In light of the coming revisions to the Book of Order – I hope the responsible parties will keep in mind our long history of doctrinal certainty and clarity.
In the Presbyterian Church, we strive for decorum
And since words can cause wars — we have other words for ’em
We say “Shall“ and mean “Must“ — and accept no exception!
(Except when one’s feelings are called into question)
Then “Shall“ may mean “Maybe“ if you “Scruple“ your reason
(Provided your “Scruple“ is “Scrupled“ that season)
And then we say “Should“ — which means “strongly commended“
(Unless all our “Should-ing“ leaves someone offended)
“Is Appropriate“ — means that you “might“ or “might not“
It’s all up to you — (we use this one a lot)
And then there’s “May“ — which everyone knows
Is a word that depends on which way the truth blows
But at least we have “Standards“, “Essentials“ and “Order“,
Though we keep them a secret – (our meetings are shorter).
Indeed, why quibble? Why quarrel? Why fight?
God is the same as yesterday –right?
So it’s agreed! – We believe! Let’s shout to the night:
“Jesus shall/should/may come again”….Might?
@ 2007 By A. Kirk Johnston
Poet of the rebellion
