Dawn, or Sunset

This story in USA Today is titled:

Episcopal church’s new dawn

I don’t think that the headline author read the article all that closely. Rather optimistic in my view, especially when one thinks about its contents.

Now, this is not an article bashing the Episcopal Church. Rather, as an Evangelical, I just happen to see a few theological quotes from the Presiding Bishop of the American branch of the Anglican Church, and just shook my head. What came to mind, as it does for a number the other "mainline" Protestant churches, was the image of multiple ship captains standing confidently at the wheel proclaiming ‘full speed ahead – all is well".

And their bows, at flank speed, are all plowing holes into the sea at negative angles.

The problem, as it is in the other mainline churches, is that the Episcoplians are in a severe membership down spiral (note that more conservative churches are increasing their memberships). During this time, the emphasis has shifted from those things that are spiritual to more "worldly" outlooks, trying to adapt to the culture in an attempt to stay relevant (in their eyes).

The problem is, as churches forsake or compromise their theology in attempts to be more like the non-church world, the differences disappear between them. What’s left? Not much more than a social club (with more uncomfortable seats) would be my observation. The heart and soul (pun intended) of a church IS it’s theology – it’s set of core beliefs and practices. It is these aspects of a church that entice people to come, to worship, and to believe (although, not unlike a social club, liking the other folks does help, I must admit). Ditching or modifying, or worse, leaving those core beliefs behind in "a way forward" leaves…..an emptiness in people searching to believe.

Anyways, I digress….back to the article.

For instance, when asked about the decline in membership (one third gone since 1960 when many churches are growing):

Or optimism. To hear her talk, the future of her denomination is brighter every day, with many "healthy, vital churches."

Yup, sure, anything you say. Simply spin, this answer. A severe schism underway, declining membership and withheld revenues, and things are "brighter"? Er, see comment on "bows, plowing" above.

How about when asked about the schism that this American branch of the Anglican Church is having with the other churches (e.g., South Africa, Nigeria) because of its liberal stances?

Condemnations from Global South primates?

Jefferts Schori steers the discussion to the positive, focusing on the mission she shares with many of the African primates to address the terrible plagues of war, poverty, disease and hunger.

"We can work on these together. Human need is so overwhelming that it seems incredibly sinful to spend time" on church politics.

Oh boy….

Notice the emphasis of the head of the Episcopalians – works, not faith. Also, trying to change the subject by casting core differences of theology as simple politics, even by alluding that to try to discuss the issues (and by implication, those that wish to) as sinful!

No, to this evangelical, this is not about church politics….politics is choosing people for position on human terms. Politics is advocating for positions based on feelings or unorthodox interpretations of Scripture.

Theology, plain and simple, is at the heart and soul (pun intended) of this schism-in-process.

Back to the declining membership – her response?

"It’s no longer the social norm to be a Christian," Jefferts Schori says. Her answer isn’t to ramp up on orthodoxy but to reach out to all ages and cultures with Christlike social action.

At first blush, with Christianity and its philosophy under attack, this could be true….but not the whole picture. The article itself points out that 74% of Americans feel that they are Christians….blaming it on the culture, well, is, umm, a dodge. Simplistic answer to a more troubling question. Or as can be seen below, a leaving of theology foundations.

Also note the emphasis on social action – the equivalent of the Biblical use of the word "works". This stems from the passage in James: "Faith without works is dead". Without getting deep into a real religious discussion, just notice which comes first: Faith, or Works. And yet, what is her stance on the primary tenet of the Christian faith?

Critics say she equivocates on essential doctrine — the necessity for atonement and the exclusivity of salvation through Christ.

There is no more important tenet in Christianity than this – without this single bedrock truth, there is no Christianity. None, zippo, nada……null. A void, an emptiness, a longing unfulfilled.

They cite interviews in which she has said living like Jesus in this world was a more urgent task than worrying about the next world.

"It’s not my job to pick" who is saved. "It’s God’s job," she tells USA TODAY.

I feel sorry for regular Episcopalian worshipers….what happened to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”? Isn’t that a mandate? That IS her job, right?

Yes, sin "is pervasive, part of human nature," but "it’s not the centerpiece of the Christian message. If we spend our time talking about sin and depravity, it is all we see in the world," she says.

And this IS the point that the conservatives are in anguish about – salvation and not social issues. That is the Christian message, the fundamental one, that Christ came to be a propitiation for our sins via the Cross.

Without this one, singular fact, there is no Christianity….just a bunch of social clubs.

One of her supporters, New York Bishop Mark Sisk disagrees:

"She’s profoundly faithful to the central claims of the church and the Scriptures

Really! Admittedly, I am not a theologian, nor a graduate of a seminary, not ordained, but a have read a bit of the Bible over my 50 years… Well, from just this article, she’s seems to be zip for two….