Posted on 06/19/2006 6:35:04 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Presbyterians Weigh Worship Alternatives
(AP) BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Delegates of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are to tackle whether to adopt gender-inclusive language for worship of the divine Trinity along with the traditional "Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
A study panel said the classical language for the Trinity shouldn't be diminished, but advocated "fresh ways to speak of the mystery of the triune God" to "expand the church's vocabulary of praise and wonder."
One reason is that language limited to the Father and Son "has been used to support the idea that God is male and that men are superior to women," the panel said.
Conservatives object that the church should stick close to the way God is named in the Bible.
Among the feminist-inspired, gender-inclusive options:
• "Mother, Child and Womb"
• "Lover, Beloved, Love"
• "Creator, Savior, Sanctifier"
• "Rock, Redeemer, Friend"
• "King of Glory, Prince of Peace, Spirit of Love."
(Excerpt) Read more at wcbstv.com ...
Thank God.
I really doubt there was much chance of this passing. But I noticed on the other thread that Nancy Olthoff was chairwoman of this travesty, who said...
"This does not alter the church's theological position, but provides an educational resource to enhance the spiritual life of our membership," legislative committee chair Nancy Olthoff, an Iowa laywoman, said during Monday's debate on the Trinity."
Going to her church's website in Iowa, I see there's a Harry Olthoff mentioned who is General Presbyter of the East Iowa Presbytery.
This folly runs deep.
Today there are 189 identified denominations within the Protestant community alone. Over the last 200 years there has been schism after schism and a host of entirely new churches, like the Mormons, Christian Scientists, Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, African Methodist Churches, Pentacostals, Plymouth Brethren, unaffiliated megachurches, numerous cults, and televangelists focused on raking in money.
Even the RC Catholic has 'competition' from Eastern Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, 'free Catholics', Latin-rite Catholic churches, and Slovenian Catholics. Baptists are split between Southern Baptists, not-so-southern Baptists, 'free Baptists',' primitive Baptists', and so on.
It is hard to make sense of all this fragmentation. The interpretation of every single Bible verse leads to a doctrinal dispute and a new denomination. The "war on Christians" seems to be mostly between Christians, which started long before liberal vs. conservative divisions. More schisms and entirely new sects are bound to arise from this, so which church to join is largely determined by early childhood experiences at home or a matter of flavor--vanilla, chocolate or strawberry as most people see it-- when there are so many competing claims as to the "one true faith."
How can anyone make sense out of 189 different sects? So much apostasy, being ever-vigilant, so little tolerance?
Keep in mind this is just one Presbyterian church.
There are many conservative ones out there.
Makes a difference, doesn't it...
Like one preacher told me; sound doctrine doesn't always make good preachin', and good preachin' isn't always sound doctrine...
But I agree with you...Some are called to teach, some are called to preach, some are called to pastor a flock, etc...
Biblically, all you need to preach the bible is a fishing license...Never met a pastor nor never heard of an 'apostle' that didn't like to fish...
And then, you only need one bible verse to get you goin': 2Ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
And the three key words are; study, and rightly dividing...
Might be good advice for Christians and some of these "Main Stream Churches."
Very interesting take on history, but I must point out that you forgot an early denomination - Lutherans. The church I attend was founded in 1761.
AMEN!
This is a prophetic statement, whether you realize it or not. The old wine skins (denominational structures) have burst and are now useless to God and lost men. I see a primitive home-church culture (I hate the word "movement") comprising hungry Christians, similar to those of the first century, who hate the empty form and pagan deconstruction of the old denominations. Let the pagan world have them; they are old cast off cloaks that true believers can afford to leave behind in pursuit of the Light of Life.
Try the one the tipsy young priest used in the old joke...Big Daddy, Junior and Spook. That one's starting to look downright reverent these days.
Do, Re, Mi?
Blonde, brunette, redhead?
Peter, Paul & Mary?
Punt, Pass & Kick?
Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes?
Abraham, Martin & John?
Manny, Moe & Jack?
Hughey, Dewey & Louie?
Alvin, Simon & Theodore?
Jack, Bobby & Teddy?
OK, the last five sets are far too masculine for consideration -- sorry about that . . .
How is Mother more inclusive than father??
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