Quote:
Originally Posted by Amazing Grace  OK presby's walk with me here before we run.
There is a ruling body called the Genral Assembly of the PCA. This is a group of delegates that determines guidelines for each regional/local presbetery, which then flows down to each congregation within the PCA. The GA is one unit which governs the world wide activities of the denomination correct?
NOw we have the LA presbytery being indicted by the GA for not taking action against the FV proponents.
1) Do all FV proponents reside in the same presbytery? ie the Louisiana one?
2) Do they all belong to the same local church?
3) Are there any other presbyteries that have FV proponents in them?
4) The SJC, are appointed as the final authority on all matters of doctrine and polity within the GA? |
First I'd recommend you read Dr. Clark's excellent summary entitled
"For those of you just tuning in" it really is intended to bring those new to the topic of the FV controversy up to date.
Also, the "Star" Reference was Jordan's ridiculous analogy to the "Star Chamber" of the English Monarchs. The Star Chamber was a special court stacked with the King's cronies that tried treason cases and was in essence the King's means of ensuring his political enemies were condemned to death.
As I said, read Clark's essay, but here are my short answers to your questions:
1,2&3) No, there are several PCA Presbyteries with FV proponents in them. They include Pacific Northwest, Missouri, and several others. The FV is an amalgamation of theological movements combining elements of Norman Shepherd's theology, the New Perspectives on Paul (Covenant Nomism), Anglo-Catholicism, post-theonomic, emergent/emerging church thought, and various strains of nominalism from Dutch and British sources along with a generous helping of "
here's what I'm thinking today." It has been gathering momentum since 2002 and the AAPC conference. It's primary means of dissemination have been conferences, the internet, and, sadly, Seminaries.
Statistically, the number of FV men is tiny, but their influence has been magnified by the internet and because they've been partly successful in co-opting support from the moderate and liberal wings of Reformed churches. The appeal is "its our ox being gored today, but tomorrow it'll be yours!" That and the fact that Doug Wilson and his CREC have gotten behind the movement has made it a worldwide phenom in the Reformed world.
Also, sadly the more we respond, the more "air time" it gets. Another reason to stop discussing stuff with them, and just stick to discipline.
3) The SJC or Standing Judicial Commission, is a Permanent Commission of the PCA GA. It's members are proposed by the Presbyteries and elected on the floor of the GA. It's purpose is to try the cases referred to the GA as the final court of appeal. It is, in essence, our Supreme Court. Theologically, the majority of members of the court come from the Broadly Evangelical wing of the PCA, in fact our "big steeple" wing has had a lock on the membership of the SJC since its inception, so claims that these guys are in league with or in fact ARE "Strict Subscriptionist" "TRs" should be a source of nothing but humor.