ANSWERS: 1
  • I am a Presbyterian Minister. I might, therefore, actually be a resident expert. So, here goes. First the answer depends on which Presbyterian you are talking about. Presbyterian Church (USA) is (at least among its heirarchy) very left wing. While the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions still names homosexual practice as sinful, there is a strong move to ordain self-avowed, practicing homosexuals into all offices of the Church which will likely eventually succeed causing a scism. Further, as regards abortion, it my read is that it all gets a wink and a nod. The last General Assembly refused to condemn partial birth abortions which may indicate a lot. If the reader is looking for a conservative/moral Presbyterian Church, I would recommend: Presbyterian Church in America (where I will likely be headed pretty soon); Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church; or the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. All of the above, as far as I have experienced, hate the sin and love the sinner. A SAPH (self-avowed practicing homosexual) might be denied communion if so ordered by the elders. But they believe that all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. So, to the mind of the evanglical Presbyterian, the Church is a Hospital for Sinners and not a resting place for perfect people. Same deal with abortion: Women who have had an abortion but who are sincerely repentant for the murder of the innocent is welcomed. I imagine the same would be true of an abortion doctor, as well. Bottom line is all these are sins among other sins. If we did not sin we would not need a Savior. And Jesus Christ is THE Son of God and the ONLY Savior of humankind. Remember, things are much different as compares the Church at Rome and in the Reformed Tradition. While Reformed Churches are deeply confessional and have their Catechisms, they have no Magisterium. The focus of the service is the Word and the Exposition of the WOrd whereas, in the Catholic Tradition, the focus is on the Eucharist. Look up Sola Scruptura, Sola Fide, and Sola Grace. That will get you started. Then, if you suffer from insomnia, read Calvin's Institutes. But both Worship Christ and Him crucified. I could go on for a book or two. In Christ, GVA

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