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Christianity Today, April, 2007 |

Tidings

Church Divorce Done Right

Denominational splits just aren't what they used to be.

Ted Olsen | posted 3/07/2007 09:09AM

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Episcopal bishops' reaction to the February meeting of Anglican primates may reveal the biggest difference between the fundamentalist exodus and today's. Machen lamented that liberals of his day were dishonest in reciting "I believe" creeds they did not really believe. That's still true. But now Episcopalians are complaining that they're forced to choose between "staying true to our understanding of the inclusive gospel or staying true to our commitment to being a constituent member of the Anglican Communion."

They're starting to get it. It is they, not conservatives, who have been leaving all along.

Related Elsewhere:

A version of this column originally ran in the March 2007 print edition of Christianity Today. The column "Tidings" was formerly called "Weblog in Print." Earlier columns by Ted Olsen include:

Why Isn't 'Yes' Enough? | The fuss over swearing-in ceremonies reveals a deeper problem. (Feb. 23, 2007)

Bottom-Up Discipline | What do you do when your pastor—or your entire denomination—strays? (Jan. 16, 2007)

The Year Conservatives Saved Christmas | We bullied stores out of "Happy Holidays." Hooray? (Dec. 8, 2006)

What Really Unites Pentecostals? | It's not speaking in tongues. It may be the prosperity gospel (Dec. 5, 2006)

Does Islam Need a Luther or a Pope? | American pundits debate whether centralized religious authority restrains violence. (Oct. 20, 2006)

Asylum vs. Assistance | Offering sanctuary isn't about political protest. (Sept. 26, 2006)

We're Not Spectators | Mideast Christians writing for our website expressed their anguish—and anger. (Aug. 28, 2006)

Latter-day Complaints | Mormons and evangelicals fret over movies, politics, and each other. (Jul. 6, 2006)

Peace, Peace | From the front page to the obits, one day's news about Christian peacemaking. (Apr. 18, 2006)

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April 2007, Vol. 51, No. 4

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Pam Mathews

Posted: March 12, 2007 11:57 AM

I am an Episcopalian who was raised in the Evangelical Covenant Church and appreciate the contributions both denominations have made to my faith. Like Josh Oxley, I found the last couple of sentences in the article to be simplistic, sterotypical, and pompous. Without getting into my own views, I wanted to say that I know liberals, moderates, and conservatives in the Episcopal Church who are devout Christians. Just because a liberal person might feel called to proclaim a more inclusive gospel does not necessarily mean that they reject the Creeds (which to me means rejecting Christianity). You may believe that these "liberals" are misguided or downright wrong. However, I would suggest that as a Christian, you might want to refrain from judging the faith of others on a group basis. That's treading on very dangerous ground, and I think that many conservatives I know would agree.

Ben	Posted: March 07, 2007 4:36 PM

I'm a former Baptist who struggled for years with homosexuality. My childhood Baptist minister wouldn't even discuss the matter with me and gave the typical Baptist response of making me the villan. I gave up my church membership and faith 17 years ago and have come to realize I never missed church to begin with. Consequently, I have no sympathy for any minister or deacon who now lives in fear that gay marriage wil become lawful. Through it all, I've managed to go on with my life with the help of counselors and advisors but the church still wants my money???? They can kiss my ass.

Rev Falak Robson

Posted: March 07, 2007 3:41 PM

My Dear Brothers and sisters Please just read the Holy Bible and think about the Lot and the city . Sadom and Gomera. What Happened to them . God made man and woman for each of them . God is vry strick on it . who rebel against HimHe certainly punish them. Look back in to the history . what happened to the countries and places ,went against the Lord. It is my prayer that people turn from their wicked ways of life and save them. May The Lord Bless you all. Rev Falak Robson Emmanuel Memorial Church and Ministry Lahore Pakistan

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