Quote:
Originally Posted by R. Scott Clark  Hi Mason,
I understand from your comments and Tim's that Redeemer spends money and human resources helping to establish non-Reformed works. C J Mahaney's group is not Reformed. I'm glad CJ and the guys like predestination but that doesn't make them Reformed.
Is this understanding incorrect?
Behind my comments is my conviction that one of the things that makes one Reformed is not hearing voices/words from God without the mediation of Word and sacrament. In that respect, the charismatic movement is antithetical to Reformed theology, piety, and practice. |
Admittedly, I don't know all the details of Mahaney's group's beliefs (other than they are 5-pointers and pretty solid overall), so you may very well be right. My point is that Redeemer may support some churches outside the PCA, but they don't view Reformed beliefs or the confession as preferences, and adhere to those principles tightly. In fact, in many ways Redeemer is one of the more conservative PCA churches.
I can understand the problem some people have with Redeemer supporting these groups. But remember, in Manhattan you're much more likely to run into a Jewish synagogue, Catholic, Unitarian, or liberal Episcopal church than anything approaching a reformed congregation. Redeemer doesn't compromise its standards, but it is willing to financially aid other solid, Reformed churches. I agree with this practice, but understand completely why you and some others may not. At the same time, I still wouldn't consider that practice "pluralism" in the sense that the church doesn't waiver on its principles; it simply supports others with whom it has some theological differences in order the further the Kingdom.
Once again, I really appreciate your article. It really helped clarify for me some of the theological and cultural differences between the PCA, OPC, URC, and RPCNA. Thank you for your insight!