The Joy of Presbyterianism
May 6, 2009
I was asked at a presbytery ordination interview why I was seeking ordination as a seminary professor, the OPC having a category of Teacher that recognises such a post as a church office. My initial answer -- by which I still stand -- is that it makes me theologically accountable to high standards and at a high church/judicial level. While the bar for communicant membership in the presbyterian church is set delightfully low -- a simple, credible profession of faith -- the bar for office holding is very high: usually a vow involving subscription to the Westminster Standards. And, knowing the sin of my own heart and the ever-present temptations for an academic, I want to be held to account at the appropriate level by the right church court.
But there is more: being a confessional presbyterian also gives two other things of critical importance. First, my liberty of conscience is safeguarded. Yes, I am committed to what the Standards teach; but part of that teaching (Westminster Confession Chap. 20) is on Christian liberty and liberty of conscience. Crucially, this section makes it clear that I am free to act in accordance with my conscience relative to the commandments of men which contradict scripture, or matters of faith and worship which are beside it. In these areas, I have the right, indeed the duty, to act in accordance with my conscience and to be respected for so doing.
Second, presbytery actually protects me. If I -- or any other ordained office bearer -- am seen as theologically or morally deviant in some way, however irrefutable the evidence may apparently be, I have the right to a fair trial; I have the right to be heard; I have the right to be dealt with according to due process. There should be, in other words, no trial by pamphlet or rumour or blog or mob rule in presbyterianism. I might have denied the Trinity, been rude to a traffic warden, or poisoned my granny; but I must be tried, decently and in order, according to the laws and the courts of the church; and thus those with concerns are required to file such charges in order that I can face my accusers.
Things done decently and in order. At least that's the theory and the aspiration of presbyterianism, even if not always the practice. That's what I like about it. That's why I chose the ordination track.
But there is more: being a confessional presbyterian also gives two other things of critical importance. First, my liberty of conscience is safeguarded. Yes, I am committed to what the Standards teach; but part of that teaching (Westminster Confession Chap. 20) is on Christian liberty and liberty of conscience. Crucially, this section makes it clear that I am free to act in accordance with my conscience relative to the commandments of men which contradict scripture, or matters of faith and worship which are beside it. In these areas, I have the right, indeed the duty, to act in accordance with my conscience and to be respected for so doing.
Second, presbytery actually protects me. If I -- or any other ordained office bearer -- am seen as theologically or morally deviant in some way, however irrefutable the evidence may apparently be, I have the right to a fair trial; I have the right to be heard; I have the right to be dealt with according to due process. There should be, in other words, no trial by pamphlet or rumour or blog or mob rule in presbyterianism. I might have denied the Trinity, been rude to a traffic warden, or poisoned my granny; but I must be tried, decently and in order, according to the laws and the courts of the church; and thus those with concerns are required to file such charges in order that I can face my accusers.
Things done decently and in order. At least that's the theory and the aspiration of presbyterianism, even if not always the practice. That's what I like about it. That's why I chose the ordination track.
