Can Two Faiths Embrace One Future? Questions for Discussion Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 1) The Presbyterian Church (USA) has lost more than 2 million members since 1965. During the same period, non-denominational evangelical churches have grown exponentially. What are some differences between these groups of churches that might explain such numbers? 2) List some of the key differences between the two faiths that are currently encompassed in the Presbyterian Church (USA). 3) According to Scripture, are these differences negotiable? 4) Who is Jesus Christ? Look at the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and other documents in our Book of Confessions to see what these authorities say about Jesus Christ. Read also what Jesus said about himself in John 14: 6-11. 5) How can Christians remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ, honestly acknowledging essential differences between the gospel and other religions, while also developing good relations with non-Christian neighbors? Read Acts 17: 16-34 for help in discussing this question. 6) What are the key elements of the following pluralistic proposals: a) local option (p. 6) b) two synods (footnote 5) c) removing the General Assembly's authoritative interpretation on current constitutional ordination standards (footnote 23) d) a constitution consisting of broad principles only (See Web article) 7) Three "essential questions" are listed on page 7 of Can Two Faiths Embrace One Future? Do you think that these three questions are essential to our Reformed faith? Would you add any other issues that seem to be at the heart of our denomination's discord? 8) Would a pluralistic arrangement bring about peace in the Presbyterian Church (USA)? Why or why not? Is there a difference between the peace that Jesus Christ gives and the peace that the world gives? Read John 14: 23-31 for help in discussing this question. 9) When Presbyterians are ordained, they are asked, "Do you sincerely receive and adopt the essential tenets of the Reformed faith as expressed in the confessions of our church as authentic and reliable expositions of what Scripture leads us to believe and do …?" Can you name those "essential tenets?" San Diego Presbytery addressed this issue in a presbytery-wide study that resulted in a list of essentials. See them on the Web. 10) The New Wineskins Initiative proposes that Presbyterian leaders annually subscribe to clearly specified essential tenets of Reformed faith. a) Do you believe this requirement would be a step toward unity? b) Should ordained personnel be held accountable to this requirement? 11) Advocates of "gracious separation" say that the Presbyterian Church (USA) is not a church, but a corporation. Do you agree? Just as the Presbyterian Church US and the United Presbyterian Church in the USA merged to form the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1982, can this denominational structure be "demerged" (dismantled) and be faithful to Scripture? 12) Advocates of the two-synod proposal say they prefer it to "gracious separation" because it provides a way for congregations to avoid having to make a schismatic choice. In your opinion, would the two-synod arrangement enable your congregation to avoid having to make that choice?

Respond to this article

Home · Archives · The Layman · PLC Publications Presbyterian Lay Committee · Feedback · Links