I’m reminded of the Monty Python skit in which a pet shop customer returns to complain that the parrot he recently bought was merely a stuffed bird, wired to a perch in a cage. It continues hilariously until the customer bangs the bird upon the shop counter shouting “This bird is dead.” in counterposed cadence to the shop owner who repeats “It is not. It’s merely sleeping.”
Debating demise of the Presbyterian Church (USA) seems similar, though not so humorous. Some, like me, say it is spiritually dead and ought to be buried promptly, for it stinks. Others still cling to hope of raising the corpse through just one more attempt at reconciling the apostate with the sentimentally blind side of the split carcass. And a few will hang on until the body is eaten up entirely by the bacteria of spiritual decay.
Numbers aside; dear Carmen, it’s over, dead and done! There’s nothing left worth saving in the PCUSA. It’s not even worth quibbling over the scraps of worldly matter which remain on patches of property and in bank accounts. The once bold church, which was strong in the heritage of the Reformation, has been hollowed by internal malignancy for too long.
Psalm 4:2 (ESV)O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
There is no longer but a shell of religion remaining. Once a week the zombie march proceeds to moan churchianity’s dirge and proclaim “peace where there is no peace.”
I retired, after 40 years serving Christ, in the increasingly arid Presbyterian desert. Now, I only look back when a copy of The Layman arrives. I preach and serve the Lord’s Supper occasionally for a non-denominational congregation that retains the Westminster Confession and considers the Bible the absolute go-to reference for all matters of faith and life in Christ. I counsel troubled people according to Scripture and teach the truth of the Gospel (TULIP or FAITH, whichever acronym you prefer). I’m happily serving the Lord and no longer need the denomination which never gave me aught but pain and pension.
The later I receive as from the hand of God, deferred compensation for the former. I hope to yet honor my Lord and Savior, continuing a form of ministry so long discouraged by the PCUSA. I no longer have to attend presbytery meetings as an unwelcome intruder, or abide by the arbitrary rule of godless politicians skilled in parliamentary procedure. “Free at last! Thank God! I’m free at last!”
I pray the same joy for all who still labor to lug along the dead weight of the PCUSA.
Dr. James G. Cramer
Natrona Heights, Pa.
3 Comments. Leave new
The dead parrot skit is an amazing analogy! It’s nice to be able to laugh, rather than groan. Here it is, just as you described it: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=monty+python+dead+parrot+youtube&mid=AE45AC5EF84945F2CAFDAE45AC5EF84945F2CAFD&view=detail&FORM=VIRE2
Jim Berkley
Roslyn, WA
I sat across from a PC USA pastor (COM) recently who grilled me on “limited atonement” and other doctrines. He said the Calvinism of the 1600’s was not the Calvinism of 2013. In hearing his take on some of the doctrines of grace and my reasoning on the same– we seem to be of very different understanding.
The I read where a PC USA lobbyist was pushing for gun control. Funny, but as I was cleaning my AR 15 I wondered how that might affect some of the conservative gun toting church members feelings toward some of the social entanglements that have nothing to do with the Gospel.
Is there a comeback for the PC USA to its reformation roots — or was Lazarus a one time deal? All I know is while we never talked about homosexual ordination or same sex marriage– the fact that the PC USA is embracing or moving towards that makes me think the parrot in the skit is not only analogous but also that it’s cage is self-constructed and rusting shut.
Hi Dr. Cramer,
I couldn’t have said it better. You are an amazing guy! My hats off to you for standing your ground!
Fran Plunkett