To recant: An open letter

Dear Rev . DeJong:

In the year 80/81, I wrote some heretical articles in the Calvin Seminary weekly paper. These articles were then reprinted in the March, 1981 Outlook, introduced by a preparatory warning written by Rev. J. Piersma. The articles were reprinted with my permission, and you and I, Rev . De Jong, had a lengthy discussion after which you were kind enough to edit my heretical articles in the manner I desired. I have good memories of the time we spent together.

In his Introduction to my articles, the Rev. Piersma warned the Outlook readers that the material following his own statements should be regarded as dangerous and radical material. I have slowly come to feel that Rev. Piersma was absolutely correct.

When I read that March, 1981 Outloofc today, I see that I was saying two things: First, I was saying that the Bible is not authoritative with respect to the issue of women in office. In fact, I recklessly stated that I really couldn’t care less what the Bible said on this issue. Secondly, I made it clear that I personally was in favor of women in office. Allow me to briefly say something now about these two emphases in my original articles.

On the first point I completely and totally repent. I believe that Rev. Piersma was right on target when he warned the readers. I am sorry for ever having held the views that I held. I believe now that the Bible is the absolute and final authority and norm for all our ethical decisions as Christians and as a Church. In other words, I believe that if we cannot base women in office on a Biblical foundation, then we simply cannot have women in office.

On the second point, viz. , the opinion that there should be women in office, I can not lie about the fact that I still hope this will happen. However , for me it is now of crucial importance that women in office be a biblically based phenomenon. Thus my opinion is radically different than what it used to be. Formerly, I just wanted the church to tag along behind the world and the customs of this age. Now, today, I seek to submit my opinions to the guiding power of God’s Holy Word. The exegetical pros and cons are beyond the scope of this brief recantation. However, Rev. DeJong, you cim surely understand that my present position makes me a brother in the faith again, despite our differences. With my former views I was not a differing brother but an erring heretic.

I would be very pleased, Rev. DeJong, if you would print this entire letter in your Outlook—especially because the consistory of Bethany Christian Reformed Church in South Holland, Illinois, kindly advised me and pastorally admonished me to write a letter like this to you in order to prove to the entire church that I have indeed changed my views.

Sincerely, your brother in Christ,

Nick Overduin