October 10th, 2009
Is the RCA a hierarchical church?
By Okke PostmaThe civil court case by the Classis of Central California against the Consistory of the Miraloma Community Church (founded in 1942 as Grace Reformed Church in San Francisco) resulted in a ruling on September 15, 2009 by a California Court of Appeal that affirmed the decision of a lower court. In 2008, in a 21 page (6886 word) decision, the San Francisco Superior (lower) court had upheld a decision of Classis to supersede the Consistory because the proper procedures as set forth in the RCA Book of Church Order were followed. Ergo: without classis’ explicit approval the Miraloma Consistory as such was ruled as having no authority to dis-fellowship from classis and to incorporate itself as an independent body identical to the original body, including its assets, except for the existing by-laws. Read more…
August 19th, 2009
Persistence
By Al JanssenThis summer I’ve been reading 19th century Dutch ethical theology (J.H. Gunning, Jr, and Chantipie de la Saussaye, Sr.). Yesterday Ch de S remarked how the principles of their theology appeared to have few to no takers and their influence would soon die out. I don’t have the time — and perhaps not the expertise — to explicate all of what they were about. My point is different. Their perspectives didn’t die out, but found their way into the 20th century with people like O. Noordmans and A. A. van Ruler. These were enormously influential in Dutch 20th century theology. And more. Their influence is not waning but waxing even into the 21st century.
I find this of interest because we so often get discouraged in pushing a point of view. When CI got started a few years back Dan Meeter, I think, cited his favorite theologian, Donald Rumsfield, in saying this would be a “long slog.” Indeed, fashionable causes take the front burner. And we may think our reflections soon to be left behind. But ideas have a certain persistence to them.
More — our point is not to be right. It isn’t even for a “point of view.” It is to be faithful to what we think God is calling us to be about. Then, if it is so, it will persist. If not, then, properly, we will disappear, likely not even to show up in a footnote anywhere. But if I get my Reformed theology right, it’s not about us, but about the glory of God and the coming of God’s kingdom.
June 15th, 2009
Minutes
By Dan GriswoldJames has given me the minutes for the May meeting. I have made them available in the Document Library, and directly here.
May 7th, 2009
Sunday Worship after 40 years…
By Jack ElliottAfter 40 years as a pastor in New York, I retired and moved to the wild west of Arizona. Read more…