The August 4th Outlook helped me better understand the dynamics and problems of the 2008 General Assembly. The editorial helped me identify what I was feeling — like a 12-year-old embarrassed by a parent! I appreciated the editor’s faithfulness to the denomination and his patience, but I also wanted to shout, “But, I’m tired of being embarrassed for 30 years!” I’ve heard the same thoughtful grace toward the denomination expressed in PFR for decades. I’m just tired of the powerful minority in the PC(USA) refusing to accept the decision of the presbyteries. I was astounded that the Assembly was naïve enough to promote and affirm the denomination’s continuing conformity to the sexual mores of the West and, at the same time, promote and affirm ecumenical bridge building with the Muslim community. You can’t do both. And, although I appreciated John Wilkinson’s heartfelt hopefulness in the “Outlook Forum,” it was troublesome that the distinction between the patient pastoral care of laity and the biblical character and perimeters that the New Testament sets for church leaders was so blurred. Scripture most definitely raises the character and conduct bar for those who teach and lead God’s people. And, Mark Achtemeier’s contribution seemed to lend itself to the potential of creating more loopholes for a myriad of scrupling consciences concerning the “essentials” of the Reformed faith. When the General Assembly is willing to revise a major historical document of the Reformed faith to suit the cultural perimeters of our own age, what keeps someone from scrupling on the floor of presbytery about Trinitarian doctrine, the incarnation of the Son, or the authority of Scripture? Robbie F. Castleman, associate professor of biblical studies and theology John Brown University Siloam Springs, Ark.
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