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AI Summary of above:
The text is an open letter to Leo Peters and others concerned about theological changes within the Christian Reformed Church (CRC), specifically regarding the acceptance of theistic evolution and the interpretation of Genesis 1-11. The author argues that such changes are harmful heresies that have gained a strong hold on the church, criticizes the inaction of church leaders and institutions like Calvin College, and suggests that the only solution for true believers might be to leave the CRC to form or join more orthodox congregations.
- The author criticizes the CRC's stance on evolution and biblical authority, calling it a "heresy" that will harm the church.
- The letter targets a specific 1972 report ("Report #44") as the source of the church's deviation from historic reformed faith.
- The author dismisses the idea that signatures or protests will change the CRC's direction, suggesting that the problem lies deep within the church's culture of tolerating unbelief.
- The text advocates for reorganization into "Orthodox Christian Reformed churches" for those who cannot remain in good conscience within the current CRC.
AI TRANSCRIPT of above:
ADDRESS TO LEO PETERS AND ALL INTERESTED
Evolution, whether it is called creationistic or theistic evolution, will do more harm to the church than humanistic, and pseudo-christianity, including the hem to live as accountable beings with divine accountability and cultivat ing christian ethics, economic, social, and political acceptance.
Leo Peters says, The youth they live with its social, political, and cultural acceptance. It is clear that the evolutionary professors at Calvin College and Seminary do not care what Leo Peters collectively or individually thinks. Reportedly, one hundred and seventy- five Calvin College professors support the academic freedom position as such Calvin's Board of Trustees unanimously approves such teaching. Peters is little more than an annoyance. His consistory not done
Mr. Peters is too late in sounding the trumpet against decisions and actions in the CRC. Did the enemy dwell in the church through the works of others? Previous to the publication of The Fourth Day, by Prof. Howard VanTil, the teaching that Gen. 1-11 is fallacious may have been subtle and therefore more insidious, but no less devastating to the Church of Christ. The teaching of evolution has not been one of Calvin's best kept secrets. The "disturbed", along with Peters, should have understood that this non-Scriptural teaching is in harmony with the CRC's adopted dual position on The Nature and Extent of Biblical Authority, Report #44, 1972. When Peters says, "It's Official! CRC says 1st Chapter of Bible is False!", he neglects to say anywhere that the first and most basic heresy is Report 44.
We surmise the clergy and most church members have never read Report 44. Some begin and give up; others are hopelessly confused. For obvious reasons no one, not even its authors, give an understandable elucidation. We defy any person to read and attempt to explain Report 44 in terms of the historic reformed faith. If it is not consciously demonic, it is both devious and destructive to the Christian faith. Report 44 is in harmony with the present stands of the CRC on many issues, including evolution. The protest in the CRC is long overdue.
Mr. Peters fantasizes when he imagines that 100,000 signatures sent to Synod will change the direction of Calvin's heresy. VanTil and others are not the problem. Heresy, apostasy, and indifference have gained a grip upon the bosom of the church, making unbelief permissible and tolerable. Only a few penetrating voices actually call the recent action in the church heresy, indications are that VanTil is among the most sought after speakers in the CRC and Christian Schools - not Mr. Peters. However, it is important for church members to recognize that believers are identified by what they tolerate as well as by what they express.
Let us suppose that 100,000, or even 200,000 signatures beside overtures and/or protests flood Synod and the decision re: evolution and Gen. 1-11 is proclaimed, or which is more likely, it takes a semanticaly accomodating position regarding the evolutionists. Either decision would be a hollow victory, since faith issues cannot be settled by majority vote. Issues of faith are believed, not determined by political 500 each emblem.
Perhaps conservatives concern
WHY NOT CONCERNED REORGANIZATION?
Beginning in 1920, families concerned for the future of the church withdrew their membership from the CRC and organized as we become known as the Federation of Orthodox CRC. They asked nothing from their mother church, yet they received scorn, principally from the conservatives. Their action was called schismatic. Generally the liberals understood that these truly concerned members could no longer in good conscience remain and they were happy to be rid of them, but the conservatives refused to be humiliated by acknowledging that the deepening apostasy was intolerable.
The Orthodox Christian Reformed churches see the activity of the OCMCRC as representing the same of schismatic activity. This organization may serve to save consciences, but little else. In days when the church was spiritually healthy, such persons would be subjects of church discipline. Why, we ask, would a highly paid representative go through the CRC churches and do what every honest preacher is called to do in his own pulpit? Pastors are called to be prophets who place men before a holy God. Simply soothing and making the pew comfortable sounds more like Chenaanah than Micaiah! Every real conservative knows that the final test of our work is not whether we care about each other, but whether we speak the truth. We dare not withhold anything from God's people, or cover anything up, and we must present God's remedy.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM
We list four reasons which render the concerned insensitive to the malignancy in the church: pride, neutrality to call heresy heresy, and bread prophesying and worship of the institution.
Pride: It makes one feel important to preach to a large audience each Sunday, even though some are comfortable, some are asleep, some are complaining about conditions in the church, and some are wondering what to do.
Failure to call heresy heresy: Pastors hide behind their pulpits instead of identifying the conditions and heresy in the church where required. This means taking a responsible stand and a commitment to doing something.
ADDRESS TO LEO PETERS AND ALL INTERESTED
We understand that leaving involves problems. Let us put out energies to walking together in the dawn of measurable over shouting and trying to convince people that this is not merely an option, it is your God given duty in the face of raging apostasy. This applies not only to CRC members but to every conservative in any apostatizing congregation.
Lest anyone misconstrue our intent, we conclude by saying that we acknowledge, has anything been more difficult for us than to leave our apostatizing, spiritual mother and make this testimony.
If you do not see Grand Valley Orthodox CRC as an option when you feel inclined to ignore the responsibility to leave, let us be of assistance to any who in obedience to Christ, are seeking a bible believing, God fearing congregation, and to those who would like to have assistance in forming such a congregation.
To all who feel inclined to ignore the responsibility to leave, consider Christ's words in Matthew 5, following, Mark 9:42, and Luke 17:2.
These words spoken by Martin Luther must be believed again;
"I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point." [
The Consistory
Grand Valley Orthodox CRC
0-11225 8th Ave. (corner of 8th & Lake Michigan Dr.)
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sunday Worship Services 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
John J. Byker
Egbert Mechels
Gerald Van Manen
Mark DeJong
P.S. The Federation of Orthodox Christian Reformed Churches has produced a "Declaration of Separation" and a copy may be obtained by writing the address above.
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