The editor of the Question and Answer page in The Banner, Rev. Wm. D. Buursma, is generally quite flexible in his views. He is not one to dot the theological “i’s” when it comes to Reformed orthodoxy. Far from it. The warning found in Rev. 22:18, 19 does not really apply to the whole Bible, but is only a kind of footnote appended by the author to his own epistle in accord with the custom of the day (at least that’s what “scholars” say). Halloween parties (which have a pagan origin) “can be perfectly innocent forms of entertainment for young people and children.” The fact that preaching is not a part of evening services now and then in our churches is not a sign of liberalism. Author Buursma does not get too excited about such “minor” details.

But wait a moment. A CRC congregation does not allow women the right to vote at congregational meetings! Can you imagine? Now suddenly our otherwise unruffled editor becomes very indignant. He is “amazed” that there are still such backward congregations who espouse such a “rigid, fundamentalistic(!!) reading of the Bible”! If this congregation continues its “defiance of synodical encouragement” then the questioner has a full right, even the duty(!!) to seek another church. For surely this is the unpardonable sin!

Suddenly our latitudinarian editor has no latitude whatsoever. This is outrageous! Who ever heard of such a thing in 1985?!

Please note for a moment: That we have congregations who blatantly ignore and openly defy synodical decisions (not “encouragement,” note well) by having “adjunct” or “associate” female elders is tolerated by our editor without a whimper; the same goes for a female “preacher” who occupies the pulpit in a CRC congregation in violation of all synodical rules. But woe to the congregation or consistory who denies women the right to vote. That is intolerable! Conclusion: Here you have a perfect example of “straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel!”

J. Tuininga, Lethbridge, Alto.