Northern Crofter
Puritan Board Sophomore
You say that it is enough that it is accepted by "an established church" but it is unclear why a church with which my denomination potentially has no relationship (not even the same language!) has the power to determine what Bible our churches use, but our churches themselves do not. This is fundamentally unPresbyterian. I agree and that was not my meaning - I did not state anything other than my belief that the WCF holds that an established church has authority to accept a text for the part of the Body under its government.
Moreover, the conditions you have laid down whereby other churches might get a "proper" Bible are unfulfillable in the modern world. Perhaps they might become plausible again in some Presbyterian millennium (though it is worth noting how few countries have fulfilled the conditions and for how short a time down through history - in England, it was less than one generation), but in the meantime, people need a Bible. What should those churches do? They can use whatever they like. I don't believe I used the word "proper" - my point was that I believe only a Church court can adopt a text/version/translation. The WCF seems to allow synod and councils such authority.
Why does the wisdom of 17th century English bishops and Scottish presbyters trump the legitimate pastoral oversight of the shepherds of their local flock gathered together as a Presbyery? I have never argued that a lawful Church court cannot change/update their decision. My main point was to state that individuals and denominations have no authority receive a text. I would concede that a Presbytery should be able to do so, but the WCF specifically mentions only synods and councils. I believe much of Rutherford's argumentation in Due Right would support the former, especially if applied to the modern situation of a lack of established churches.
Last edited: