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To: wmfights; Alex Murphy; Gamecock
Is it a centralized hierarchy like the RCC?

It's nothing like it. Presbyterian and Methodist and Lutheran pastors are accountable to their congregations. Those congregations are then accountable to presbyteries and synods, and ultimately a general assembly.

but all those offices are elected by the congregations. There is a built-in system of checks and balances in this representative form of government that is unknown in Rome where every member of which is beholden to the edicts of the bishop of Rome.

That's why the American Revolution was called the "Presbyterian Rebellion." It's the same type of governing structure and it is straight from the Bible. It is not perfect. But it is optimal for preserving and disseminating the truth, and for keeping heresy in check.

344 posted on 03/15/2008 4:45:28 PM PDT by Dr. Eckleburg ("I don't think they want my respect; I think they want my submission." - Flemming Rose)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg
But it is optimal for preserving and disseminating the truth, and for keeping heresy in check.

Then where did the PCUSA come from?

347 posted on 03/15/2008 4:46:58 PM PDT by Campion
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To: Dr. Eckleburg; Alex Murphy; Gamecock
Presbyterian and Methodist and Lutheran pastors are accountable to their congregations. Those congregations are then accountable to presbyteries and synods, and ultimately a general assembly.

So Lutherans did not have a centralized hierarchy with one leader centered in Germany. It is easier to hold the RCC to account because of its organizational structure. However, I don't think it's complete picture.

For example, in the 1930's the RCC representative entered into agreements with the Nazis that they thought were in the best interest of the RCC given the circumstances. However, that's not the same as the Pope coming out on the balcony at St. Peters and saying Nazism is good and killing all the Jews is okay.

381 posted on 03/15/2008 5:07:45 PM PDT by wmfights (Believe - THE GOSPEL - and be saved)
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