Author: Administrator
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Calvin, Ecumenism And Justice
Both essays were given as addresses to the “International Consultation on the Impact of Calvin’s Social Thought in Reformed Witness.”
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A Brief Statement of Faith
In 1983 the two largest Presbyterian churches in the United States reunited. The “Plan for Reunion†called for the preparation of a brief statement of the Reformed faith for possible inclusion in The Book of Confessions. This statement is therefore not intended to stand alone, apart from the other confessions of our church. It does not…
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Introductory Guide To A Brief Statement of Faith
A guide written for the understanding of “A Brief Statement of Faith,” which was approved by the 202nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1990.
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A Church Of The Word And Sacrament
Since the reformation, “Word and Sacrament” have been identifying marks of the church. What happens to the church when sacraments are marginalized and word is relativized? This essay, originally presented as an address to an international reformed consultation, calls for a church in which Word and Sacrament are present in fullness.
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Social Witness In Generous Orthodoxy
George Hunsinger asserts that the polarity of “progressive politics and traditional faith” is not true to the gospel and not true to the church’s own tradition. More directly, Hunsinger demonstrates that the Presbyterian Church’s new “Study Catechism” embodies theology and social witness together in fidelity to the gospel. Social Witness in Generous Orthodoxy — Theology and…
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Growing Up Theologically
In Theology and Worship Occasional Paper No. 15, Leanne Van Dyk develops a lively metaphor for thinking theologically. Growing Up Theologically spins out the process of organic growth as an imaginative way of understanding ourselves as people who can and do reflect on Christian faith and life, and who can mature in our theological thinking.
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The Shape Of Pastoral Ministry
Occasional Paper #13 reprints two significant essays that are no longer readily available. “The Maceration of the Minister” by the late Lutheran theologian Joseph Sittler is an incisive, sympathetic analysis of the plight of ministers. “The Teaching Authority of the Minister in the Reformed Tradition: A Contemporary Proposal” by Richard R. Osmer, the Thomas W.…
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Committed Conversation
Three essays: “Church Fears”, “Body Language” and “A Grammar of Committed Conversation.” These offer an analysis of the current divisions in the church and an ecclesially faithful way to talk about these divisions.
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Bearing The Marks Of The Church
Who or what is the church? By what stars shall we navigate as we seek to be the church here and now? The three essays gathered in “Bearing the Marks of the Church” use Nicene marks of the church – one, holy, catholic, apostolic – as navigation points as we seek to be the church now…
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Rebuilding The Presbyterian Establishment
Have we structured our life together in a way that serves our best aspirations? Do the current institutional arrangements of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) help us flourish? Of the many things we carry with us from previous generations of Presbyterians, do they all continue to work well – or is it time for some of…
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Thinking Theologically About The Church
In this paper, Burgess explains what thinking theologically about the church looks like and what its sustaining 6 sources will be.
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Peace, Unity, and Purity?
From the Publisher’s Note: The Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church was created by the 213th General Assembly (2001) in a denominational context of polarization.… In the pages that follow, you are invited to engage this process of consideration via the ruminations of three leaders of the church. It is my hope that these…