Creation as a Roadblock to PCA

[jinc1019]

I have been investigating Christian denominations for about two years now in a very in-depth way and I have found that theologically, I have much in common with many denominations, but I have found that as of right now, the denominations which I have most in common with is a moderate-conservative brand of Lutheranism (possibly the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod), moderate-conservative Presbyterianism (likely the PCA is the best bet), and possibly Eastern Orthodoxy (although I have some real issues with the authority structure of the church there).

I know all three of those churches are theologically very different and I admit I am still in the middle stages of considering all of their arguments on all of the major issues, but ultimately, I don't think any church has it perfectly right!

Now to the question: For me, one of the biggest roadblocks to joining the PCA is unconditional election (I am not interested in talking about it here) and the idea that creation in Genesis is a literally true story and that it occurred in 6 24-hour days. So my question is, given that my beliefs on creation don't exactly fit in perfectly with the PCA position, will this prevent (or should it) me from becoming a member of the PCA?

 

[SoldierOfTheKing]

Probably not. I'm sure if they would ordain you, but simple membership shouldn't be an issue.

 

[jinc1019]

Probably not. I'm sure if they would ordain you, but simple membership shouldn't be an issue.

I appreciate the response...Any other opinions on this from others?

 

[hedrick]

I'd rather have a PCA member answer this, but according to various web pages they decided that earth was created in 7 days, but that they would not define how to understand day. Here's one summary:

The Presbyterian Church of [in] America on Genesis 1-3

 

[jinc1019]

I'd rather have a PCA member answer this, but according to various web pages they decided that earth was created in 7 days, but that they would not define how to understand day. Here's one summary:

The Presbyterian Church of [in] America on Genesis 1-3

I did read this and was rather confused by it. I agree with your interpretation of what it says, but I am not sure that our interpretations are correct!

 

[oworm]

None of the issues you mention would be an issue for membership in a PCA church. Ordination to office is another matter. I speak as an office bearer in the PCA

 

[jinc1019]

None of the issues you mention would be an issue for membership in a PCA church. Ordination to office is another matter. I speak as an office bearer in the PCA

Thank you for the affirmation of the previous statements...After further study though, I do not believe the PCA is the right choice. There are several reasons for this, but one of the most important is that my view of the sacraments is more in line with conservative Lutheran/Catholic/High Anglican.

However, I do appreciate the help offered by all the posters in the Presbyterian section of Christian Forums. You have all been very helpful!

 

[DocNH]

On the doctrine of creation PCA pastors and members are all over the place. As far as pastors, Tim Keller who has a rather large church subscribes to evolutionary creation - Home | BioLogos. Bruce Waltke who use to teach at Reformed Theological Seminary and is now at Knox and Mark Futato (RTS) both subscribe to the frame-work theory, etc.

Others such as myself are more literal in our interpretations .... 6/24.

 

[General Mung Beans]

BTW isn't the Missouri Synod also YEC in doctrine?

 

[jinc1019]

On the doctrine of creation PCA pastors and members are all over the place. As far as pastors, Tim Keller who has a rather large church subscribes to evolutionary creation - Home | BioLogos. Bruce Waltke who use to teach at Reformed Theological Seminary and is now at Knox and Mark Futato (RTS) both subscribe to the frame-work theory, etc.

Others such as myself are more literal in our interpretations .... 6/24.

Thank you for posting. Yes, there does appear to be a rather large divide on the "ground level" in regards to how Creation occurred. All very interesting.

 

[jinc1019]

BTW isn't the Missouri Synod also YEC in doctrine?

Officially, and I have done some research on this, they have no position on the age of the earth at all. However, they also officially require all their schools, teachers, officials, pastors, etc. to teach the literal view of 6 days of creation. They say that while it is possible that the scriptures could be taken figuratively on this issue, there is no reason to interpret them that way based on what they see in scripture. They make a pretty compelling case in one of the documents on their website for interpreting 6 days of creation as 6 24-hour days if one only uses the Bible for interpretation. Whether we should only be using the Bible in order to interpret the Bible is a completely different issue.

 

[bach90]

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[jinc1019]

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I think you may have posted a blank reply accidently.