Monday, June 19, 2006

Presbyterians Think Of Changing 'Father, Son, Holy Spirit'

With the current state of affairs in the Episcopal community in America, this is something which really should not come as a surprise to anyone.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The divine Trinity -- "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" -- could also be known as "Mother, Child and Womb" or "Rock, Redeemer, Friend" at some Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) services under an action Monday by the church's national assembly.

Delegates to the meeting voted to "receive" a policy paper on gender-inclusive language for the Trinity, a step short of approving it. That means church officials can propose experimental liturgies with alternative phrasings for the Trinity, but congregations won't be required to use them.

"This does not alter the church's theological position, but provides an educational resource to enhance the spiritual life of our membership," legislative committee chair Nancy Olthoff, an Iowa laywoman, said during Monday's debate on the Trinity.

While some may claim that the theological position will remain unchanged, this is an erroneous statement since such a change in language and terminology nearly always results in changes of belief and thinking.

Some other proposed Trinity options include:

"Lover, Beloved, Love"
"Creator, Savior, Sanctifier"
"King of Glory, Prince of Peace, Spirit of Love."

There are some in the Catholic Church who attempt similar acts. We should pray that these confused souls come to their senses and permit their minds to be enlightened by the grace of God and that their faith might become grounded in the revealed truth who is Jesus Christ.


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