Unjust Weights and the 41st PCA General Assembly
The principle of the use of unjust weights destroys trust in the church as it does in an economic system
Taking away PCA commissioners’ ability to debate and vote on issues in accordance with our RAO procedures destroys their trust in the underlying ecclesiastical system. Attempting to fix a vote’s outcome by changing voting order on the fly similarly erodes that same trust. Like unjust weights and balances, unjust political maneuvering should not be named... Continue Reading
A Rejoinder in the Discussion on ‘Parliamentary “Proceduring” or Constitutional Compliance?’
The continuing discussion on what the PCA BCO says on handling decisions of the Standing Judicial Commission
If the CCB member’s interpretation is correct, and CCB is allowed to review the merits of SJC decisions, then presumably any person who loses a decision at the SJC, or any losing Presbytery, could try to persuade one of the eight members of CCB to cite the SJC in the case, asking GA to remand... Continue Reading
Marriage as Established by God
From the beginning of time, God established marriage as a blessing for the human race
We have always been in this world but never of it. “Put no confidence in princes!” the Lord God commands our hearts. Just as our first Century brothers and sisters in Christ knew not to put their trust in silly Caesars who counted themselves as gods, so too we must learn not to put our... Continue Reading
Fourth of July Reflections on a Changing America
Patriotism is an issue for Christians because of our citizenship in two realms, one earthly and one heavenly
Christ is reigning over this year’s Fourth of July. The startling troubles before us are as much an opportunity as they are a threat, but only if Christians rise up to our calling as servants of a triumphant gospel in the midst of a sin-broken world. For Christians, the issue of patriotism is always... Continue Reading
Bradley Christie to Serve As Erskine Acting President
Dr. N. Bradley Christie will serve as acting president effective July 1, 2013
Christie currently serves as senior vice president for academic affairs and has fulfilled various roles in his 22 years at Erskine, including professor of English and vice president and dean of the College. He earned his Ph.D. in English at Duke University in 1988 and also earned the M.Div. degree from Erskine Theological Seminary in... Continue Reading
Pastoral Bullies
How might a pastor or elder “domineer” his flock?
He domineers by short circuiting due process, by shutting down dialogue and discussion prematurely, by not giving all concerned an opportunity to voice their opinion. He domineers by establishing an inviolable barrier between himself and the sheep. He either surrounds himself with staff who insulate him from contact with the people or withdraws from the... Continue Reading
When Your Mother Says She’s Fat
A letter from a woman to her mother on body image
But this madness has to stop, Mum. It stops with you, it stops with me and it stops now. We deserve better – better than to have our days brought to ruin by bad body thoughts, wishing we were otherwise. And it’s not just about you and me any more. It’s also about Violet. Your... Continue Reading
Stated Clerk’s Summary of the Actions of the 41st PCA General Assembly
In 1986-1988 an ad interim committee of the General Assembly studied the issue of paedocommunion. The Assembly adopted the recommendation “That the PCA continue the practice defined in our standards and administer the Lord’s Supper ‘only to such as are of years and ability to examine themselves.’” Some Presbyteries have allowed ministers to hold to... Continue Reading
Grateful Realism: A Response to Clint Davis’ Review of the ARP General Synod
Along with gratitude the ARP should celebrate there is also a sober realism that must be faced
The much-celebrated vote to reclaim Synod’s rights to remove Erskine Board members with cause, as well as the solid slate of new trustees which were elected, should indeed encourage all who believe the schools, both college and seminary, are agencies of the Church. However, as necessary as these steps are, it must be remembered that the... Continue Reading
Review: What is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense
The book contrasts two distinct views of marriage, the conjugal view and the revisionist view
This book makes a significant contribution to the literature on this timely subject, and Christians interested in engaging the marriage debates in the public square, and willing to invest the time to read a finely-nuanced book with care, will find this a stimulating study. Yet they may find it more discouraging than encouraging, for its... Continue Reading