Former moderator speaks at Semper Reformanda dinner as organization approves merger with Witherspoon Society

by Emily Enders Odom, PNS

LOUISVILLE -- June 12, 2001 -- At the conclusion of the Rev. Herbert Valentine's compelling message entitled True Believers, his third person address became suddenly personal with an unexpected shift to the first person plural. "What do I suggest we do about all of this," he asked, after having outlined in precise language the dangers of claiming possession of the totality of truth. "Very simple. Hold up the mirror to ourselves at the same time we are looking out the window and determine what the objects are of our devotion.

"It may very well turn out," he continued, "that we progressives or liberals are the ones who are the fanatics."

The speech was given at the Semper Reformanda dinner, Tuesday evening.

Valentine had earlier cited the origin of the word "fanatic" as having its basis in the Latin root, fanum, or sacred place. Everything outside of that sacred place, he said, is profane, and must therefore be dismissed by the "true believer." "The fanatic," he explained, citing a humorist, "is the one who knows he is doing what the Lord is telling him to do if the Lord were in possession of all the facts."

Paraphrasing Karl Rahner, Valentine offered that "truth is like the horizon; it is equidistant from us all." In the spirit of that statement, he called for continued dialogue and an open exchange of ideas. "Whenever and wherever ideas cease to be exchanged," he intoned, "whenever that stops, history tells us that blood flows."

In the business meeting which preceded Valentine's address, a memorandum of agreement was adopted merging the Semper Reformanda and Witherspoon Society organizations under one board of directors, with one mission statement, one program, one budget and staff. The new organization will retain the Witherspoon Society name. However, the name Semper Reformanda will continue to appear in the organization's newsletter and at General Assembly. Elected as members of the new Witherspoon Society Board were Barbara Kellam-Scott, José Olagues and Ken Smith.

An additional highlight of the evening, held at the Galt House East, was the introduction by Elenora Giddings Ivory, director of the Washington Office, of Jenny Lin. Lin is to serve, beginning September 4, as the first Washington Presbyterian Office intern to be funded by Semper Reformanda's internship program in honor of Robert J. Stone. Stone, one of the initial organizers of Semper Reformanda, served as the first moderator of the organization from 1995 to 1997.

Gene TeSelle, a member of the Witherspoon executive committee, added these notes from Valentine's talk:

Taking his theme from Eric Hoffer, Valentine spoke about "True Believers," as describing people whose need for strong certitude in dealing with disputed questions leads them toward various forms that seem absolutistic. Whether from anxiety, or the stresses of social change, or alienation, these people are unwilling to leave space for uncertainty in their lives.

With such a need for certainty, these people are concerned to draw clear boundaries, and are reluctant to consider compromise or moderation. When challenged with criticisms or alternative views, they may regard their challengers as "enemies," and view the challenge as a call to holy war.

The moderates, said Valentine, tend to keep things open and to accept the ambiguities of life, while the "true believer" wants to close off discussion. The result is one that we have seen all too often: When a community is divided, one side refuses to engage in dialogue, and the other side is left with no partners in the conversation.

Valentine urged that liberals stay engaged in the marketplace of ideas, for "whenever the flow of ideas stops, that is when the blood flows."

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