Changing Scripture to fit GA policy takes the cake
Posted Friday, May 28, 2010
I thought I had heard it all from these folks in Louisville. Changing Scripture to fit General Assembly policy takes the cake! I suppose it would be useless to suggest that they consider changing their policy to conform with Scripture.
I will not be worrying quite so much about their apostate antics in the future however. I got the good news today that we have been released to the EPC. Praise the Lord!
Roger Clark Sequim, Wash.
Article shows the true colors of our PCUSA advocacy staff
Posted Friday, May 28, 2010
Many thanks to you and to Lloyd Meyer for following this abuse of Scripture and exposing it publicly. You have done a masterful job of showing the true colors of our PCUSA advocacy staff. Marie Bowen, executive director Presbyterians Pro-Life
Separating us from the Word of God
Posted Friday, May 28, 2010
Rev. Nelson seems to be an equal or worse extension of previous director Rev. Elenora Giddings Ivory, extremely divisive and contrary to the majority of Presbyterians. What in the world is wrong with our church leaders? Why in the world are they opposing God’s Word? Why are so many of us sitting on our haunches doing nothing about this? We are surrounded with people in need, why are we being distracted with this garbage? What does a false prophet and Satan want to do? Separate us from the Word of God. That is what is happening here.
Richard Conway Morganton, N.C.
‘Immigrant’ did not mean in the time of Leviticus what it means today
Posted Friday, May 28, 2010
The leadership cites Leviticus 19:33-34 to argue against the Arizona law. They translate it as “When an immigrant resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the immigrant. [He] shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the immigrant as yourself for you were immigrants in the land of Egypt.”
A more accurate translation is in the KJV: “And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land you shall not oppress him.” The first key word here is “stranger.” Strong’s gives “1) sojourner; 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights; 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights”
The next key word is “sojourn.” Strong’s gives “1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, …” As “sojourn” isn’t a common word, I turn to Webster: “to live somewhere temporarily, as on a visit; stay for a while.”
The key word after that is “citizen.” PCUSA deftly inserts “citizen” where the KJV has “one born among you.” Strong’s gives “1) a native (one rising from the soil); 1a) of man, native Israelites.”
Using “immigrant” and “citizen” is an obvious – and feeble – attempt to rewrite Leviticus in today’s context.
I submit that Reyes-Chow, Parsons and Valentine are smart enough to know that the word “immigrant” (which they seem to prefer over the accepted word) did not mean in the time of Leviticus what it means today – and I am offended that they believe we are so ignorant as to think it does.
Their letter continues: “[PCUSA] … supports … comprehensive immigration reform that creates a process for undocumented immigrants … to earn their legal status …” There is already such a process — one that has been in place since at least 1892: It’s called “applying for citizenship.” It’s not easy, and it often takes a long time — but it has been used by millions of people, ever since Ellis Island opened. To “fast-track” today’s “undocumented immigrants” would be a slap in the face of those millions who went through the process, and those who are now in the process. It would go against one of the core principles of the progressives: it’s simply not “fair.”
I believe the leadership’s time and energy would be better spent trying to figure out why so many congregations are leaving PCUSA.
All they have to do is ask.
Michael D. Zorn Santa Ana, Calif.
Not surprised at PCUSA criticism of Arizona immigration law
Posted Friday, May 28, 2010
I am not surprised that some of our “leading officials” would criticize the Arizona immigration law. That state law, as we all now know, simply mirrors the federal immigration laws that have been on the books for years. I liken this ridiculous criticism to that which is directed at the Confessing Church Movement, when in fact the three tenets of the movement simply re-state what the denomination already affirmed in our constitution.
I am curious to know why our clerk, our moderator and others, have not spoken out publicly about the gross injustice perpetrated upon law-abiding citizens of this nation by law-breakers, hoodlums and vandals who have pilfered the people of our border communities for years.
May I humbly submit that for all those who find fault with the Arizona law to show their displeasure in a nation-wide campaign of solidarity and sympathy called: Leave Your Garage Door Open Tonight! I think it could be a very powerful statement that there are those out there who are in need and what they need might well be in your garage. While those folks are at it, why not leave your car and home unlocked as well.
Rev. Mike Baynai, pastor John Knox Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, Mich.
When did Presbyterians stop believing in salvation by grace?
Posted Friday, May 28, 2010
It strikes me that Elder Lee H. Lybarger (letter to the editor, posted May 27, 2010) may be a bit confused. I know that condemning the blasphemy of God is now considered rude in liberal circles (while said blasphemy isn’t so considered for some reason), and disobeying the clear teachings or Scripture is considered downright chic, but when did Presbyterians stop believing in salvation by grace? Did I miss a memo or something?
Rev. Russ Westbrook Covenant Reformed Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Mt. Vernon, Ind.
Treating Scripture like a liberal blog that can be updated to suit the times
Posted Thursday, May 27, 2010
It just drives me crazy. These same people have for years championed the fact that the Old Testament law does not apply to homosexuality. Now, not only do they decide that there is some validity to the Old Testament law, they literally make up a translation to defend their radical left-wing interpretation of the passage and now boldly state that in this singular case that the Old Testament applies to today. These hypocrites make me sick.
What are they doing to the Scriptures? Men like Jan Hus and John Wycliffe faced death to translate the Bible into the common language. And these heretics treat Scripture like some kind of liberal blog that can be updated to suit the times. It is a shame. Then again, we can only expect more of this type of behavior as our theological students are no longer required to demonstrate a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek before they are ordained.
I can’t imagine how these people can sleep at night. And thanks to their ilk, many of the rest of us will have sleepless nights for years to come. Shame on all of you.
Ben Olsen Omaha, Neb.
There are pitfalls when cherry picking from confessions
Posted Thursday, May 27, 2010
About your May 2010 article, “What the PCUSA confessions say about marriage”: be careful how the confessions are used. There are pitfalls when cherry picking from them. Example: The Second Helvetic Confession, in addition to marriage also says: “We condemn the Jews and the Mohammedans, and all those who blaspheme that sacred and adorable Trinity.” (Chapter III). Or: We condemn the Anabaptists, who deny that newborn infants of the faithful are to be baptized … We also condemn the Anabaptists in the rest of their peculiar doctrines which they hold contrary to the Word of God” (Chapter XX).
Note what the Westminster Confession says about predestination: “… some men and angels are predestined unto everlasting life, and others fore-ordained to everlasting death … and their number is so certain that it cannot be either increased or diminished” (Chapter III). So, if we are to take seriously what the confessions say about marriage, should they not be taken seriously about their other statements as just noted?
Elder Lee H. Lybarger Delaware, Ohio
We are becoming a non-church
Posted Thursday, May 27, 2010
Is it any wonder that the PCUSA continues to lose large numbers of members, to say nothing of whole churches? With people like Woods doing her own thing, it is not much different than many PCUSA ministers interpreting the Bible any way they want to since taking Hebrew and Greek are no longer a requirement for a divinity degree. We are fast becoming a non-church because we are already pretty much a church of apostasy.
Jack Fox Inactive elder never to be active again
Common English Bible translation is indeed now in preparation
Posted Thursday, May 27, 2010
In response to your article of May 26 for The Layman, please be aware that the Common English Bible translation is indeed a viable new Bible translation, now in preparation. It is already for sale at most online bookstores. Your readers can learn more about it at www.commonenglishbible.com.
The translation is sponsored by several denominational publishers, so Cokesbury definitely is not the publisher of the translation. More than 15 PCUSA scholars are among 115 translators from 22 denominations. The board of editors includes PCUSA scholars too, including David Petersen the senior Old Testament editor, and Elizabeth Caldwell, the senior readability editor. The New Testament is at the printer and free copies are available by late July to anyone who signs up at the Web site.
We do hope that you will read the Common English Bible and let your readers know about it. We will be sure to send you a review copy as well.
Paul Franklyn, associate publisher Bibles & Reference, Common English Bible, Nashville, Tenn.
The longest, uninterrupted line of Presbyterianism belongs to the ARP
Posted Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Always appreciate The Layman covering news of the historic Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church! Many have seen this famous illustration of Presbyterianism in the United States. One will also note that one of the longest, uninterrupted lines belongs to the ARP (Synod of the South; which is the ARP today – and may all of that grace continue to preserve her for many more years to come!)
Peace, Rev. Kent Moorlach Communion Presbyterian Church, Irvine
Louisville staff cuts are adding up
Posted Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Layman reported today that the staff cuts in Louisville would be only 43.5. This means that only 43.5 employees would be terminated. In actuality, 70 positions were eliminated but some positions were already vacant. This cut of 70 positions comes on top of an earlier cut of 75 positions as reported by The Layman on May 1, 2006. This makes a total cut of 145 positions.
I wonder why The Layman is failing to tell the whole story about the cuts in Louisville.
George Hill Port Allen, La.
Editor’s note: The article in question reported on staff cuts made in May 2010 due to reducing the 2011-2012 budgets. The 2006 staff cuts were reported by The Layman in 2006.
Three best reasons to join the PCUSA
Posted Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Re: Brown letter, posted May 21, 2010
That’s a great idea – the three best reasons to join the PCUSA? Here are mine:
1. I really like long-term, protracted, bleak contests for the establishment of the truth.
2. I thrive on marginalization in non-reciprocal relationships with organizational functionaries.
3. I can work for years, possibly close to half-a-century, for the eventual reversal of lethal ecclesiastical ineptitude.
Come on in, the water’s fine!
Todd Bensel, CLP Pilot Rock, Ore.
Jesus clearly spoke to the issue of homosexuality
Posted Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I noted with interest the disclaimer by one of the letters to the editor, which indicated Jesus did not specifically speak to homosexuality. Really.
In checking the various versions of the Bible (NIV, NLT, English Standard, King James and others) Leviticus 18:22 seems to speak very clearly to that issue – unless we believe the writer of Leviticus took literary license rather than accurately interpreting the principles Jesus espoused. But, I believe Jesus clearly spoke to the issue of homosexuality. Now the book of Leviticus was written hundreds of years ago, and we all know that things that old often are “outdated” and no longer applicable in the modern world of the “Church of the What’s Happening Now.”
We will just have to wait for His second coming to find out what Jesus really said about homosexuality. But I, for one, continue to believe that what Leviticus states is accurate and Biblically sound, and will continue to believe until Christ returns to reinforce those words.
Jay Dull, elder Grace Community Church, Boca Raton, Fla.
PCUSA leaders not aware of what Arizona law really says
Posted Friday, May 21, 2010
I have just received the latest issue (i.e. v.43 #4 dated May 2010) and noted the article on page 2 titled “PCUSA leaders criticize Arizona immigration law.” In the article it says that “Arizona passed a law in April that allows police to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect of being the country illegally.” That’s true, but only partially true. The text of the law states that police can check immigration status after lawful contact for another reason. In other words, police cannot stop people just to check immigration status; there must be a valid other reason for stopping someone.
It seems to be that PCUSA leaders are going off half-cocked (like so many others) without being aware of what the law really says. See Web site for the text of the law. The article also mentions a 29 April letter to Congress from the three PCUSA officials. My guess is that this letter did not address the illegal drugs that immigrants are allegedly bringing into the U.S. nor the drain on Arizona’s budget for health and other services used by illegals. Let it also be noted that most (60-70 percent) Arizonans support the law as it was passed.
Incidentally, I have also heard on talk radio about the situation in Mexico not all that long ago. A woman born in Mexico to an American father stated that she and her father were frequently stopped in Mexico when they traveled to the father’s work (he was a pastor). They were stopped solely to check immigration status, no other valid reason being necessary.
David Brautigam, Periodicals/Science Librarian (Ret.) Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa.