Come Down, Lord!

  I have chosen the words for the title of this article carefully and deliberately.  We are facing a crisis, and I fear it is worse than we realize.  I have written before explaining my reasons for refusing the mask.  I have also publicly expressed concern over the decision in some churches to mandate masks.  I believe in doing so those churches are placing a stumbling block in the way of God’s people and legislating where they have no right to legislate.   But I have a growing concern in another direction .  It isn’t with those mandating the mask, but with those on both sides of this issue who have allowed this matter to trump most everything else.  These are people who ordinarily say very little (if anything) about their Saviour on social media, b ut they have plenty to say about masks (for or against).   They have never had the courage to tell the cashier about the gospel, but they can look that same worker in the eye and boldly refuse th...

I have been hearing some strange things about my position and the position of Faith Presbyterian Church with regard to masks, social distancing and civil obedience/disobedience. I hope here to set some of the record straight.   1. First the opinions expressed here on this blog are my own and not necessarily those of my Session. 2. Second, we do, indeed, allow people to wear masks when they gather for worship.  In fact, the position of our elders has been quite straightforward.  Rather than imposing on the consciences of God's people, we have decided to allow each one to do as their conscience dictates.  Some choose not to wear masks and they are not barred from worship for that decision.  Others choose to wear them and they are not barred from worship either.  Many churches are divided over this subject.  I believe our Session's approach has served the unity of the church because where others have mandated we haven't.  We understand some...

Not very long ago we were told by Christian leaders that it would be wrong to gather for worship even while wearing masks because the civil authorities had forbidden us from gathering in groups of more than 5.  It was - we were told - a matter of Christian obedience pure and simple.  Since then we have seen some interesting (and worrying) developments.   The government has allowed us to gather in larger groups and many (though certainly not most) churches have begun to do so.  However, the authorities have told us that while we may gather we may not sing, and more recently they have told us we must wear masks.   So, how have churches responded to these developments?  Many churches have decided to play it safe.  I will call them ‘group A’.  Worried about the virus they have decided to resume worship in the fall or even later.  Eventually they will begin meeting again, but they are in no rush to do so.  They have told their congregations ...