Messiness in the Extreme - More on Spong

David Randall of Falkirk Free Church has written a very perceptive letter on the forthcoming visit of the atheist bishop Jack Spong to speak in a Church of Scotland.

What is interesting is the “official” response of the Church of Scotland.  Remember, as I noted in the post Even Messier Church, Spong is a non-theist, who rejects totally the faith of the church – see his Twelve Theses on Reform in the previous post.

So how does the Kirk respond:

“A Church of Scotland spokesman said: “We always encourage open discussion on the interpretation of scripture. We are sure Bishop Jack Spong will cause people to challenge their views in a healthy way.”

It is interesting that Scripture is also interested in challenging people’s views in a health way:

Paul's instruction to the young pastor, Titus, is: “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.”  Titus 2:1. 

Here the adjective “sound” comes from a root that means healthy.  Paul uses this term 9 times in the pastorals, and 5 times in Titus alone.

Titus 1:9  The elder “must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

Spong contradicts sound doctrine.  His heresy is not healthy; it is a cancer destroying the Faith.

Titus 2:2  “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”

A man who rejects every aspect of apostolic orthodoxy, as Spong does, is certainly not “sound in faith”.

Titus 2:8, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned…”

Spong’s speech is not sound. By undermining the faith he dishonours Christ and defiles the church. He should be rebuked not rewarded for his apostasy.

The Church of Scotland by welcoming him and defending his right to propagate false doctrine, (and by allowing one of their ministers to teach the same heresy), shows that it cannot in any way be identified with the true church that is “the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.” ( 1 Tim 3:15)

My challenge again is addressed to those evangelicals who despite the denomination's endorsement of sodomy and heresy still prefer to share fellowship with apostates rather than unite with fellow evangelicals in a true church.

 David Randall's Comments at:  http://tinyurl.com/qeuet94