The PCA seems unwilling to take a firm public stand against our ever-increasing godless culture. Homosexuality (both side A and side B) are an abomination to the Lord. Both must be categorically denounced. Our culture would have us celebrate and advocate all connected to this wicked sinful lifestyle. The PCA is infiltrated with officers who would see our denomination compromise our standards rather than to clarify and strengthen the language of our Book of Church Order.
It is also telling that the author of the History of the PCA, Dr. Frank Smith, left the denomination he grew up in (he was ordained at the very first GA). Frank Smith & David Lachman wrote/compiled/edited a book "Worship in the Presence of God" in 1992 with a grateful acknowledgement to Morton Smith for helping with the project. Reading this book and comparing what is seen in PCA churches today provides a startling contrast. Frank has planted an inner city Reformed Presbyterian church in Atlanta, and is bringing confessionalism to people who certainly don't have 'presbyterian heritage' but have come to embrace presbyterian faith & practice.
When I have heard REs loudly discussing getting a tee time (for an hour or two later) just as worship ends, when I can anticipate children waving palm fronds "in worship" this coming Lord's Day, I am forced to realize that I am not a member of a confessional church. Lip service is paid, and I suppose this is what "Good Faith Subscription" produces, but we are not confessional.
Very well put, in the Isbell way, of course. The 50th GA is something of a watershed moment for the PCA, and me, and rightfully so. Interesting that the anniversary of JGM's book is uniquely coinciding with the PCA's 50th?
The PCA seems unwilling to take a firm public stand against our ever-increasing godless culture. Homosexuality (both side A and side B) are an abomination to the Lord. Both must be categorically denounced. Our culture would have us celebrate and advocate all connected to this wicked sinful lifestyle. The PCA is infiltrated with officers who would see our denomination compromise our standards rather than to clarify and strengthen the language of our Book of Church Order.
IS IT TIME TO LEAVE THE PCA?
It is also telling that the author of the History of the PCA, Dr. Frank Smith, left the denomination he grew up in (he was ordained at the very first GA). Frank Smith & David Lachman wrote/compiled/edited a book "Worship in the Presence of God" in 1992 with a grateful acknowledgement to Morton Smith for helping with the project. Reading this book and comparing what is seen in PCA churches today provides a startling contrast. Frank has planted an inner city Reformed Presbyterian church in Atlanta, and is bringing confessionalism to people who certainly don't have 'presbyterian heritage' but have come to embrace presbyterian faith & practice.
When I have heard REs loudly discussing getting a tee time (for an hour or two later) just as worship ends, when I can anticipate children waving palm fronds "in worship" this coming Lord's Day, I am forced to realize that I am not a member of a confessional church. Lip service is paid, and I suppose this is what "Good Faith Subscription" produces, but we are not confessional.
Very well put, in the Isbell way, of course. The 50th GA is something of a watershed moment for the PCA, and me, and rightfully so. Interesting that the anniversary of JGM's book is uniquely coinciding with the PCA's 50th?