Had Synod not (probably) broken the law and (foolishly and needlessly) angered a bunch of people by firing/dismissing/releasing half the Board of Trustees, things might have turned out differently between Christians at Erskine.
As it is, our denomination is splitting wide open and Christians are now mortal enemies of each other.
Chuck calls fellow Christians “terrorists” and the Supporters of Synod Facebook group yawns. Dr. Evans posts an essay to Chuck’s e-magazine, and Chuck’s magazine alone. Supporters of Synod group posts link after link about Christians not suing Christians – then becomes strangely silent on the issue after Synod files their appeal. Daniel Wells lectures Erskine administrators on their behavior during Alumni Day (ironic, if you saw Wells cutting up during the meeting). Mr. David Danehower goes over to the Supporters of Synod site and asks – begs – for people to take his hand in friendship and reconciliation and work together to fix this schism among believers. Only one person will.
There are over 300 members of that site. One person responded.
They do not want reconciliation.
Of course we don’t.
A man I greatly respect has a favorite phrase he uses whenever he argues with another Christian over most doctrinal, political, social, or any other issues: “This is not a cause to break fellowship.” And it never is. It is inconceivable that anybody connected to Erskine could find any doctrinal disagreement that would cause them to break Christian fellowship – we worship the same God, thank the same Son for his sacrifice, are imbued with the same Holy Spirit, and each try, sinful though we may be, to act more like Christ. Whether the Bible is inerrant or not is hugely important theological – but we can both still be Christians and not agree. Adam and Eve’s existence sets the stage for all of history – yet I may still put my faith in Jesus Christ and be saved even if I reject their existence (thank goodness – or else Dr. Evans would be hell-bound). & Etc. Or maybe you hate that Christians sued Christians, though let it be said that Synod probably broke the law (or possibly did – shouldn’t we find out? The Courts will tell us). Let it also be said that Synod now is suing the Trustees via an appeal and two other motions.
We do disagree on many things. Disagreement is human and reconcilable, but breaking Christian fellowship over control of Erskine is horrifying.
Breaking fellowship is happening.
God will be lost in the splinters.
Temperance - I have been reading through your posts and this, for my money, is the most important of the lot! We all need to redouble our efforts to avoid "breaking fellowship." If we cannot avoid this, I fear for that fellowship, for the ARP Church and for Erskine College and its students, faculty, and staff. And God will indeed be lost amongst the rubble.......
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