Commentary
Where eagles dare and
local churches are unsafe
By Stephen G. Brown, The Layman, September 20, 2010
My favorite World War II movie is “Where Eagles Dare,” starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. The scenery, suspense and drama make this a true thriller from the beginning to the surprise ending. The Nazis have captured an American general who has the secrets of the approaching European invasion by the Allies. They are holding him in a Bavarian castle, where only “eagles dare,” perched atop a high, narrow, craggy peak accessible only via a cable car guarded by strong forces at the bottom and at the top. The Germans believe they are invincible from attack and the captive general is safe and secure. But Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood have other ideas and are commissioned to execute an ingenious plan to rescue the general. I won’t ruin the movie for those who have not seen it. Next time I watch it I plan to count the words spoken by Eastwood. I should have enough fingers. His most frequent script is “We have company.”
“Where Eagles Dare” reminds me of the position expressed by some elders and pastors in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Their castle (the local congregation) is
Stephen G. Brown
invincible from an attack by the outsiders within the denomination who have radically different ideas. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to realize “we have company.” In “Where Eagles Dare,” the good guys were trying to breach the perceived impregnable barrier established by the bad guys and the persistence of the good guys paid off. As in war, both sides in the fight over Christian principles are determined to prevail. Of course, as believers we know God will always prevail – His Church will never end. We also know that in the war of liberalism versus orthodox Christianity those who wish to fundamentally transform the faith are extremely persistent. One example of their tenacity is the fact that for the fifth time presbyteries will vote on removing the ordination standard on sexuality (fidelity in marriage, chastity in singleness). With theologically conservative congregations leaving the PCUSA, the balance of those voting leans ever further to the left.
A false sense of security
Elders and pastors who believe that their local church does not need to be concerned about the “progressive” issues being advanced in the “far away” denomination are, in a word, naïve. They are either overburdened with fear, or they perceive themselves as being perched on an unconquerable peak. The idea that they are safe from an invasion if their congregation adheres to the essential tenets of the Gospel is a false sense of security. Unfortunately, in many congregations there is great resistance in bringing the facts to the attention of the congregation. The fact is that this once great denomination is now considered one of the most liberal of all church institutions. It has trouble declaring that Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of the world; trouble declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord of all; trouble declaring that the Holy Scriptures are the authoritative Word of God; trouble affirming unequivocally that marriage is God ordained as between one man and one woman; trouble declaring that God’s plan for our sexuality standards are clearly revealed in the Bible; trouble affirming the sanctity of human life; etc.
The latest catastrophe in the making relates to the Board of Pensions. Even though God’s Word declares that homosexual practice is a sin, the General Assembly has instructed the Board of Pensions to extend all benefits to non-ordained church employees with same-sex partners at the mandatory expense of all PCUSA congregations.
What is the nature of the “liberalism” to which I refer? I shall define liberalism in the church as primarily constructed on a simple syllogism. It begins with reducing Christianity to the status of all religions as a social construct. Then, the Bible is reduced to the status of any other book. Jesus is reduced to an exemplar or good moral teacher. You can see how this process strips the Bible of its authority and Jesus of His divinity. It also strips Christianity of its power to call people to lives in obedience to the revealed will of God or in conformity to God’s only Son. In our sinful nature if we can call ourselves Christians and deny these foundational tenets of the faith, what great freedom we have to do what is right in our own eyes. Our sinful nature compels us to craft doctrine that conforms to the culture of the day. Thus liberalism spreads like a cancer when there is a dearth in teaching and preaching of the true Gospel, and even more so if there is fear of confrontation supplanted by the elevation of unity to the highest value.
Why take a stand
More than one elder and pastor in the PCUSA have expressed to me “why should we get involved in these issues. They don’t affect us locally in how we carry out the ministries of the church.” My response echoes others far wiser than I: all that is required for evil to advance is for good men and women to do nothing. Our congregations are not on a craggy peak that is beyond the reach of those who are determined to transform the church – into their own self image. What kind of church do you want to leave to your children and grandchildren? A church that denies the deity of Christ? A church that questions the authenticity of the resurrection? If that is the legacy you want to leave, then do nothing.
The PCUSA is shrinking by huge numbers each year, 63,000 in 2009 alone. The denomination is now less than one-half of its 1965 size. A few years ago, individuals were leaving, now it is entire congregations.
Casting blame for the failure of our denomination to thrive rests with those who are advancing ideas and practices contrary to the Scriptures. But blame also rests with those who have done nothing to stem the rising tide of that liberal agenda. Upon waking up to the state of our denomination, some find that they are unable to remain faithful to the Gospel in a corrupt institution. They leave. Others embrace a sense of calling to reinvest, renew, reform, restore, revitalize our denomination. We must do more than respect and admire those who are willing to take a stand and speak out. We must rise and stand with them with the goal of advancing God’s Kingdom purposes in our generation.
Personally, I am troubled by a point of view that upholds the foundations of the faith but is unwilling to take a stand against liberal theology. I pray those who hold that viewpoint will realize they are in a very vulnerable position and that God calls each of us to confront false teachings of his Word.
It was Martin Luther who said, “Here I stand, I can do no other.” May we too find ourselves standing firmly on the solid Rock of Jesus Christ and may we find the courage of convictions to say to those who would bully us off that position that we can do no other.
Stephen G. Brown is an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Haines City, Fla. He is chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of the Presbyterian Lay Committee.