Retired & Thinking

Way back in the mid-90's HR Reverend Harold Kurtz met with a group of conservative pastors before the Presbytery of the Cascade's meeting. We were in Central Church, Eugene and it was following the General Assembly meeting. He simply told the group how he'd been at General Assembly and "everything changed". There was no removal of the 'authoritative interpretations' or repeal of the 'fidelity and chastity' clause. What he meant was that the place of the PC(USA) in the life of the world-wide Church had shifted. A year or so previously he told our church, his prior congregation , that "nothing had changed." When I asked him what caused this shift he told the group that the PC(USA) was not willing to listen to the vast history of the church in the rest of the world. He was right as the Presbyterian Church in Mexico has proven. At least the PC(USA) can take comfort in knowing that they know the real revelation of God... What did they ...

Hat tip to Man of Depravity' s recent Friday post but I felt the article dealing with Christian themes within Deathly Hallows 2 needed to be read. Excellent article if you've not seen the movie or have no plans to see the movie. Consider that a SPOILER ALERT . Read and enjoy De-Theologizing Harry . Had that link wrong... Thanks R.C . Peace Alan

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church wrapped up there General Assembly this past week. Below is a video on their World Outreach . Watch and enjoy. Peace, Alan

The Presbytery of Twin Cities became the vote to push the PCUSA's overture over the top. The Book of Order will now read, Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G-1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G-14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates. A couple of obvious changes for my former denomination will be:  Self-avowed practicing homosexual persons will now be openly and proudly ordained in congregations and presbyteries....

I looked for Matthew Ward's version of this but couldn't find it SIGH... Came back here because I ran across a great podcast in looking for Matthew Ward's version. It's called " full circle " and they're available on iTunes. Right now I'm listening to episode 117 which is playing the old classic musical "Firewind". If you like classic Christian music this is a great place to listen. Peace, Alan

Rev. Terry Jones is not my favorite pastor in the world. I would not attend his church nor would I ask him to preach for me. But I find myself in prayer for him as he faces the persecution from the media over his burning of a Koran . He claims no responsibility for the riots or death which have erupted following his actions. I don't know if he's to blame or not. What I do know, is that the news media has NOT painted Rev. Jones with the same brush used on Mr. Kurt Westergaard who drew cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad a few years ago. Twelve cartoons brought about a series of protests and riots by Muslims around the globe. Included among the actions were a mutual murder of Muslim and Christians by one another in Nigeria . Burning of various embassies and attacks on the US Airbase at Bagram Afghanistan . Yet no where in the press can I find an interviewer asking Mr. Westergaard if he felt responsible for the deaths or outrage. However, Terry Jones has been asked the questi...

Christmas Teaching for the 12 days of Christmas... Christmas story reboot sort of ... Hat tip to Quotidian Grace and Rev. Santucci Peace and Merry Christmas Alan