Synod, 1988 met as usual in the Fine arts Building at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When I was elected to attend it in January of 1988, I thought that this synod would not be dealing with any major and controversial issues. The issue of man’s headship was on hold; the issue of creation/evolution was not scheduled to come up. I thought this synod would be rather relaxed and routine. It turned out quite differently. The difference was made by the Ad Hoc Committee report of the Board of Trustees of Calvin College and the subsequent exoneration of the three professors of Calvin College. This issue turned the rather routine synod into a very major synod.
Calvin Seminary Appointees
This synod did some very good things. We interviewed Dr. Roger Greenway and appointed him to the chair of missiology at Calvin Seminary. His interview was excellent. He gave a rock solid account of himself regarding liberation theology, which he characterized as a movement which plays loose and fast with Scripture and has a political and social agenda without Jesus Christ as Savior. Therefore its impact is negative. Although some of the insights ofLiberation theologians can be used, as a movement, it has moved away from the organized church and shifted from biblical principles. Greenway said that Reformed Theology has much to say regarding evangelism and missions. Reformed missiology is both proclamation and demonstration. He said, “I am very afraid of universalism. It ruins churches and seminaries. I have a deepened appreciation for the Canons of Dordt during my experience in missions. More needs to be written on the relationship of the doctrines of sovereign grace and missions. We see the sovereignty of God in missions, for example, in China, where there are 50 million Christians in a growing, committed church which has been without the Scriptures; things there need correction, but God has preserved His church. The world is becoming urbanized. In 1900, 13% lived in cities; in 1988, 51% live in cities. We have to correct an imbalance in our approach.”
Dr. Greenway holds to the historicity of Gen. 1–11. He has a problem with Rev. Neal Punt’s view of universalism. “We don’t go out telling everybody they are saved, I want to stay a distance from that,” he said. “There is a Biblical universalism.” God’s eye is on the world with a world-wide purpose. In Gen. 12 God says to Abraham, “In you shall all me n be blessed.” Jerusalem is the spiritual capital of the world. Matthew 28 calls us to go into all–the world, and in Revelation we see all tribes, nations and tongues coming to the throne. But the unbiblical universalism which flows from the teaching of Schliermacher, which teaches that God is love, that heaven is not happy if hell exists, and that God will save everyone, is a view which makes missions go down the drain. Why proclaim a cross”?
Synod also interviewed Dr. Henry De Moor, for the position of Professor of Church Polity at Calvin Seminary. When asked about women as elders, he said: “Some congregations are losing patience. For a church to go ahead and ordain women as elders is technically and theologically wrong; it is individualistic. We are still wrestling with it. No one is right who goes ahead alone. Take it to classis and synod. I favor, in principle, women in all offices. I’m a proponent fo r women in office, but not a crusader. I’d go to a Reformed Fellowship meeting to speak, if they would invite me.” As for exegetical basis for women in all offices, he cited the event ofPentecost which, he says, brings in a whole new vision about who will be proclaimers. “The widows in I Timothy 5 were official functionaries. We all wrestle with these texts. What did it mean in that culture?”
In the issue of the relationship between the various assemblies of the church, he maintains that authority flows from Jesus Christ to congregations; only then does it flow to assemblies. “However, if one would maintain that there is no line of authority from Jesus Christ to classis and synod, I would disagree.” Regarding academic freedom, he says, “It is limited by the confessions and synodical decisions. I will never tell a student to take my views. Students know my stand; I try to sharpen and draw out their views.” Dr. De Moor was appointed by the synod to be professor of Church Polity.
Dr. John Bolt was also interviewed for the position of Professor of Systematic Theology. Dr. Bolt is Professor of Religion at Redeemer College. The goals of Dr. Bolt are to bring the best of Dutch Reformed tradition to bear on the CRC, to keep Reformed Theology alive in the CRC, to prepare students to have a solid awareness of what the Reformed tradition is, and to have a solid commitment to it. The prominent truth of the Reformed faith is “Tota Scriptura.” All Scripture is God’s revelation to us; it speaks to the totality of our existence, social, political—all of life. What does he think of Genesis 1–11? In the literary structure of Genesis as a whole, Genesis 1–2:4 is pre-history, a prologue, of great relevance for scientific inquiry, for a real Christian world-view. The Bible presents a creation, not an evolving world. History begins with Genesis 2:4. Adam, Eve, Noah and all the rest of the figures are as real as the New Testament figures. “Primeval history” is not history at all; it is a dismissal of history; it is unwarranted. Genesis 1 records creative acts of God; historical interaction comes after ch. 2:4.
Dr. Greenway, Dr. De Moor and Dr. Bolt were all approved for the faculty of Calvin Seminary.
Eastern Avenue CRC
The synod approved an overture from Classis Minnesota South, advising the consistory of Eastern Ave. CRC in Grand Rapids to revise its decision to have women adjunct elders and discontinue this practice because this practice is contrary to the Church Order and previous decisions of synod. Any consistory’s refusal to adhere to such rules and decisions disrupts the unity of the CRC. Classis GR East was advised to use its authority to see that Eastern Ave. carries out synod’s decision. Eastern Ave. CRC now has six women serving as adjunct elders. The vote on this issue was 112–42. The debate revealed that some voted for the overture without being convinced that women should not be elders. One delegate said, “We don’t want to infringe on Eastern Ave. But these are rules. We’ll help change the rules; but you must obey them now. Dutton’s approach to quotas is the same as Eastern Ave. If Dutton were on the docket, we would not be taking as long as we are with Eastern Ave.”
No Statement On Nicaragua
Despite the pleadings of world missionaries in Nicaragua, synod judged it best not to petition the US and Canadian governments to terminate their participation in the Nicaraguan war. One of the elders from Classis Florida who is a policeman in Dade County, said that the Nicaraguans in his community would be endangered if our synod passed this resolution. The synod saids its statement in 1987 regarding its deep concern over the situation in Nicaragua still adequately addresses the current situation.
Uphold Confidentiality In The Church
Synod instructed all the officebearers in the CRC to keep absolutely confidential the secrets entrusted to them in the course of their work. Synod also declared that all officebearers of the church who violate their privilege make themselves liable to special discipline. One could wish that those who compromise their commitment to confessions of the church would meet the same swift statement of censure.
Encourage Youth At The Lord’s Supper
The table of the Lord was opened to younger children with the stipulation that they make a public confession of faith in the church. The profession of faith required for admission to the Lord’s Supper is not necessarily an acceptance of adult responsibilities in the congregation. Therefore, the church shall continue to instruct these children in the Word and the Reformed confessions, and the adult responsibilities of membership are to be granted by the church council and assumed by professing individuals at age eighteen or as granted by the Articles of Incorporation of the congregation.
Synod Says “No” To WARC
The CRC was invited to affiliate with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. Synod voted not to accept the invitation on the basis that some member churches tolerate open denials of the most basic and cardinal doctrines of Christianity. In rejecting the invitation, synod upheld the statement that Scripture forbids any alliance between those who are not agreed in mind or who do not share a common commitment to the essentials of our faith. The Interchurch Relations Committee argued for joining W ARC to allow the CRC to fulfill its ecumenical responsibilities in wider circles. The majority (90-76) felt that affiliation with WAPARC, RES and NAE are adequate ways to pursue those responsibilities within the guidelines ofScripture. The synod elected Rev. Norman Shepherd to replace Dr. John Kromminga, Dr. Fred Klooster to replace Dr. Henry Zwaanstra, and Mrs. Eunice Vander Laan to replace Mrs. Thelma Meyer on the standing Interchurch Relations Committee.
Gender-Inclusive Language In Creeds
Synod voted to adopt stylistic changes in the wording of the Heidelberg Catechism to make it more gender-inclusive. All references to “man” and “mankind” were altered to read “people,” or “human,” or generic pronouns. The impact of the feminist movement makes its way even to old Heidelberg.
Laura Smit Appeal
In response to an appeal by Laura Smit, a 1987 graduate of Calvin Seminary who was denied her request to be processed as a candidate for ministry in the CRC, the 1988 Synod decided in favor of the Calvin Board ofTrustees. Laura Smit charged that her rights as a member of the church and a graduating student ofthe seminary had not been accorded to her. The Judicial Code Committee studied the issue and judged that the Board did not act in contravention ofthe Church Order of the CRC, and her appeal was not sustained.
Stand Against Pornography
Synod adopted an excellent statement against pornography sent in by Classis Grandville. “Pornography contributes to the break-up of marriages and families, the molestation of children, rape, and other forms of criminal sexual conduct. It victimizes women, children and men.” Synod took an official stand against this evil. The church members are asked to examine their own life-styles and attitudes on human sexuality in the context of Biblical directives, and to become actively involved in organizations that promote decency.
Two New Classes Formed
Synod approved the formation of two new classes, which means that in 1989 there will be 176 delegates to synod instead of the present 168. One of the new classes is in Arizona (eight churches) and the other is in the Jenison and Hudsonville area of Michigan (sixteen churches).
The Creation/Evolution Issue
Synod held a six-hour debate on the controversial teachings and publications of three science professors at Calvin College: Drs. Howard Van Till, Davis Young and Clarence Menninga. Synod received more than 40 communications and overtures from churches, classes and individuals expressing concern about the positions ofthese three men, the decision of the Board of Trustees and its Ad Hoc Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee studied the issue for a year and concluded that the writings ofthese professors fall within the limits set by the synodically approved guidelines for the interpretation ofScripture and by the doctrinal statement of the CRC. The professors were also reminded of the limitation these guidelines place on their work.
Synod reflecting upon the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, declared that their work was carried out with careful deliberation and due responsibility for the welfare of Calvin College and the CRC. At the same time, Synod expressed regret to the Calvin Board for not giving greater attention to the “ambiguous or incomplete” statements of especially Dr. Van Till.
A motion was made from the floor by the First Clerk, Rev. Peter Brower, that during the three years of committee study the three professors not be allowed to teach the material that could be judged “ambiguous or incomplete” and that they not use a method of Biblical interpretation which would lead to conclusions that would call into question the “event character” of the history in the early chapters of Genesis. The ground: the well-being of the college and the church require this. It was pointed out that Dordt College did something very similar with the problem they had. It was also pointed out that academic freedom is not license, but Christian scholars are free only within the limits of the confessions. However, many voices became alarmed that this was an attempt to “muzzle” the professors. But it was countered, “These men have signed the Form of Subscription and they must be faithful to their commitment.” It was said that the churches need to hear that the synod is in control of the situation. “Let’s not alienate the churches any further,” some said.
The President of Calvin College said, “These men teach within the confessions. Tonight we have heard different opinions. The Ad Hoc Committee has studied this; we must respect due process. This motion is unwise because it violates freedom and the rules of the college. The Board ofTrustees governs the college. This motion would come close to violating this principle.” The vote was taken: 60 yes, 101 no. An elder from North Central Iowa said: “I fear that what we’re doing (by only appointing a committee) is putting a band-aid on a cancer that is gnawing away and sapping our strength.”
Our people are looking for more than a study committee. The Synod appointed a three-year, ten-man study committee to address the relationship between the Bible and scientific investigation of the universe. This task should include, but not be limited to, such matters as the following: the concept of “vehicle/packaging/contents,” the designation of Genesis 1–11 as “primeval history,” the creation of Adam and Eve in God’s Image, the fall into sin, and the doctrines of creation and providence as they relate to evolutionary theory.
Synod adopted several pastoral reminders to the churches affirming the churchs’ “complete subjection to the Word of God and the Reformed Creeds, acknowledging the Calvin faculty’s public commitment to these truths, including God as Creator, the event character of Genesis 1–11, Adam and Eve as first parents, the actual fall into sin, and the authority of Scripture for scientific activity.” Synod also stated its distress over avenues used by church members to level charges regarding Biblical and confessional infidelity by college and seminary personnel.
Some Reflections
I was generally pleased with the decisions ofSynod 1988. It is very obvious, however, that there is some deep division in the CRC. The division is not between areas of the country or ages of the people. The division centers in the view of Scripture. Those who have a high view of the authority of Scripture also have a high view of the confessions. Unity is built on truth. There is also an unhealthy, almost blind, loyalty to the institutions of the church. It was said that if Satan wanted to destroy the CRC he would whisper in the ears of the people: “Don’t trust your leaders.” How little we learn from history. It was precisely the leadership of Israel that led them away from God. The leaders want loyal devotion on the part of the membership. But that devotion must be earned by a total, uncompromising commitment, not to the institution, but to the Christ, the Word, and the confessions. I felt that in the creation/evolution debate, there was so much fear in saying even the slightest thing about the professors in question. The study committee is good, but it does not address the issue of evolution being openly taught at Calvin College. I do not believe that we need three years to determine whether evolution is to be taught to our covenant youth as the way in which this world and everything in it came to be. People who say what I have just said are considered “trouble-makers.” I ask, “Who really are troubling the church? and are they not those who refuse to bow before the Word of the Lord?” The response to what I have said would probably be, “But the issues are far more complex than you seem to indicate. Only biblical scholars can really understand the issues and clarify the position to be taken.” So we are back to our institutions and leaders again. The priesthood of scholarship must tell us common, unlearned, simple believers how to read the Bible. Again, how little we learn from history. In the days of Jesus Christ, the scholars despised Him, would not bow to the authority of Scriptures, but the common people heard Him gladly. Our devotion and commitment must be to Christ and to His Word. It is my prayer that the CRC will be preserved, but preservation will only happen through faithful obedience.
Thomas C. Vanden Heuvel is the pastor of the First C.R. Church of Byron Center, Michigan.