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David Bos responds to criticism by the Rev. Ron
Scates, on PresbyWeb, that in urging a new "Auburn
Affirmation," he has neglected the document itself.
For the full correspondence, check
PresbyWeb.
The Auburn Affirmation
revisited
by Rev. A. David Bos
I urge Mr. Scates to take another look at the Auburn
Affirmation for I think that he has misunderstood both the document
itself and those who are pointing out its relevance for today.
One of the main points of the Affirmation is to oppose
the imposition of uniformity of belief in our denomination. So whereas
the writers did indeed "affirm and declare their acceptance of the
Westminster Confession of Faith", they, at the same time,
reaffirmed the Adopting Act of 1729 which "anticipated and provided
for dissent by individuals from portions of the Confession".
Whereas they did indeed "sincerely hold and earnestly preach the
doctrines of evangelical Christianity", they also highlighted these
words from the Declaration of Principles adopted at the formation of the
Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (1788): " These
are truths and forms, with respect to which men of good characters and
principles may differ. And in all these they think it the duty, both of
Christians and Societies, to exercise mutual forbearance towards each
other".
The signers of the Affirmation did assent to the core
of the faith and were anchored in the Constitution; so why did they
write it and sign it? Because a faction had gained control of the church
which presumed to add five "essentials" to that core of faith
and to require all ministers and employees of the General Assembly to
subscribe to them. Yes, the signers held to the "great facts and
doctrines" of Christianity; and they opposed the attempt of the
General Assembly "to commit our church to certain theories
concerning them". Thanks to the Affirmation, the attempt to impose
uniformity of belief was overturned.
Those who are calling for a new Affirmation in the
spirit of the original are also anchored in the Constitution and assent
to the core of the faith. I find it hard to understand why Mr. Scates
would call them "promoters of creative unbelief, seeking to
overthrow the Constitution of PCUSA". Nothing could be further from
the truth. As the signers of the first Affirmation testified: "We
do not desire to go beyond the teachings of evangelical
Christianity."
David Bos, honorably retired minister who lives in
Louisville, Kentucky, preached a sermon "Reclaiming
the Church" in Downtown United Presbyterian Church, Rochester,
New York, on September 3, 2000, calling for another Auburn Affirmation.
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Some blogs worth visiting |
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Voices of Sophia blog
Heather Reichgott, who has created this new blog
for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:
After fifteen years of scholarship and activism,
Voices of Sophia presents a blog. Here, we present the voices of
feminist theologians of all stripes: scholars, clergy, students,
exiles, missionaries, workers, thinkers, artists, lovers and
devotees, from many parts of the world, all children of the God in
whose image women are made. .... This blog seeks to glorify God
through prayer, work, art, and intellectual reflection. Through
articles and ensuing discussion we hope to become an active and
thoughtful community. |
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Witherspoon’s Facebook page
Mitch Trigger, Witherspoon’s
Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where
Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and
views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both
personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!
You can post your own news and views, or initiate
a conversation about a topic of interest to you. |
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John Harris’ Summit to Shore blogspot
Theological and philosophical reflections on
everything between summit to shore, including kayaking, climbing,
religion, spirituality, philosophy, theology, politics, culture,
travel, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), New York City and the
Queens neighborhood of Ridgewood by a progressive New York City
Presbyterian Pastor. John is a former member of the Witherspoon
board, and is designated pastor of North Presbyterian Church in
Flushing, NY. |
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John
Shuck’s Shuck and Jive
A Presbyterian minister, currently serving as
pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, Tenn., blogs
about spirituality, culture, religion (both organized and
disorganized), life, evolution, literature, Jesus, and lightening
up. |
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Got more blogs to recommend?
Please
send a note, and we'll see what we can do! |
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Plan now for our 2010 Ghost Ranch
Seminar!
GHOST RANCH SEMINAR
July 26-August 1, 2010
WE’RE
ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
CONFRONTING THE STRUCTURES OF INJUSTICE |
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