The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum RC Sproul Jr. at Ligonier Conference!?

And the <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/dizzy.gif" alt="" /> smiley is to be understood as in regard to Sproul, Jr. being at the Conference?

RCJR has been speaking at the pre-conference seminar for several years. That is a special session on Thursday afternoon before the formal event begins that evening. With the names listed on the advertisement, I would guess he will be only speaking at the pre-conference seminar.

So does Sproul approve of his son's ministry and theology? It seems to me that Sproul Jr's theological difference go beyond something his father would tolerate.

I'm still unsure if JR theology is the problem or the differences lie in the areas of application / practice. I have not found any problems with his (JR) articles in Tabletalk.

Good question! However, sometimes parents are "blind" to certain things that are present in their children's lives or try and justify those things which are known to be wrong. But who knows what Sproul, Sr. thinks of his son's theology and/or ministry other than himself and those whom he has confided in? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" /> Why R.C. Sproul, Jr. was chosen to speak at this conference is unknown to us. But if we were given the choice, I am sure we would have chosen otherwise. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

WHAT IS THE ISSUE WITH R.C. JRS. THEOLOGY?

RC Jr embraced the "Federal Vision" theology which has been examined and judged as heretical by the orthodox denominations in which it arose. RC Jr was defrocked over it (and some ecclesiastical trickery that got him into even more trouble).

While I sympathize greatly with those who favor paedocommunion in denominations that forbid it, I would not be willing to turn the Reformation on it's head in order to justify my position. That, it seems to me, is exactly what many proponents of FV theology have done.

Unfortunately the apple has fallen far from the tree, rolled down a hill and into a pond, floating way int oblivion.

Robin & others,

Although it might be a little blurry because of his friendships and associations, I do not think that Sproul Jr is in the FV camp. In fact here is a written reply by RC Sproul Jr just this year (2008) where he denies he is a FVer.

I disagree plenty with him in regards to some of his thinking. I think he often emphasis non-essentials and tend to be a maverick just to be a maverick. Maybe he is toning down some of that as I understood that his father had the same tendency when he was in his 20s & 30s.

John,

I don't know whether R.C., Jr. accepts Federal Vision theology or not. The big thing for me is he and the session of St. Peter Presbyterian Church were deposed, legitimately, for breaking their vows not to publicly teach paedocommunion, for committing tax fraud, and, most importantly, for abusing the flock. Doug Wilson's CREC, ever the shelter for renegade pastors, took him in very shortly afterward. He is a disgrace to his father's name, and, sadly, an apt fit for the CREC crowd.

Whatsa CREC

gnarley

Gnarley,

The CREC is the "Confederation of Reformed Evangelical Churches," Doug Wilson's pseudo-denomination/cult.

Sorry if I seem overly negative about it...

I think you speak rightly Kyle.

Thank you sir

Alas, it seems too few people see it the same way.

Welcome to the Board, by the way! Haven't I seen you around? Perhaps on Green Baggins?

R.C. Sproul Jr. has responded to me regarding his involvement with Federal Vision.

R.c. Sproul Jr. > Patrice, there were things indeed that the elders of Saint Peter had to confess to. As for Federal Vision I have always opposed it. I have not been in the CREC for four years. I am a disgrace to both my earthly and heavenly fathers' names. But because of grace and the finished work of Christ they both forgive and love me."

Is he back in the RPCGA now? Was he "re-frocked," as it were, or did he run to the more receptive PCA or PCUSA perhaps?

His former association with CREC will likely follow him despite his supposed repentance.

This is another example of what Jeff has been talking about, the elitism of The Esteemed Clergy is too much a factor in what's happening in churches these days. Luther experienced the same thing. How dare he, a mere monk, defy the Great Holy Exalted Revered and Esteemed Bishops and Cardinals!

"Ruling" elders in several Presbyterian denominations have deferred to The Esteemed Clergy for so long that it is considered almost treasonous to defy them - in spite of their supposed "equality on paper."

I looked into the RPCGA recently in my journey towards finding a new church home. And it seems they have continued to just when asked the hard questions about:

Why so many people in key positions have the same last name;

Why their founder claims multiple doctoral degrees from schools that either don't exist, don't offer the degrees he claims to have earned there, or never had him as a student;

Why their "seminary" is "accredited" by an agency of it's own making.

RC Sproul Jr's association with the RPCGA gave them more credibility than it did him, and he lost even that when he associated with CREC. God help him now, if his repentance is genuine. Still it will take years for him to regain the respect he once had.

Love it!!! After reading further responses from Jr. I have my doubts about him. Thanks for your refreshing and amusing post Robin. I couldn't agree more.

I have been told that RC has been examined and ordained in the Covenant Presbyterian Church.

And according to their Wiki page, their main distinctive is that they allow paedocommunion "with approval of the Session."

I don't quite get why that is a distinctive, since it's basically the same in every Presbyterian denomination when you come right down to it.