The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Heretics in the PCA?

John,

Your protest against Steve's admittedly unscientific "statistical conclusion" reminds me of what I used to hear constantly from members of the CRC back in the '70's, aka: denominational loyalty. Now there is no sense trying to argue whether or not 50% of the congregations in the PCA are "unacceptable" for whatever reason or any actual percentage for that matter. But what cannot be disputed is that the PCA's "broad-mindedness" with its clergy, doctrinal and practical issues. The NPP/FV fiasco is but one of many things which could be used to illustrate this indictment.

Contrary to your experience, over several decades, I have had the opportunity to visit myriad PCA church websites for various reasons. Invariably, there is often mention of the Westminster Standards as being the doctrinal foundation of the church. But looking further at their "Statement of Faith" documents, all too often what I have found is a gross contradiction. Many are clearly semi-Pelagian, and some worse. Many "advertise" their churches as "contemporary" and use questionable Madison Avenue marketing strategies and worldly psychology to lure newcomers. And there is the matter of contemporary "worship", an odious thing indeed and one that is a black mark on the face of Christianity itself, not to mention the PCA. Further, there have been PCA congregations which openly sell themselves as "charismatic". The pastors of these churches are ordained in the PCA and openly teach an anti-cessatioinism doctrine.

So, in my particular experience, what I have found is that the number of conservative, historic Reformed churches in either doctrine and/or practice are in the minority. This disparity is not restricted to the PCA, but in my estimation it is applicable to nearly ALL denominations today. Hiding one's head in the sand and resting upon what looks good on paper in regard to what a church or denomination should be only contributes to the sad state of affairs in which the modern Church in general is in.

That's my

In His grace,