Thanks Aaron, the opposition seems to be so sure, in their own arrogance, that they don’t care at all what the denomination has decided. They will do anything to undermine Synod’s decision. Thank you Abide.
I think it is correct that Abide as a political strategy is not solely responsible for the disintegration of the CRC. Abide, like Donald Trump, is merely a symptom of the worldly culture we live in.
For too long, the CRC and Evangelicalism in general have not been able to differentiate their institutional structures from the Kingdom of God as revealed by Jesus Christ.
There can be great freedom in disaffiliation since we can more easily look at our fellow images bearers as equally worthy of the great love and compassion of our Heavenly Father despite whatever creed they may cling to tightly.
Thanks for engaging, David. Though I'm not in the same place on these matters as you, I understand and can sympathize with how you're feeling. I'm glad you took the time to engage. We welcome that.
I would agree that we can all point to specific instances where the disagreements we're having in the CRC right now have taken on the sharp and un-Christ-like tone of the political climate around us. I'd note that it's been true on all sides of the argument, and in fact--if I may be so bold--I'd invite you to reflect on whether your own comment contains a dismissiveness that reflects the culture we both lament.
But the bigger piece I want to interact with is the suggestion that taking a firm stand to maintain the historic Christian understanding of marriage and human sexuality is uniquely CRC / evangelical / North American. I'd submit that such a claim pretty significantly overlooks the global and historic church of Jesus Christ (including many non-natives to North America within our own denomination). The CRC's recent decisions themselves are actually profoundly ecumenical and in keeping with our brothers and sisters from across time, place, culture, and language. Again, have there been specific examples of conversations / articles / comments that reflect a uniquely North American cultural reality? Yes...and on all sides...and I'm happy to join you in encouraging better conversation. But have the actual decisions and direction of the CRC been a 'Trump-like' endeavour? I'd suggest that would be a hard case to make in the face of our brothers and sisters around the world and down through history.
The command against idolatry is really only for those who profess obedience to God. "Sin" ultimately is idolatry - the default state of those who do not surrender their whole heart and being to the Lordship of Jesus to be guided by His Holy Spirit.
The insidious idolatry of those who call themselves Christian "takes the form of Godliness...".
Are you "taking a stand" for Jesus? Or do you rather equate "the historic Christian understanding of marriage and human sexuality" with Jesus?
I submit that we all struggle against idolatry.
Perhaps this time of institutional upheaval as exemplified by the coming Trump era will serve to sever more idolatrous institutional bonds.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"
I have been angry, proud, lashed out immaturely, and behaved like a petulant child through this transition and I thank you for describing my thoughts so much more clearly and graciously here than I’ve ever been able to, David.
I have been guilty of this exact insidious idolatry you describe. I fail to cast off all that is hindering and in my pride I even cling to it. I’m grateful for your direction back to humility. In Christ Alone!
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
Thank you for your comment. (Is there a reason you posted the same comment five times?)
You are free to believe what you wish, but I myself speak to you as the secretary of The Abide Project and as the first clerk of Synod 2022 when the HSR was adopted. I watched the votes come in from behind the desk and I say with utmost confidence, there is no way that Abide or conservatives in the CRC had that much influence on the synod floor. I watched other votes come in that did not go Abide's way and were a landslide in the other direction. Again, you go ahead and believe it was all a vast conspiracy, but the reality is that the majority of the CRC was not on board with All One Body.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
Thank for an excellent, very well written article. You accomplished your objective very convincingly.
Marlyn Visser
1st CRC Orange City
Thanks Aaron, the opposition seems to be so sure, in their own arrogance, that they don’t care at all what the denomination has decided. They will do anything to undermine Synod’s decision. Thank you Abide.
I think it is correct that Abide as a political strategy is not solely responsible for the disintegration of the CRC. Abide, like Donald Trump, is merely a symptom of the worldly culture we live in.
For too long, the CRC and Evangelicalism in general have not been able to differentiate their institutional structures from the Kingdom of God as revealed by Jesus Christ.
There can be great freedom in disaffiliation since we can more easily look at our fellow images bearers as equally worthy of the great love and compassion of our Heavenly Father despite whatever creed they may cling to tightly.
Thanks for engaging, David. Though I'm not in the same place on these matters as you, I understand and can sympathize with how you're feeling. I'm glad you took the time to engage. We welcome that.
I would agree that we can all point to specific instances where the disagreements we're having in the CRC right now have taken on the sharp and un-Christ-like tone of the political climate around us. I'd note that it's been true on all sides of the argument, and in fact--if I may be so bold--I'd invite you to reflect on whether your own comment contains a dismissiveness that reflects the culture we both lament.
But the bigger piece I want to interact with is the suggestion that taking a firm stand to maintain the historic Christian understanding of marriage and human sexuality is uniquely CRC / evangelical / North American. I'd submit that such a claim pretty significantly overlooks the global and historic church of Jesus Christ (including many non-natives to North America within our own denomination). The CRC's recent decisions themselves are actually profoundly ecumenical and in keeping with our brothers and sisters from across time, place, culture, and language. Again, have there been specific examples of conversations / articles / comments that reflect a uniquely North American cultural reality? Yes...and on all sides...and I'm happy to join you in encouraging better conversation. But have the actual decisions and direction of the CRC been a 'Trump-like' endeavour? I'd suggest that would be a hard case to make in the face of our brothers and sisters around the world and down through history.
The command against idolatry is really only for those who profess obedience to God. "Sin" ultimately is idolatry - the default state of those who do not surrender their whole heart and being to the Lordship of Jesus to be guided by His Holy Spirit.
The insidious idolatry of those who call themselves Christian "takes the form of Godliness...".
Are you "taking a stand" for Jesus? Or do you rather equate "the historic Christian understanding of marriage and human sexuality" with Jesus?
I submit that we all struggle against idolatry.
Perhaps this time of institutional upheaval as exemplified by the coming Trump era will serve to sever more idolatrous institutional bonds.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"
I have been angry, proud, lashed out immaturely, and behaved like a petulant child through this transition and I thank you for describing my thoughts so much more clearly and graciously here than I’ve ever been able to, David.
I have been guilty of this exact insidious idolatry you describe. I fail to cast off all that is hindering and in my pride I even cling to it. I’m grateful for your direction back to humility. In Christ Alone!
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
Thank you for your comment. (Is there a reason you posted the same comment five times?)
You are free to believe what you wish, but I myself speak to you as the secretary of The Abide Project and as the first clerk of Synod 2022 when the HSR was adopted. I watched the votes come in from behind the desk and I say with utmost confidence, there is no way that Abide or conservatives in the CRC had that much influence on the synod floor. I watched other votes come in that did not go Abide's way and were a landslide in the other direction. Again, you go ahead and believe it was all a vast conspiracy, but the reality is that the majority of the CRC was not on board with All One Body.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.
I've read the longer version of this and it is stunning in what it does not say--all the behind-the-scenes politicking that went on at Classes across the CRC leading up to the release of the HSR by those on the conservative side; the suspiciously similar overtures that arrives on the floor of each classis prior to 2020. Abide might say that it did not exist until after 2020, but if one reads the Classical minutes across the denomination from that era, a different story emerges. There was a well-coordinated campaign to ensure that Synod consisted of certain types of delegates, ones that would support the HSR. You have engaged in a highly biased telling of the history.
Also, appeals to the ecumenical church in these comments are highly misleading. There are affirming churches and Bishops in the Anglican church (to name just one denomination) in rural communities throughout Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Asia. Do not misrepresent global Christianity to advance your own cause.