The coming June synod meeting promises to be a turning point in Christian Reformed denominational history. The key proposal on the synod agenda will not seem to be very significant. We may expect to see its importance minimized by especially its promoters. The assembly will be asked to approve opening our churches’ governing consistories to […]
The year 1984 is an important date on the American church calendar. It marks the 200th anniversary of the formal organization of Methodism in North America. Methodism has been a very influential movement. Reformed piety has also undergone some of its influence. Another bicentennial celebrated this year marks the death of Ann Lee Stanley (1736–84), […]
Scripture: I Cor. 14:34–40; I Tim. 2:8–15 Recap & Introduction In the March Outlook I observed that men and women are equal before God. Despite that equality, they have different roles to play or tasks to perform, and God has ordained that in the home and in the church the woman is to be submissive […]
It is very sad that the atoning death of the Saviour of sinners has been and continues to be a controversial issue in the Church. This in itself is already a good illustration of man’s depravity. Some of the hottest theological battles have been fought over the question: for whom did Christ die? Did He […]
Why should you care if something called Liberation Theology even exists? For several reasons, really: 1) Liberation Theology—we will call it LT hereafter—flourishes in Central and South America where it encounters various agencies of the Christian Reformed Church (you might, incidentally, like to know what these agencies think of LT); 2) LT has some appeal […]
It is understandable that members of the Christian Reformed Church are extremely concerned about developments in the Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland. There is no need for me to elaborate these affairs, since The Outlook is keeping you informed. While publicizing this information is necessary, it is in danger of one-sidedness, looking only at the negative […]
“Elisha died and was buried. Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body in Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones the man came to life and stood up on his feet” (II Kings 13:21). The season in which we are […]
A few years ago Neal Punt wrote his book, Unconditional Good News. Last year I wrote a thesis for Westminster Theological Seminary in which I criticized this book because I believe that in it Punt contradicts the Scriptures and the creeds of the Christian Reformed Church. Since Neal Punt continues to try to stir up […]
One more article on the subject of Women in Ecclesiastical office? No doubt many people are getting tired of reading articles on this subject. Yet, that irritation can become very dangerous. The subject has been before our denomination for a dozen years and our patience is being worn down by it. Why must there be […]
A while back a candidate being examined by Classis was asked the question, “Why do you seek to be a minister in the Christian Reformed Church?” The student gave the answer, “Because it is the closest to the truth, it is the closest to a correct interpretation of Scripture.” In response to that answer, the […]