Brother Contra,
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As I said, I really don't want to get caught up in a long discussion about the issue. And it really would be long, because this short exchange is sufficient to reveal that there is a whole lot of "getting on the same page" just in terms of the language and terminology we are using. Conceptually, we are not even in agreement about what ordination is at root. At best we have partially overlapping ideas.
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I agree
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So, we would have to either agree on a definition, or else understand how the other side is defining terms, without attributing "Roman Catholic" ideas to the other fellow... "Tiber", and all that pejorative nonsense. It is my "conception" of a "theology of ordination"--one which was hammered out of the biblical and exegetical fires of the Reformation--which is 450 years old, not my specific denominational affiliation. Formulated in opposition to Rome, the only way to see it as Romish is to carelessly glance backwards at that age, when both were side-by-side (so to speak), and blur the distinct lines that were drawn
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It was not my intention to insinuate that PCA or OPC have any compairsion with Rome, that was not my point. It had everything to do with time or age as it were. My point was that Just because a tradition has age under it's belt, it by no means makes it perfect, and therefore warrants examination, just as an individual who may choose to come to a different denomination. As far as your understanding of ordination, I think both your idea and mine perhaps are influenced by our traditions; you see your view as biblical as do I. I suppose on this point we both must agree to disagree.
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You write: "not pride, but respect." Well, frankly brother, that is exactly what pride is all about: "getting my respect." When we don't receive what we think is owed to us, our due, then we feel slighted.
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The pride issue is with the denomination, the brother who has been called, ordained and fulfilled a meaningful ministry should be recognized for his faithful service not lumped into some buricratic process that essentially expects him to start over. That is not recognizing what God has called this faithful saint to.
I'm certain that we could probably debate this for days and days to come. I understand your view as I'm sure you understand mine. As you well know my congregational tradition goes back as far as yours, and perhaps this is the place that we will have to leave this debate. I respect your view, granted I don't agree with it, but that doesn't change who we are, brothers in Christ.
Blessings,