A Response to The Presbyterian Outlook
by
Sylvia Dooling
In the most recent edition of _The Presbyterian Outlook_ (March 5), editor
Robert Bullock writes an editorial entitled ‘Ardor and Order_s_,” in which
he lays an interesting idea on the table for discussion.
*Bullock’s Thesis*
Bullock’s argument goes like this. First, he compares independent groups
within the Presbyterian Church (such as Voices of Orthodox Women, the
Presbyterian Coalition, and More Light Presbyterians) to ‘orders” within
the Roman Catholic Church (such as the Franciscans, the Benedictines, and
the Jesuits). Second, he argues that unlike the Roman Catholic Church, there
is no centralized authority in the PC(USA) which is able to hold these
‘orders” in some kind of creative tension, and constructively to channel
their ‘ardor” into its overall life. Third, he maintains that absent such a
centralizing authority, the very existence of these ‘orders” is divisive of
the unity of the church (i.e. schismatic). Next, he seems to infer that
while these Presbyterian ‘orders” represent the ‘ardor” of the right and
left of the church, they are able to exist only because the people of the
church tolerate them.
*Bullock’s Idea for Discussion*
With that, Bullock presents the following for discussion. ‘As a condition of
the sufferance and good will of the people of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.), why not strongly urge, as a sign of the positive purposes of each
group, that it pledge to meet in the same place at the same time with its
mirror opposite on the spectrum?”
*Some Obvious Pairings*
Having made his general proposal, Bullock goes on to suggest that one of the
obvious pairings for such a meeting would be Voices of Sophia and Voices of
Orthodox Women. However, before I address his specific suggestion, I want to
correct a misunderstanding he has about VOW.
*VOW Was Not Started To Oppose Re-Imagining*
According to his editorial, VOW was begun in opposition to the ‘Re-imagining
God movement.” And, clearly, Re-Imagining was a concern. However, VOW was
formed as a network of women ‘committed to the renewal of the PC(U.S.A.)
through the promotion of the doctrines and practices of historic, biblical
and confessional orthodoxy against those of an encroaching culture.” Under
that rubric are included any of the philosophies whether they be called
Re-Imagining, radical spiritual feminism, or merely the cult of the
imperial, autonomous self that are encouraging our church to apostatize from
its historic, reformed faith. Nor was VOW formed in reaction to any other
independent group. In a light-hearted moment we, clearly, chose a name for
our ‘order” that plays off of the name of another ‘order” within our
church, but, our purpose, then and now, is to pray and work for renewal and
reformation within our entire denomination not to oppose the Voices of
Sophia. It is the programs and resources of our church that stand in need of
reformation, for they will either begin to build up Presbyterian Christians
in their faith, or slowly inoculate them to the virus of that which is
false.
*Should There Be Meetings?*
But, back to Bullock’s main idea that there ought to be regular meetings
between the ‘orders” within our church.
In my opinion, there is little to be gained by getting together with a group
that is our mirror opposite. Why? Because they are not ‘our mirror
opposite.” The Re-Imagining movement, and other similar
theologies/philosophies, are the mirror opposite of the historical church
not of VOW. They hold and advocate ideas that are patently contrary to the
historic faith of our church as expressed in the Bible, and in our
constitution.
*Face-to-Face Meetings Have Failed in the Past*
Face-to-face encounters quickly make this fact obvious. After all, Bullock’s
idea for meetings is not new. Over the last several years, I have
optimistically encouraged and been involved in several such get-togethers
but the result of each has been a frustrating dead end.
*A Better Way to Meet*
On the other hand, there is a sense in which we regularly meet together as
we participate in the work of the church in congregations, sessions,
presbyteries, synods and at General Assembly. And, in my opinion, this is
the most constructive way for us to meet.
Let me give you an example; I serve on a committee of presbytery. In that
committee, I work with folks who belong to Voices of Sophia. As we do our
work, we engage in constructive dialogue and debate. I also worship and
share communion during presbytery meetings with people who, in their
theology and ecclesiology, are the mirror opposite of those of us who hold
to the biblical and constitutional standards of our denomination. And it is
there, in the setting of worship, that our gaze can be removed from one
another, and should be directed to the One whom we are gathered to adore.
*Love Means Telling the Truth*
Beyond that, we must treat one another as people created in the image of
God. God has commanded that we love one another as we love ourselves. But,
that means neither a warm, fuzzy feeling, nor uncritical acceptance of
everything that is said. It means, rather, caring about and respecting
people who are created for eternity. And, it means challenging philosophies
and theologies that have within themselves the potential both to destroy
them and the church.
*The Need for Serious Deliberation*
In my opinion, it’s not the ‘ardor of the orders” that’s getting us into
serious trouble as Presbyterians. It is our unwillingness to engage in
arduous and critical debate, and to hold each other accountable to our
standards. For example, at the recent General Assembly Council meeting,
elected members of the GAC many of whom I know hold mirror opposite
positions on the issues that were before the Council that day were either
intimidated into saying nothing, or elected not to ‘rock the boat” by
engaging in hearty and serious discussion. And maybe what was worse, their
quietude as well as the outward appearance of consensus were applauded and
encouraged by those in leadership. But, we are fooling ourselves if we think
that the absence of conflict is the same thing as peace.
*Return To The Lord*
I understand why _The Outlook_’s editor is casting around for ideas that
will calm the troubled waters of the church. But, in fact, in the state in
which we find ourselves, the waters should not be calm. Our differences are
serious, and they require serious solutions. In fact, the only solution that
I know of is for all us, humbly and obediently, to return to the Lord who
has sovereignly called us to himself in Christ. ‘For it is he who has torn,
and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up.” Hos. 6:1
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