Reformed Church in America Is Imploding, Professor Says

Christian Post ^ | 11/10/2009 | Audrey Barrick

[fishtank]

Is this about the denomination or about Reformed theology as a whole?

[SeekAndFind]

The denomination. I see nothing wrong with Reformed Theology.

[johniegrad]

The denomination. However the fact that you had a hard time discerning is telling in itself.

[xjcsa]

My own RCA church is thriving, though the description “generic evangelicalism with a thin veneer of Calvinism” is a bit on the nose for us. Nearly 2,000 in weekly attendance, and growing at an annual rate of between 10% and 15% for the last 30 years or so. Our growth has been mostly driven by outreach and evangelism, less so by natural growth. It’s also a very young church demographically - a *lot* of young families, college students, and junior high and high school students. We have our flaws like any other church, but we’re doing the work of the Kingdom all the same.

[SeekAndFind]

Well, here in New York City, one of the biggest and most thriving church is the REDEEMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, pastored by Rev. Tim Keller ( who wrote the recent best selling book — THE REASON FOR GOD ).

This is an evangelical church in the Reformed Tradition. They started out as a small house church and have now over 5,000 members in New York City ( a metropolis with some of the most hardened skeptics ).

It is those church that have ABANDONED Reformed Orthodoxy that are imploding.

[fishtank]

I was in a rush..........

[frossca]

Moreover, Luidens points out from studies of RCA members that many in the Reformed churches have little knowledge of the doctrinal standards of the denomination...

This can probably be said about most US denominations in this day and age.

[xjcsa]

Well, here in New York City, one of the biggest and most thriving church is the REDEEMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, pastored by Rev. Tim Keller ( who wrote the recent best selling book — THE REASON FOR GOD ).

This is an evangelical church in the Reformed Tradition. They started out as a small house church and have now over 5,000 members in New York City ( a metropolis with some of the most hardened skeptics ).

That's great. The only NYC church I've ever attended was the Brooklyn Tabernacle, which I liked a lot. But that's good to hear - I've found that the more I've learned, the more thoroughly Reformed my theology becomes.

[SeekAndFind]

I highly recommend Tim Keller's book -- THE REASON FOR GOD, BELIEF IN AN AGE OF SKEPTICISM. It is cogently argued and clearly presented in the Reformed Tradition of feeding both mind and heart.

You can get in from Amazon. See the reviews here

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Luidens believes the "highpoint" of theological messiness in the RCA occurred with the 1997 Formula of Agreement. The RCA established a full communion partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Church of Christ. Many opposed the UCC partnership because it supported an open and affirming view on homosexuality.

The ELCA now ordains homosexuals. All these "churches' are part of the National Council of Churches.

• African Methodist Episcopal Church
• The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
• Alliance of Baptists
• American Baptist Churches in the USA
• Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
• Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
• Church of the Brethren
• The Coptic Orthodox Church in North America
• The Episcopal Church
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Friends United Meeting
• Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
• Hungarian Reformed Church in America
• International Council of Community Churches
• Korean Presbyterian Church in America
• Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
• Mar Thoma Church
• Moravian Church in America Northern Province and Southern Province
• National Baptist Convention of America
• National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.
• National Missionary Baptist Convention of America
• Orthodox Church in America
• Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
• Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
• Polish National Catholic Church of America
• Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
• Reformed Church in America
• Serbian Orthodox Church in the U.S.A. and Canada
• The Swedenborgian Church
• Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
• Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America
• United Church of Christ
• The United Methodist Church •

[xjcsa]

Thanks, I’ll check that out.

[Cronos]

Questions, if I may -- what's your RCA's stand on:

1. Homosexuallity
2. Priestesses
3. Abortion
4. Isllam

[RobRoy]

Interestingly, I study the bible and very much enjoy books that help me understand its subtle and not so subtle meanings. I am not all that interested in “Church” history. I do enjoy some of it, but I have always, even before I was a Christian (I became a Christian in 1981) seen Church organizations as the works of man, even though I have been highly active for decades.

I don’t even really know what people really mean when they use the word “reformed” vs. “protestant”. Interestingly, I seem to know more of the history of cults like Mormonism then the history of many of the smaller denominations of Christianity. There is a reason for that, but it would take a while to explain and I gotta get back to work. :)

[RobRoy]

>>I’ve found that the more I’ve learned, the more thoroughly Reformed my theology becomes.<<

Same here. My biggest reformation lately was caused by my exposure to this article: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2240648/posts

[MarkBsnr]

***I’ve found that the more I’ve learned, the more thoroughly Reformed my theology becomes.***

Interesting; why would you say that is? The Calvinist style Reformed are losing population across the world both here in NA and across the world.

[xjcsa]

Questions, if I may -- what's your RCA's stand on:

1. Homosexuallity
2. Priestesses
3. Abortion
4. Isllam

I haven't paid a lot of attention to recent denominational developments, although I think they still line up with my congregation's stands. But I'll answer these for my congregation's stands, just to be clear.

1. Homosexuality, like any sexual activity outside of a marriage between one man and one woman, is sinful. Because of our location in Iowa, which has legalized homosexual "marriage," we have recently updated the language in some of our materials to reflect the fact that we do not recognize such "marriage."

2. We believe in the priesthood of the believer and do not have a separate priesthood, so I'm not sure what you're getting at.

3. We hold that life is sacred, from conception to natural death, and work to protect that life, both politically and practically.

4. We hold that Christ is the only way to God, and that there is only one "l" in Islam. :)

[xjcsa]

Interesting; why would you say that is? The Calvinist style Reformed are losing population across the world both here in NA and across the world.

It's because the theology is logically consistent and compelling; I've found Reformed theology to be the most intellectually satisfying theology around.

[MarkBsnr]

***It’s because the theology is logically consistent and compelling; I’ve found Reformed theology to be the most intellectually satisfying theology around.***

I see. Thank you for your prompt and honest response. Appreciate it.

[topcat54]

Interesting; why would you say that is? The Calvinist style Reformed are losing population across the world both here in NA and across the world.

Well that clearly not true, at least not in NA. See 3. The New Calvinism - 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now