority of member churches, the Immokolee project has been championed to the point of importing (literally) a Spanish-speaking Latino pastor to minister more effectively to the largely undocumented workforce. I find the recent Kirkpatrick appeal for support of the Immokolee workers (dba "CIFW") currently engaging the Burger King organization in yet another economic battle over tomato prices to be more than a simple fluke of timing to coincide with Peace River Presbytery's new attack on the Evangelical Presbyterian Church via their overture to the General Assembly. More suspiciously, the speed with which this overture made it through the administrative bowels and onto the floor of presbytery was for many observers a new record. More troubling to devoted watchers of the presbytery's activities were the near "blackout" and absence of information regarding this egregious overture. In a word, many of us felt completely blindsided by the quick passage and complete silence regarding this overture, having gained knowledge only through The Layman Online. Peace River Presbytery has just suffered the loss of a major church, Covenant Presbyterian of Ft. Myers, Fla, by 76 percent of its thoroughly-certified members electing to leave the Presbyterian Church (USA). Prompt action during a called presbytery meeting quickly found the congregation to be in schism, thereby requiring an administrative commission to "protect" the loyal 24 percent remaining "true Presbyterians" and, of course, their property as well. The response throughout this entire ordeal by the departing congregants and their leadership has been the very epitome of Christian love, charity and devotion. While accusations and epitaphs were bouncing off the walls of presbytery, their pastors and well-represented congregation sat silently and piously listening. They have since left their large buildings without a whimper and have already established themselves in new quarters – all, I believe, much to the chagrin of several presbytery leaders now unable to castigate them further. I point out the above to underscore the seemingly serendipitous timing involved in both Peace River Presbytery and our stated clerk assaulting the hapless EPC, followed by Kirkpatrick's touching solicitation of denominational support for the newest Immokolee intimidation project against Burger King. Having over 60 years faithful experiences within this denomination, I must candidly confess that the recent eight-10 years have brought me to a posture of skepticism never previously felt and, quite honestly, not at all enjoyed. To harbor such suspicions over the only organization extant in your life that you look to for nurture, spiritual support and sustenance is to shake the very core of one's belief. Equally, to go blithely unaware of the intrigues and political maneuvers perpetrated all too frequently by leaders of this denomination would qualify as folly. Come, Jesus, come. Robert Courter Elder First Presbyterian Church Bradenton, Fla. |
|
| March
2008 letters, page 2 Home · News · PLC Publications · The Layman Online Reviews · Archives· History of the Lay Committee · Feedback · Links |