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Contra_Mundum · #2 (**permalink**) 03-18-2004, 05:49 PM

Theologically the OPC and PCA are highly similar. Both use the same WCF and Catechisms as their primary subordinate standards. Both tend to be (generally) theologically conservative.

Their separate existence has historical roots. The main Presbyterian church split at the time of the War between the States. The OPC formed out of the Northern branch in 1936 by the hard-core theological confessionalists led by J.G. Machen (who was defrocked by the become-liberal church for daring to oppose the godlessness.)

The PCA formed in 1972 out of the Southern branch of the mainline church (both liberal branches reunited in the 1980s). In this case the conservatives withdrew from the denomination over the godlessness--there were no trials.

The distinct histories just described are almost 150 years old. So, it should not surprise us that a kind of [i:06c1017018]cultural[/i:06c1017018] distinctiveness has also grown up in the OPC and PCA. The churches tend to do [i:06c1017018]some [/i:06c1017018]things differently. I wouldn't be able to tell you all, or even very many of them.

Here's one: the OPC General Assembly is purely federal--i.e. representative of the Presbyteries by delegate (according to membership statistics). The PCA is not. All teaching elders in the church are automatic delegates. I'm not sure how the presbytery/church/Ruling elder representation breakdown goes in the PCA. But the difference in attendance at GA and conduct of business is striking (not just attributable to the size disparity between the OPC--which is much smaller--and the PCA). I refrain from any statements about what I thnk is the better way. It is simply one way the churches are different.

Hope this is helpful.