What’s Presbyterian?

SAT., MAR. 4, 1995, 7:03 AM
FARM, STUDY

This Forum that you’re conducting each Sunday is limping along, and I’ll say that you’re doing rather well in trying to identify what is Presbyterian. Importantly, you’re learning in the process and becoming a more knowledgeable member of this denomination. And you know that I want you to be a good Presbyterian… but what is this, from My perspective?

Yours is a democratically organized church and denomination, upholding the principle that the clergy should not dominate. There is an ordination process for lay people, so that does produce a minor hierarchy, but, in your church, at least, those who are ordained elders are quite a mixed, heterogeneous group. Clergy are to be well-educated, formally, and prior to their ordination, and continuing education is expected. The clergy’s role in the government however, is that of moderator. Thus, the combined role is of teacher and spiritual leader, but not of administrator and political leader. As Jesus, I was the example. I was teacher and, obviously spiritual leader, but I was not willing to “take the government upon My shoulders.” I recognize that organization is necessary, but I like the spirit of your principle – spread the authority and the working tasks around.

Yes, Presbyterians are practical Christians, committed to the continuation of this earth scene without My supernatural intervention. You believe in caring for each other, and in being ever mindful of the needs of others, beyond your congregation (even as you don’t use that nice phrase). You work for justice and fairness, for you have faith that this earth realm will continue, and if it is to be as I want it to be then Christians must work toward such conditions.

In principle the Bible, My Holy Scriptures, is the sufficient guide to your faith and life. However, the education of your clergy works against sole commitment to Scripture. Much has been written since this canon was established, and you and your fellow Presby’s feel that you need insights on the world of today, which is culturally so different from that of Biblical times. Thus there is a firm commitment to the Scriptures, but, as it works out not much time and attention is given to Bible study. Presbyterians write, and they read… much more than the Bible.

There is little emphasis on the inerrancy of Scripture, and only the “requirement” that I, as Jesus, be affirmed as “Lord and Savior,” without this being narrowly defined. You don’t all have to believe further in a prescribed way. Some of you believe in the Virgin Birth; others do not or just don’t know what they believe about this. You all repeatedly affirm belief in Me, the Holy Spirit, but there’s little concern about how I function in your lives. This makes you an odd Presbyterian, but your group’s liberality and tolerance allow you to remain… as long as you don’t speak much about this personal relationship.

“God alone is Lord of the conscience.” You’re not sure where this came from, but you accept it as Presbyterian “doctrine.” I, as Holy Spirit, am, finally, this God, and I help you, directly, to understand this life you’re living, in this way not shared by most of your fellow congregants. You have a “right” to have Me as Lord of your conscience, but these comrades of ours have a right to question the authenticity of what you write, what you hear Me saying to you.