Theoretical
Puritan Board Professor
This thread is not to discuss the merits or demerits of particular theological positions, but to evaluate them coexisting in a church setting.
This question basically goes to the difference between the stated confession of churches and the actual ones in practice in denominations allowing for exceptions.
For example, many Presbyterian officers take loose positions or complete exceptions to the WCF's version of the Sabbath. Using this as an example, is a member of a church where all of the officers take substantial Sabbath exceptions schismatic when he holds to and encourages fellow members of the church to embrace the Sabbath (or tighter RPW standards, or no holidays, etc...)? Assume this church is the "best/closest" in the area for his doctrinal convictions.
PCA: 5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline
of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?
OPC: 4. Do you agree to submit in the Lord to the government of this church and, in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life, to heed its discipline?
When a member makes this vow (or similar ones depending on the denomination) are they vowing to submit themselves to the de jure confession of the denomination or should it properly be seen as submitting to the de facto confession of their congregation?
This question basically goes to the difference between the stated confession of churches and the actual ones in practice in denominations allowing for exceptions.
For example, many Presbyterian officers take loose positions or complete exceptions to the WCF's version of the Sabbath. Using this as an example, is a member of a church where all of the officers take substantial Sabbath exceptions schismatic when he holds to and encourages fellow members of the church to embrace the Sabbath (or tighter RPW standards, or no holidays, etc...)? Assume this church is the "best/closest" in the area for his doctrinal convictions.
PCA: 5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline
of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?
OPC: 4. Do you agree to submit in the Lord to the government of this church and, in case you should be found delinquent in doctrine or life, to heed its discipline?
When a member makes this vow (or similar ones depending on the denomination) are they vowing to submit themselves to the de jure confession of the denomination or should it properly be seen as submitting to the de facto confession of their congregation?