I LOVE our church because I love the people. We have not been there long. Almost everyone homeschools. No one public schools and a couple of families use a private school that is university model, meaning they go 2-3 days a week and work from home the other days. My dh told me that his main issue with becoming a member is actually doctrinal. It is Presbytarian. He has explained to me what Calvin taught, things like the elect where only a chosen few, pre-chosen, go to heaven. We are not sure if the church keeps to those teachings or if it is something the church was founded on but moved away from. I do not see anything about "the Elect" on their website. I am confused! But they do keep referring to John Calvin in services. It is not the USA branch of the Presbytarian Church. I have read their beliefs on their website and it fits with my beliefs and there is no mention of a chosen few. Can anyone help? BTW, please don't take this question as a chance to debate who is right, I just am trying to figure out what is taught currently as it is hard to grasp it even though we have attended for months.
I go to a church that "majors on the majors and minors on the minors". Predestination versus free-will falls into the minors category. There are very good arguments on both side, but really, who cares? It's the ideas of theologians. It doesn't change the basics of the faith nor erase any of the commandments given.
Any particular reason you haven't just asked the pastor? A lot of churches offer a "membership class" to go over those sorts of doctrinal beliefs. That might be an easy way to bring up those sorts of questions, just by asking about a membership class. Maybe even just saying that you've heard him mention John Calvin and are a little unclear as to what he taught and how many of those teachings the church aligns themselves with. (Even if a little untrue, you'll get the pastor's take on the Calvin theories, plus whether or not he's on the bus.) I'm pretty sure that Presbyterian is one denomination where each church's specific doctrinal followings vary. This might be (but don't quote me on it) one of the churches that allows homosexuals to be clergy; that might be the specification you made about branches in your post, but I'm not sure. Presbyterian is just one denomination I don't know a lot about! Sorry, but maybe you can ask at the church. Probably your best bet anyway.
I'm in agreement with DaLynn and Jackie. The ONLY sure way of knowing what teachings your church embraces is to ask the Pastor. I wouldn't even go to another member, because sometimes they're not even sure what doctrines is supported by the Church. I would definitely make an arrangement to speak with the Pastor.
Membership classes are at the end of the month. I am embarrassed to ask these questions, but I think I will try to attend the membership class. I was not going to go because dh does not want to, but I will try to go anyway. Thanks!
I found when I went through the classes for the Catholic church before I decided to join - that's EXACTLY what those classes are for. After 1 or 2 classes no one was really nervous about questioning things and then we were ALWAYS answered with honesty and reasoning back-up. I would come home and share with my husband (who was raised Catholic but never learned 1/2 this stuff).....and it sparked some GREAT discussions!! Go to the classes - and ask your questions If you find you can't ask them openly - maybe write it down and drop it off for your Pastor to answer in class. (They did that with my kids class which really helped them "open" up to ask hard questions)
There is no reason to be embarrassed, momofafew! You should not be made to feel uncomfortable for asking what the exact beliefs are. Here is a link to Five Point Calvinism. I believe that the Presbyterian church was founded on Calvinism, but like other denominations, there are divisions that have differences. My grandomther is presbyterian, but I really don't know the specifics of the denomination. The membership class should teach you the basics of the church, too.
Yeah, me too...I am only familiar with it because when I was in college at a Christian University, a calvinism movement was very much alive on the campus (though the denomination did not support his views in their entirety). I remember sitting in a church ministry class and hearing one of the guys in the group state that he was a disciple of Prof. WP, who led the group of students. That was a huge waving red flag for me, so I did some research back then.
Yes, me too, because I think that human beings exercise their free choice when they receive salvation by God's grace.
It is always good to know the doctrines of your church. However that being said a majority of presbyterian claim Calvin but don't believe all of his beliefs, just as most Lutherans today do not hold to the doctrines of Luther. Calvin and Luther do not differ in most of their teachings. I am a Calvinist so if you have any doctrinal questions feel free to PM me By saying I am Calvinist I am saying I reformed and hold to the doctrines of the the reformation and the founders movement
9For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 In him we were also chosen,[a] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, Ephesians 1:11
I agree with the others about talking to the Pastor. that's his job. afterwards I would really spend alot of time in scripture and pray for discernment and let God lead you to where you should be. I personally have some problems with Calvinist teaching and I don't know if the fellowship with other hsers would be worth it.
