Christian ed already and always
Already-not yet. Thanks to the groundbreaking New Testament theological studies of Germany’s Oscar Cullman (1902-99) and of Fuller Seminary’s George Eldon Ladd..
More Stories from this Author
Macalester, Rhodes grads win Outlook college award
Hannah Rasmussen, a graduating senior at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, has won the 2014 Presbyterian Outlook Church- Partnership Award. McKenna..
Committee endorses new special offerings configuration
DETROIT – After six years of wrangling within and around the Special Offerings Task Force (SOTF), the General Assembly reached near unanimity..
Can’t wait to see what happens next: GA confirms third term for Linda Valentine
DETROIT – “I can’t wait to see what happens next,” declared Linda Valentine after being unanimously re-elected to serve as executive director..
Just say no to investing in for-profit incarceration
DETROIT – The Mission Coordination Committee has recommended that publicly traded corporations that directly manage or operate for-profit prisons, jails or detention..
A Directory for Worship, not for litigation
DETROIT – Evangelical theologian Mark Achtemeier shared the story of his turnabout from anti-gay ordination activist into a pro-gay marriage advocate with..
Foundation’s investments in Palestine pay off
DETROIT – As directed two years ago, the Presbyterian Foundation has found ways to invest thousands of dollars to support business development,..
Important message to all print subscribers – revised and enlarged from Jack Haberer, editor
I have heard today expressions of deep distress from a number of Outlook friends over the inclusion with the June 9 edition..
In the lions’ den
As we Presbyterians descend upon Detroit for the 221st General Assembly this June 14-21, I can’t resist the inclination to shop through..
Definition v. Discretion
So what about marriage? How would you advise commissioners and delegates to the 221st General Assembly as they consider proposals to change..
Some of my best friends …
You know how that condescending line goes: “Some of my best friends are … .” Well, some of MY best friends support..
Auburn on the move
Auburn Seminary has a habit of moving from place to place, that is, about once a century. What began in rural western..
Just legislation theory
The theology he articulated for his Roman church later formed the basis of our Genevan church. But it was his writing about..
Cogito, ergo Presbyterian
This edition of the Outlook is the final ‘regular’ issue to be published prior to the season of issues that prepare the..
Unendangered Savior
Thank God for Holy Week. To hear the common rhetoric of apostasy accusers, Jesus’ life is as endangered in today’s Presbyterian Church..
“Houston, we have a problem”
Those five words, expressed on April 14, 1970, by moon-circling astronauts, mobilized the folks back home at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Due..
Doing more with less
SAN JOSE, CALIF. – In an era of rapid change in the ways and means of making disciples, one thing has remained constant:..
Extra-Ordinary Time
Ordinary Time bursts with learnings for those paying attention. When the church calendar turns from Advent/Epiphany and Lent/Easter to “Ordinary Time,” congregational..
First Church Houston is staying in PC(USA)
HOUSTON, February 23, 2014 – Houston’s First Presbyterian Church will remain in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). At a congregation meeting today, 64.5..
Presa, Trinidad build bridges
LOUISVILLE, KY – PC(USA) Moderator Neal Presa and Vice-Moderator Tom Trinidad sent a churchwide letter sharing recent efforts and future hopes for..
As years go
In Pakistan, an island of clarity amid a sea of mixed messages
Correction:
In the story, “In Pakistan, an island of clarity amid a sea of mixed messages” (pub. Jan 26), David Stoner was identified as former interim director of the General Assembly Council. He actually was the executive director. Also, Christy Munir did not teach at Gordon College but was chair of the chemistry department of Qaid-I Azim University. He was selected to become chairman of the board for Gordon College if the PC(USA) finally takes back the school.
Check the Amazon.com listings of recent books about Pakistan and you will perceive a theme: “The Unraveling …, ” “Descent into Chaos,” “ … the World’s Most Frightening State,” “Deadly Embrace …, ” “ … the Hard Country.”
From palms to passion to …
Do you think Jesus enjoyed his triumphal entry? Did he enjoy the adulation in those crowded streets in the way a young preacher enjoys affirmations in the post-worship narthex?
Essential tenets and sweaty palms
"We get sweaty palms every time we hear 'essential tenets.'" If ever a line begged for explanation it was that one. Can it be that Joe Small, the Director of the Office of Theology, Worship and Education for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), doesn't believe in the core convictions of the church? Of what value could be the advice he gave to the Form of Government Task Force (as it met in Louisville on August 16-18), if he wouldn't state plainly our essentials?
Given that all ordinands -- elders, deacons, and ministers of Word and Sacrament -- declare that they "receive and adopt the essential tenets" of the church, it only stands to reason that we be able to articulate them.
Yet, the matter of defining and subscribing to essential tenets has been debated in our present and former denominations since the 18th century. Why has that been such a battleground for us? How can we vow to uphold the essential tenets yet refuse to delineate exactly which tenets are essential? And if we can't articulate clearly what we believe, how can we have any identity?