Theology Project ECO

My unsolicited comments on the new Theology Project document of the:

Fellowship and the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO)

Applauds, since this level of teaching is sorely needed.

But reading in the theology10.pdf document.....The Westminster Confession seems so old in it's recognition.

The seventeenth century Westminster standards powerfully express God’s sovereignty over all of life. 

Having studied it this past year, it was interesting to review the author's comments in the preface to our study guide.....

Westminster Confession of Faith: For Study Classes by G. I. Williamson

Preface

Though officebearers of most Presbyterian churches are still required to affirm adherence to the Westminster Confession of Faith "as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures," it can hardly be denied "that the Confession no longer holds the same place in the mind of the church as it did in the past."' When the author was a student in seminary, he became aware of the fact that a brief statement of faith (The Confessional Statement of 1925) had virtually replaced the Westminster Confession of Faith as the creedal standard of the United Presbyterian Church of North America. Careful study of the two documents led to the author's conviction that it was the Westminster Standard, rather than the present-day convictions of the church, which was in accord with Scripture. The conclusion was reached that the chief cause of this lamentable situation was simply ignorance of the contents of this great Confession. This in turn led to the humble effort which produced this study manual. This manual was written in a home mission charge for the purpose of recovering with certainty and fullness the rich heritage of the Reformation faith. Whatever may be the weaknesses of this study manual on the Westminster Confession of Faith, the author can testify that a study of this Confession, as a body of doctrines provable from Scripture, has been of inestimable benefit to the faithful congregation that patiently studied-and thus helped to write-the lessons of this book. Should this manual assist others also to see that system of doctrine set forth in Scripture, all of the labors of its author will be abundantly rewarded. 

I guess I am just too pre-modern .... stuck in the 17th century.

I do recognize the effort to keep all the confessions, and the difficult job of just even establishing that there really are essential tenents.

Although my personal opinion is of little value.... I did find that I agreed with much of the wording in the tenents section of theology document. So that was well done.

I'm a bit perplexed though as to why they would choose to write the 10 Commandments over in new language. And yes I understand the intent was to try to be positive.

To quote:

As we practice the discipline of regular self-examination and confession, we are especially guided by the Ten Commandments. We therefore hold one another accountable to:
1. worship God alone, living all of life to His glory, renouncing all idolatry and all inordinate loves that might lead us to trust in any other help;
2. worship God in humility, being reticent in either describing or picturing God, recognizing that right worship is best supported not by our own innovative practices but through the living preaching of the Word and the faithful administration of the Sacraments;

3. eliminate from both speech and thought any blasphemy, irreverence, or impurity;
4. observe the Sabbath as a day of worship and rest, being faithful in gathering with the people of God;
5. give honor toward those set in authority over us and practice mutual submission within the community of the church;
6. eradicate a spirit of anger, resentment, callousness, violence, or bitterness, and instead cultivate a spirit of gentleness, kindness, peace, and love; recognize and honor the image of God in every human being from conception to natural death.
7. maintain chastity in thought and deed, being faithful within the covenant of marriage between
a man and a woman as established by God at the creation or embracing a celibate life as established by Jesus in the new covenant;
8. practice right stewardship of the goods we have been given, showing charity to those in need and offering generous support of the Church and its ministries;
9. pursue truth, even when such pursuit is costly, and defend truth when it is challenged, recognizing that truth is in order to goodness and that its preservation matters;
10. resist the pull of envy, greed, and acquisition, and instead cultivate a spirit of contentment with the gifts God has given us. 

Although I assume well intended, am I wrong in saying that these changes have included additions and deletions?

Where is the statement?

5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Or this,

11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

How did this statement get changed to community and authority? Of course the Bible does have much to speak about community and authority but why rewrite the commandment to state that?

12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

I agree with the principle being Stated in:

7. maintain chastity in thought and deed, being faithful within the covenant of marriage between
a man and a woman as established by God at the creation or embracing a celibate life as established by Jesus in the new covenant;

But why not go even further and say what Jesus said in Matthew 5.

28  But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Anyway this is my short two cents.

Somehow perhaps there was a reason God wrote these on tablets of stone.

Ron

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