Ne Oublie
Puritan Board Sophomore
Advice..
I believe that Scripture is the final authority. I also believe in what the 1st Chapter of the WCF states regarding scripture.
My question is who's interpretation of Scripture do I take as authority? My own? John Calvin's? My Pastor's?
I understand the principles of interpretation, as I do believe most people I know do as well.
I have many times struggled with this thought, especially when I do not agree with my own Pastor. As at some point, contention, even seemingly,
is hard to avoid.
I have encountered differing views in the following areas within the same presbytery.
Now,
Worship(EP, mixed, instruments) WCF used to back this up
Sacraments(zwinglian, cavlinist, mixed) WCF used to back this up
Bible version(KJV, or anything besides the paraphrases)
End times(Postmill and Amill) WCF used to back this up
Headship(headcoverings, voting) WCF used to back this up
The Law(Sabbath observance, Theonomy, etc) WCF used to back this up
Civil Government(Theonomic, theonomic, etc) WCF used to back this up
Elders(Ruling and Teaching, or just Teaching) WCF used to back this up
Elder Education(none, locally trained, Masters degree, etc) WCF used to back this up
to name of few..
So, churches in the same presbytery, all profusely defended their views with the bible and the WCF, all claiming authority.
I have my own views as well, which in some part also claims authority.
Some would say that these areas are or are not essential to agree on. So, more disagreement there.
So, again, how do I determine what is and what is not authority and how do I find comfort in my own confession which
seemingly seems to be so broad in its possible interpretations. Or am I thinking about this wrongly?
I believe that Scripture is the final authority. I also believe in what the 1st Chapter of the WCF states regarding scripture.
My question is who's interpretation of Scripture do I take as authority? My own? John Calvin's? My Pastor's?
I understand the principles of interpretation, as I do believe most people I know do as well.
I have many times struggled with this thought, especially when I do not agree with my own Pastor. As at some point, contention, even seemingly,
is hard to avoid.
I have encountered differing views in the following areas within the same presbytery.
Now,
Worship(EP, mixed, instruments) WCF used to back this up
Sacraments(zwinglian, cavlinist, mixed) WCF used to back this up
Bible version(KJV, or anything besides the paraphrases)
End times(Postmill and Amill) WCF used to back this up
Headship(headcoverings, voting) WCF used to back this up
The Law(Sabbath observance, Theonomy, etc) WCF used to back this up
Civil Government(Theonomic, theonomic, etc) WCF used to back this up
Elders(Ruling and Teaching, or just Teaching) WCF used to back this up
Elder Education(none, locally trained, Masters degree, etc) WCF used to back this up
to name of few..
So, churches in the same presbytery, all profusely defended their views with the bible and the WCF, all claiming authority.
I have my own views as well, which in some part also claims authority.
Some would say that these areas are or are not essential to agree on. So, more disagreement there.
So, again, how do I determine what is and what is not authority and how do I find comfort in my own confession which
seemingly seems to be so broad in its possible interpretations. Or am I thinking about this wrongly?