Pactum Institute?

[J.L. Allen]

Folks,

I received a text from a concerned friend about the Pactum Institute. https://www.pactuminstitute.com/

The concern was in particular about this mission point on the website, "5. Christian Familialism and Ethnic Complementarianism as representing the organic and divinely ordained social order for mankind."

Additionally, this screenshot was shared with me:



Another concern came to this friend from others in a church nearby (an ARP) whose pastor is a contributor of the Institute. Apparently, Michael Spangler landed at this church, and it's ruffled a few feathers. Spangler is also a contributor to the Institute.

What's to be made of all of this?

I think there is much confusion due to Reformed orthodoxy held in many instances. However, some things then come out that present extremely serious issues. For instance, this friend did some digging and found stuff pertaining to individuals involved, belonging to a Facebook group for "white Calvinists." I can get screenshots to verify these things.

Moderators, please move to Coffee Shop, if necessary.

I have some theories, but I wanted to hear from folks here.

 

[Charles Johnson]

Folks,

I received a text from a concerned friend about the Pactum Institute. https://www.pactuminstitute.com/

The concern was in particular about this mission point on the website, "5. Christian Familialism and Ethnic Complementarianism as representing the organic and divinely ordained social order for mankind."

Additionally, this screenshot was shared with me:
View attachment 11412


Another concern came to this friend from others in a church nearby (an ARP) whose pastor is a contributor of the Institute. Apparently, Michael Spangler landed at this church, and it's ruffled a few feathers. Spangler is also a contributor to the Institute.

What's to be made of all of this?

I think there is much confusion due to Reformed orthodoxy held in many instances. However, some things then come out that present extremely serious issues. For instance, this friend did some digging and found stuff pertaining to individuals involved, belonging to a Facebook group for "white Calvinists." I can get screenshots to verify these things.

Moderators, please move to Coffee Shop, if necessary.

I have some theories, but I wanted to hear from folks here.

The tl;dr of Spangler's contributions there is that he thinks that according to Scripture and the light of nature, black people are universally less intelligent and more morally corrupt than white people. I did not realize that Michael Hunter (the ARP minister) is now collaborating.

I wrote a response to Spangler here.

 

[Ploutos]

What's to be made of all of this?

Mark and avoid.

 

[J.L. Allen]

I wrote a response to Spangler here.

Yes, I appreciated the article and even commented. I am very much discouraged by the race realism position.

 

[Charles Johnson]

Yes, I appreciated the article and even commented. I am very much discouraged by the race realism position.

Now that you say that, I remember your comment.

 

[Northern Crofter]

Folks,

I received a text from a concerned friend about the Pactum Institute. https://www.pactuminstitute.com/

The concern was in particular about this mission point on the website, "5. Christian Familialism and Ethnic Complementarianism as representing the organic and divinely ordained social order for mankind."

Additionally, this screenshot was shared with me:
View attachment 11412


Another concern came to this friend from others in a church nearby (an ARP) whose pastor is a contributor of the Institute. Apparently, Michael Spangler landed at this church, and it's ruffled a few feathers. Spangler is also a contributor to the Institute.

What's to be made of all of this?

I know nothing of this organization, but when this part of their "traditional Biblical Christianity" is summarized by a quote from the Book of Sirach, that should be enough to give pause. Looking at some of the contributors, I can see why this is a part of their public identity:

"Dr. Adi Schlebusch: Director...Born and raised in South Africa... member of the board of directors of both the Movement for Christian Nationalist Education as well as the Afrikaans Protestant Academy."

"Professor Mark R. Kreitzer: Research Fellow...The focus of his doctoral dissertations were: 1) The shift from apartheid social theology to World Council of Churches social theology in the South African Dutch Reformed Church (NGK) and its impact on missions and culture transformation in the Southern African context, and 2) Developing a biblical and covenantal theology of ethnicity and missions in light of all of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation [and apparently the Apocrypha!]...worked as director of communications for the Centre for Reformed and Contemporary Studies (CERCOS) in Pretoria, South Africa under the late Dr. Christiaan L. Jordaan. The Centre's aims at the time were very similar to Pactum's."

"Francois Van Deventer is a Computer Scientist and Business Ethicist from South Africa."

"Pieter van Deventer (B.Div) is a theological student at the Afrikaans Protestant Academy."

"Jacob Tyler: Technical Advisor/Marketing Consultant...who has also dabbled in journalistic work....(most notably doing man-on-the-ground reporting of "The Battle" of Charlottesville) been a co-host on the live AM radio show, Blood River Radio, and is also the head of U.S. Sales for Arktos. [Arktos is a self-described "publisher, think tank, and online journal that specializes in New Right and traditionalist ideas."]

I am far from believing that "white" South African = default racist. But this bunch...

Mark and avoid.

 

[Ploutos]

Spangler does not know how to rightly divide the scriptures; this has been pointed out to him. Honestly, I am as concerned about the apparent lack of teachability as I am about the bad theology. But, from what I have seen in reviewing the notes of his case, watching some of his preaching, and perusing this website - it's better to just avoid it all together. There is no actual niche or void that is being filled by the existence of this site.

 

[Andrew35]

Don't mean to make light of this, as it's quite serious, but it is worth pointing out that the arguments that people should marry only within their own race tend to have pretty broad representation globally. We have tended to look the other way at, for example, Korean Christians who flatly tell their daughters they can only marry other Koreans. It's no surprise as classic liberalism weakens in the West, people are revisiting a lot of other conclusions that are somewhat bound up with it, whether justifiably or no.

As a side note, it's an internet meme these days to "never ask an internet racist the color of his wife." Just wondering how many of these guys are hypocrites offline.

 

[Polanus1561]

The membership portion of their site. Hmm

 

[Charles Johnson]

Don't mean to make light of this, as it's quite serious, but it is worth pointing out that the arguments that people should marry only within their own race tend to have pretty broad representation globally. We have tended to look the other way at, for example, Korean Christians who flatly tell their daughters they can only marry other Koreans. It's no surprise as classic liberalism weakens in the West, people are revisiting a lot of other conclusions that are somewhat bound up with it, whether justifiably or no.

As a side note, it's an internet meme these days to "never ask an internet racist the color of his wife." Just wondering how many of these guys are hypocrites offline.

I'm not too concerned about folks' cultural preferences for themselves or their own children. To me that's a them-problem, not a me-problem.

I am concerned, however, about NAPARC ministers (and, in Spangler's case, former ministers) writing about how blacks, in their view, have the IQ of a mentally disabled child and a natural and immutable propensity to crime and vice, because it's enormously damaging to the cause of Christ and the reputation of our churches. Can we expect black men and women to sit under the preaching of someone who thinks so little of them and their capacity for godliness?

 

[arapahoepark]

I don't understand why there is an uptick in racism and Nazism.

 

[Andrew35]

I'm not too concerned about folks' cultural preferences for themselves or their own children. To me that's a them-problem, not a me-problem.

I am concerned, however, about NAPARC ministers (and, in Spangler's case, former ministers) writing about how blacks, in their view, have the IQ of a mentally disabled child and a natural and immutable propensity to crime and vice, because it's enormously damaging to the cause of Christ and the reputation of our churches. Can we expect black men and women to sit under the preaching of someone who thinks so little of them and their capacity for godliness?

Yeah, was referring to the initial post, not to those views. That's a different bucket of fish altogether.

 

[Afterthought]

Stay far away from this disgusting filth. Michael Spangler has turned into a minister of racism and spreader of heresy in the sense of Titus genealogizers/divisive error that will destroy any church that tolerates it. Michael Hunter defends Spangler. Spangler's articles on race twist and distort Scripture, science, and history ignorantly while calling on others to repent of their ignorance. The articles defend such views as segregation within a church worship service by race (because by the "light of nature" it is "natural" for families to sit together) and that black men do not have enough IQ to be ministers to white men.

This racism/kinism is rooted in pride and looking down on others while looking at self with rosy-eyes and will prevent anyone from ministering to a man of another race: How could you take your own pastor seriously if you know he secretly believes himself superior to you? How would it affect a member's sanctification to be told that the sin they are struggling with is because of their race?

I don't understand why there is an uptick in racism and Nazism.

It's in the world due to the rise of the alt right. It makes its way into the church.

 

[davejonescue]

I don't understand why there is an uptick in racism and Nazism.

I wouldnt necessarily put the blame on the Alt-Right. White-racism is only a part of it. There is an uptick in Black, Hispanic, and Native racism as well. One of the more prevalent forms of Black racism I am seeing is in the form of BHI (Black Hebrew Israelitism) which some may scoff at, but they most likely have over a million adherents if not more, and they harbor very racist views towards Whites. Latinos in America, specifically Mexicans, are starting to be more blatant on the "Plan Espiritual de Aztlán," which is a focused effort to infiltrate and "reclaim" the "Lost Provinces." And for Natives, well, anybody who scrolled Facebook on Columbus Day got their fill.

 

[Andrew35]

I wouldnt necessarily put the blame on the Alt-Right. White-racism is only a part of it. There is an uptick in Black, Hispanic, and Native racism as well. One of the more prevalent forms of Black racism I am seeing is in the form of BHI (Black Hebrew Israelitism) which some may scoff at, but they most likely have over a million adherents if not more, and they are very racist towards Whites. Latinos in America, specifically Mexicans, are starting to be more blatant on the "Plan Espiritual de Aztlán," which is a focused effort to infiltrate and "reclaim" the "Lost Provinces." And for Natives, well, anybody who scrolled Facebook on Columbus Day got their fill.

Right... we actually had something close to a public consensus around the value of a "colorblind" society, and then they had to go and tamper with the primordial, tribal landmines and deep hostilities with their "DEI," "micro-aggressions," and "every white person is secretly racist," and look where that's getting us.

I liked the colorblind world. Can we please go back?

 

[davejonescue]

Right... we actually had something close to a public consensus around the value of a "colorblind" society, and then they had to go and tamper with the primordial, tribal landmines and deep hostilities with their "DEI," "micro-aggressions," and "every white person is secretly racist," and look where that's getting us.

I liked the colorblind world. Can we please go back?

I agree. And I would think it good to bring to the discussion that Whites are by no means the only ones pushing for segregated spaces and societies. It also may be the fact that Whites are demonized for a mentality that is spoken of as empowerment of others, that contributes fuel to their fire.

Disclaimer, I do not hold to such views, but the hypocrisy of what groups such views are accepted by is as plain as day.

 

[arapahoepark]

It's in the world due to the rise of the alt right. It makes its way into the church.

Guess so. There is no nuance any more.

 

[MarrowMan]

I can't help but think these things are on the rise because of the fecklessness of American Evangelicalism. We are fat and happy.

 

[davejonescue]

Now to be honest, though I wouldnt push such segregation in Church settings, I would be a liar if I didnt admit in my personal life; if I were to get married, I would prefer to wed with a believing Romanian woman, even though I don't speak a lick of Romanian, and have never been to Romania. But that is my lineage, though I am a mutt, its where my last name comes from "Ionescu." I think there is something inherently beautiful about being aligned with a specific ethnic heritage that many of us mixed Americans will never really know. I dont know, maybe I am wrong for thinking this way, but if it did ever happen, it wouldn't be at the cost of dehumanizing other races as if a choice to try and generationally recoup an ethnic heritage was based on superiority rather than the pleasures of specificity.

 

[MarrowMan]

Now to be honest, though I wouldnt push such segregation in Church settings, I would be a liar if I didnt admit in my personal life; if I were to get married, I would prefer to wed with a believing Romanian woman, even though I don't speak a lick of Romanian, and have never been to Romania. But that is my lineage, though I am a mutt, its where my last name comes from "Ionescu." I think there is something inherently beautiful about being aligned with a specific ethnic heritage that many of us mixed Americans will never really know. I dont know, maybe I am wrong for thinking this way, but if it did ever happen, it wouldn't be at the cost of dehumanizing other races as if a choice to try and generationally recoup an ethnic heritage was based on superiority rather than the pleasures of specificity.

I notice you specify "believing". That alone should tell you ethnicity is not primary or most desirable.

 

[Andrew35]

Now to be honest, though I wouldnt push such segregation in Church settings, I would be a liar if I didnt admit in my personal life; if I were to get married, I would prefer to wed with a believing Romanian woman, even though I don't speak a lick of Romanian, and have never been to Romania. But that is my lineage, though I am a mutt, its where my last name comes from "Ionescu." I think there is something inherently beautiful about being aligned with a specific ethnic heritage that many of us mixed Americans will never really know. I dont know, maybe I am wrong for thinking this way, but if it did ever happen, it wouldn't be at the cost of dehumanizing other races as if a choice to try and generationally recoup an ethnic heritage was based on superiority rather than the pleasures of specificity.

Yeah, that's a preference, and I don't think there's anything more wrong with that than wanting a wife who can cook, or with blonde hair. Provided the preference doesn't lead you to make a rash decision (i.e., making a poor choice in wife b/c she ticks this box and not others), I think it's great. Part of who you are.

 

[davejonescue]

I notice you specify "believing". That alone should tell you ethnicity is not primary or most desirable.

I agree. But if I were to look for a bride, I would place myself in places and situations where it would be more likely. For instance, if I am not mistaken Austin,TX has a thriving Romanian community, as I am sure other parts of the US. And if all else fails I could move to Romania. Depends on how serious I was about it. Again, people can have preferences, but in no way would I try to preach my preferences as mandatory, or better. A believing wife will always reign supreme. This doesnt mean I cant search for a believing wife that is also Romanian. Abraham instructed his servant to only pick a bride for his son from his own people. Not saying that should now be the slogan, just saying it is hard to say that personally choosing to do so would be wrong.

 

[MarrowMan]

I agree. But if I were to look for a bride, I would place myself in places and situations where it would be more likely. For instance, if I am not mistaken Austin,TX has a thriving Romanian community, as I am sure other parts of the US. And if all else fails I could move to Romania. Depends on how serious I was about it. Again, people can have preferences, but in no way would I try to preach my preferences as mandatory, or better. A believing wife will always reign supreme. This doesnt mean I cant search for a believing wife that is also Romanian. Abraham instructed his servant to only pick a bride for his son from his own people. Not saying that should now be the slogan, just saying it is hard to say that personally choosing to do so would be wrong.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your preference is sinful. I'm not making a judgment here. Just pointing out ethnicity isn't a determining factor.

Incidentally, ethnicity is meaningless if viewed as DNA absent culture. You'd be better off pursuing someone who can communicate in your cultural terms.

 

[Andrew35]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying your preference is sinful. I'm not making a judgment here. Just pointing out ethnicity isn't a determining factor.

Incidentally, ethnicity is meaningless if viewed as DNA absent culture. You'd be better off pursuing someone who can communicate in your cultural terms.

I don't actually think that's true. At least not on the micro scale. I won't argue that DNA can't be practically incidental given the vast array of factors that can contribute to a person's qualities at the ethnicity/extended family level.

But I would argue with it on the micro level in the sense that there's pretty good data suggesting even aspects of your personality are genetically inherited from your parents. That suggests DNA matters a bit more than simply being "meaningless" if raised in another culture.

 

[MarrowMan]

I don't actually think that's true. At least not on the micro scale. I won't argue that DNA can't be practically incidental given the vast array of factors that can contribute to a person's qualities at the ethnicity/extended family level.

But I would argue with it on the micro level in the sense that there's pretty good data suggesting even aspects of your personality can be genetically inherited from your parents. That suggests DNA matters a bit more than simply being "meaningless" if raised in another culture.

It is true. Spiritual factors always supersede physical ones. Beyond that communicative factors do as well. A genetic "predisposition" is not superior to the ability to communicate culturally and linguistically.

ETA: Please note I didn't say DNA is immaterial. I said it is immaterial when considered in isolation.

 

[davejonescue]

It is true. Spiritual factors always supersede physical ones. Beyond that communicative factors do as well. A genetic "predisposition" is not superior to the ability to communicate culturally and linguistically.

I guess it is in my favor then English is the new Latin.

 

[MarrowMan]

I guess it is in my favor then English is the new Latin.

Note: CULTURALLY and linguistically. Cultural aphinity is a helpful thing. Cultures can be compatible for sure. But forcing something based upon abstract affinities is not wise.

ETA: I must again emphasize that I am not saying having that affinity is sinful. I'm saying don't be bound by it. There are more important factors.

 

[davejonescue]

Note: CULTURALLY and linguistically. Cultural aphinity is a helpful thing. Cultures can be compatible for sure. But forcing something based upon abstract affinities is not wise.

Yes, that is why if I were serious about looking for a bride, I would look into US populations of Romanians first.

"Romanian Americans are distributed throughout the U.S., with concentrations found in the Midwest, such as in the states of Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois; the Northeast, in New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware, as well as California (Los Angeles and Sacramento)."

 

[MarrowMan]

Yes, that is why if I were serious about looking for a bride, I would look into US populations of Romanians first.

"Romanian Americans are distributed throughout the U.S., with concentrations found in the Midwest, such as in the states of Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois; the Northeast, in New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware, as well as California (Los Angeles and Sacramento)."

I just don't see the relevance. You should be looking at spiritual qualifications first with an openness that doesn't exclude other ethnic backgrounds or prioritize a particular ethnic background. Again, it is isn't sinful to have the thought process. I just question its ranking in terms of importance. It is an unnecessary limitation.

 

[davejonescue]

I just don't see the relevance. You should be looking at spiritual qualifications first with an openness that doesn't exclude other ethnic backgrounds or prioritize a particular ethnic background. Again, it is isn't sinful to have the thought process. I just question its ranking in terms of importance. It is an unnecessary limitation.

I would be looking at spiritual qualifications, as supreme. But I would also be placing myself around Romanian women with those qualifications.