We have spoken here at length about liberalizing tendencies within the Southern Baptist Convention in the past. Fortunately, things seem to be getting better from that standpoint.
But another group of historically conservative denominations– mostly Presbyterian– has also wrestled with these issues.
At the annual meeting of one of these denominations– the PCA– a statement was voted upon dealing with Christian natonalism. The denomination had assigned a committee to produce a report on the topic. The vote was to “accept” its report.
The video below has a discussion among four men who are within this overall group of denominations. Three of these men had recently written the very helpful book, “Reformed Christian Politics”, that we had discussed here earlier this year. And one of these, Stephen Wolfe, is the author of the book on Christian nationalism that made waves nationwide several years ago.
The four men discuss the vote on the Christian nationalism report that took place at the PCA national meeting last month. All of them express concern that some of the statements in the report are not biblical or based on sound theology. Wolfe expressed concern that the report represented “ecclesiastical tyranny” that could place ministers and laymen at jeopardy.
Zach Garris– who has recently been subjected to questionable discipline within his presbytery because of comments he had made on Twitter– expressed concern that these denominations should not be attacking conservative young men . He says it will drive them away and hurt the individual churches.
They said they had attended the PCA annual meeeting and were approached by a number of young pastors within the denomination who expressed appreciation for what they were doing. Obviously, many young men have grave concerns about the direction in which the country has been headed because it will directly affect them and their children.
This is a good discussion. I would suggest starting at approximately the 38:10 mark. Some of it might seem difficult to follow without having read the report, but I think for those who stick with it, it will illustrate how liberalizing tendencies can be harmful– and theologically mistaken. Unfortunately, within conservative denominations, those with a moderate or liberal worldview sometimes use the levers of power inappropriately:
In my opinion, if one is dissatisfied with the message and teachings of their church then by all means then they should find another one.
I agree, Fred. But there is one hitch. If the few remaining conservative denominations go liberal, then there is nowhere for conservatives to go.