Statement of Faith

[andrewlittle]

I am coming up in early February for consideration of my ordination in the Presbyterian Church. This will be my last attempt.

I have had to write, again, a statement of faith. My advocates have suggested a "text book" statement that will not raise any contentious questions from the floor of presbytery. I, however, cannot do that. While I have made it as non-confrontational as I possibly can, my statement must indeed by "my statement".

I am including it here, and would appreciate your thoughts on it.

Thanks, Andy

P.S. Keep in mind I am Christian, and seeking ordination in a Christian denomination. I will readily admit that this is not particularly pluralistic in nature.

I believe that God is the Creator of the universe and all within it. Humans, female and male created in the image of God, have an inseparable relationship with and responsibility to care for all of God’s creation. All humans are the children of God but, as it says in Romans 3:23, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Certain aspects of this sin are evident in the tendency of humans to lord over creation and other children of God, as opposed to recognizing the Lordship of God over all that exists. As creatures living temporarily in this world crafted of God’s handiwork, we neglect to recognize that we are each guests and aliens in a place that is not our own. We continue, therefore, to live separate from God by our very nature.

I believe that God is Jesus the Christ. God, seeking to bring us back into full relationship, became incarnate in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, at once fully human and fully God. Through the message, ministry, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Christ, God provides the opportunity for all to be reconciled with Godself. God alone knows who in Creation will avail themselves of this unmerited grace and forgiveness, and God alone will be the arbiter of righteousness and the redeemer of the world.

I believe in the Holy Spirit. Before Christ's ascension into heaven, Jesus promised to always be with us. God is present as the Comforter - the Holy Spirit - the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit, active throughout history, is continuing the redeeming work of God in the world by renewing our hearts, souls, and minds. The Holy Spirit empowers humans to represent in and to the world the love of God, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

I believe that God, through Christ, called the church into being as the Body of Christ in the world. With Christ as its head and continually empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church is to proclaim, in word, thought and deed, the Good News of salvation - forgiveness of sin, freedom from captivity, restoration of sight to the blind, and release from conditions of oppression, sickness and poverty. The church is called to be a visible sign in the world of the Reign of God, complete with a passion for embodying the peace and justice of Christ’s Lordship.

I believe that the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are signs and seals of communion with, conviction by and incorporation into Christ. As signs and seals, neither serves as the means of grace or salvation, but instead functions to bind the parts of the Body of Christ with the church’s head, Christ, and with all other members of the Body. In this way, each participant transcends their individuality and affirms their membership into the universal church of all believers in all places and all times under the unity of Christ - particular communities/churches, judicatories, denominations and, finally the catholic Body of Christ.

I believe that Scripture is God-breathed and inspired to its writers as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In the texts available to this present day, the Word of God is written in the words of humankind, having been translated and interpreted by successive generations, and, as such, deserves careful attention, prayerful exegesis and reflective reading. Scriptures, then, are our highest authority for faith and conduct, and are continually subject to the revelation of the Holy Spirit in their study and understanding. Scripture, as the basis of Christian faith and the core of theological reflection, is at the center of our discernment process, guides our path, enlightens our choices and requires our examination of the way we have always understood it.

I believe the true nature of God is beyond the capacity of human understanding. Since we are each made in the image of God, God transcends gender, race or other human characteristics. We are but imperfect, incomplete and partial images of God and none of us possess either the entirety of God's image, nor the authority to claim absolute knowledge of God's character and purpose. The magnificence and majesty of God calls each and every one of us to humility with respect to that which we profess to be true and absolute.

I believe that God has written a call upon my heart to strive towards reconciliation with God, and to walk with others in their pilgrimage of faith. I embraced this call and accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and, later, to serve the church as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. As a result, I am compelled to act towards all humanity in such a way that I reflect the messages of love and forgiveness, and the missions of compassion and justice, of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit upholds me when I weaken, emboldens me when I falter and speaks through me when I allow myself to be a willing vessel, just as the Spirit acts for and through others in their pilgrimage towards God.

[andrewlittle]

Dave (who frequently clouds his real identity under the guises of "Dave", David, and occasionally the darkly veiled persona of davidcom), said:

I understand what you mean when you say that the sacraments are not "means" of grace and I think that I agree with you but stating it that way invites controversy. What you are doing, it seems to me, is redefining more narrowly what "means" means.

I've long believed that God alone is the means of grace, and that Sacraments, as precious as they are for me, are simply the outward signs or acceptance of God's grace. Would saying, "As signs and seals, neither serves as the means of grace or salvation, since God is the only means of either, but instead functions to bind the parts of the Body of Christ ...". Or is that still plitting hairs?

And of course, some old bozo in the back row is gonna stand up and ask you if you believe the "Bible is the Word of GAWD" Be prepared to quote Calvin.

I didn't realize you'd be there, Dave (if in fact ...). And who, may I ask, is this "Calvin" you speak of?

Actually, that is always one of the questions - at least in my experience.

[Daniel]

Just curious Andrew. Your first post makes it sound like you've been through this process before. If so, how many chances does one get?

[andrewlittle]

Daniel,
I have been to this point three times and have run into roadblocks from people with whom I have previous theological debates on the floor of presbytery, a couple in positions of power.

Anyway, it's my choice that this is my last attempt. So I don't know if there would be limits. Since I haven't technically been presented to the presbytery for this vote yet, I doubt there's a limit I would exceed. The problem has not been the vote, but being prevented from standing before the presbytery in the first place.

If I don't get cleared for ordination, then I'll fight the theological battles with my chosen denomination some other way. Getting cleared wouldn't mean I'd get a church anyway, since I live within the bounds of a fairly conservative presbytery and have geographic limitations due to my wife's ministry appointment (she's Methodist).

Dave (if in fact...), as to the copy of the letter you sent. Very good. Direct, but respectful.

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by andrewlittle

Since I haven't technically been presented to the presbytery for this vote yet, I doubt there's a limit I would exceed. The problem has not been the vote, but being prevented from standing before the presbytery in the first place.

Nothing gets my dander up more than self-appointed gatekeepers! grrrr!

If I don't get cleared for ordination, then I'll fight the theological battles with my chosen denomination some other way. Getting cleared wouldn't mean I'd get a church anyway, since I live within the bounds of a fairly conservative presbytery and have geographic limitations due to my wife's ministry appointment (she's Methodist).

I like what David said about being prepared. Which means to me a rather crafty anticipation of what you will be asked. And another thought comes to mind here: dealing with a bureaucracy can be a peculiar experience. They have their own rules, which often, have nothing to do with the truth, or truth-telling.

Good luck!

Please let us know when it is and how it went!