ABOUT A “UNITED REFORMED CHURCH”

My editorial in July on “Desideratum – A United Reformed Church” called forth a measure of response to which, due to circumstance, attention has not been given until now. At the outset the editorial stated: “An exciting prospect” – Suppose that in God’s gracious providence the day would dawn when Reformed church bodies—of course, I am thinking particularly of the CRC–would experience a drastic housecleaning. Suppose that such denominations would some day purge themselves of the foe within the gate and of those bold innovations that now threatens to undermine the Reformed faith; but a church that would rather be unambiguous, consistent, and enthusiastic in its profession of it. Just suppose that someday God would be pleased to grant this . . . allow me then to suggest as a name, that it be called “The United Reformed Church.”

A correspondent from Florida who, for a specified and understandable reason, chooses to remain anonymous, makes the following suggestions:

“Referring to the July 1977 Outlook where you are seeking for suggestions for a new denomination:

“My first suggestion concerns the name. I would prefer to call it The Orthodox Christian Reformed Church rather than the United Reformed Church. Reason; The O.C.R.C. name would be more attractive to Christian Reformed people. Why should we lose our precious name? After all, we are not leaving the church—the church is leaving us. The name Christian Reformed belongs to us, not only us but our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We received it from our parents, grandparents, and possibly great-grandparents. I know there are many people in our church today that would refuse to give up the name Christian Reformed. Also whole congregations would possibly vote themselves into the O.C.R.C. So much for the name which I believe to be very important.

“Secondly: Set up a fund for the new denomination. This way all interested could stand up and be counted by making contributions. If and when the new denomination is organized this money to be used for new congregations. If the new church does not materialize money to be used for truly Reformed theological seminaries.

“Thirdly: New congregations starting that are too small to have their own minister could use tapes. Not that I wish to boycott ministers. We pray daily for more Reformed theologians, especially for this nation where millions arc being deceived with cheap grace. God has given us this new invention—why not use it? Taped sermons are played in our home with much joy and spiritual edification.

“My fourth suggestion: No doubt THE OUTLOOK will be the new church paper. Would like to see it changed from monthly to a biweekly. Your Outlook is a very good paper, but does not come around too often. We all know this is very serious business, and we can’t be informed too often.”

Comment: The writer‘s suggestions, together with other communications to be published later, are placed in the hopper for our readers‘ consideration. The kind and encouraging comments about THE OUTLOOK are truly appreciated. The expense of publishing biweekly is one reason for making this prohibitive for the present.

JVP

October 7, 1977

Dear Mr. Vander Ploeg,

I wish to respond to your editorial in THE OUTLOOK re Social Dancing. It is out of concern for the Christian community and fellow students at Calvin that I desire to comment.

As you, yourself, are aware social danCing is very much a reality beyond the realms of Calvin College. It includes the Christian Reformed community as a whole. Therefore it is a denominational issue rather than one aimed at Calvin or any other higher institution.

Since this issue is a delicate one, that can be misconstrued the farther It gets from the source, it is imperative that we realize all the ramifications and consequences involved with social dancing. The Bible does not state specifically whether dancing is right or wrong. It neither condones it nor condemns it. I believe, as many others do, that the many misconceptions of dancing have been brought to our attention through an unbelieving society. The world has made dancing a “sexually” connotated activity. Many even associate drinking and drugs with dancing. But this does not necessarily have to be so. Dancing within a Christian framework can be wholesome and recreational. It can be a time of fellowship and meeting new people just like any other social event. We in the Christian community believe this and consequently support the Board‘s decision.

Learning to dance certainly does not come overnight when a student attends college. He/she must have learned to dance previously. It seems highly probable that these students have danced in high school with parental consent. The Board had just put into words what was in practice everywhere for past years. By everywhere I mean the high schools, Dordt, Trinity, and Calvin. All this, taking place with the. administrations full knowledge.

Finally, it may be fitting, Mr. Vander Ploeg, that you visit Calvin College. You may be “surprised” or “shocked” to find more committed Christians than you think. In Christ, RENATA VAN DER WAL

P. S. It is my hope that you publish this letter in THE OUTLOOK at your earliest convenience.

P.P.S. I am one of your subscribers of late and my parents have received it for quite some time.