This came out today on a blog I follow:
https://graceformyheart.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/why-do-they-protect-evil/
Some insightful tidbits:
First off, we see how legalism is wrapped up in the gospel - although the RP church would claim that we are all saved by grace and that our works have no merit, they fall into the trap of measuring people by their performance and alternatively praising those who measure up and condemn those who don't. Or, stated a different way, praise those who cover up and lie about their inadequacies and condemn those who are sincerely trying to conquer sin and grow.
Second, we see how much performance is wrapped up in the image of the church. That is why much of church discipline, especially discipline of pastors and elders, is hidden behind closed doors. The most legalistic of sessions are those who are continually pushing against the requirements for open meetings.
Third, we see how domineering and abusive ministers and members are lifted up in front of the people, rather than condemned. They are powerful vs. the weak victims, and exposing them would expose the church as no better than other "lesser" denominations.
https://graceformyheart.wordpress.com/2020/03/30/why-do-they-protect-evil/
Some insightful tidbits:
While these churches would be very careful to deny any hope of salvation by works, they still teach that our relationship with God depends on good performance. Good performance, by this teaching, can be measured and compared. Thus, some people are more spiritual than others, some are closer to God than others, and some are more assured of Heaven than others—even within the church.Please go and read it for yourself. There is much more wisdom there, but this is what I found especially applicable to the RPCNA system.
What’s the primary fear of those involved in the performance system? No, it’s not sin. It’s exposure. The greatest fear for many who consider themselves Christians is that others will find out the truth of their compromises. The draw toward sin is just part of the daily battle, but exposure of sin is shameful and humiliating. The risk of others learning the truth is the risk of weakness and failure. To be seen as weak is to become unworthy, even to be rejected. To be rejected is to lose honor, privilege, and power.
First, exposure of the individual’s sin is exposure of the system’s weakness. The truth is that performance spirituality, the attempt to find acceptance with God through the law or works, does not change the heart. The compromises of the flesh continue to reign in the hearts of those who follow the system. Sin is hidden, but not overcome.
So, when the abuser is found out, the failure of the system is exposed. If the sin of the abuser can be covered however, the failure of the system can also be covered.
But there is another part of the answer, one that reveals even more of the evil of the performance system. The flesh admires strength. Which person appears stronger, the victim or the abuser? A man who has abused women and has been able to cover his sin for a long time will be regarded as both strong and smart by those who look through the flesh. Victims, on the other hand, are considered weak and gullible by the flesh.
Now, I happen to think that restoration of pastors and church leaders who abuse is the wrong goal. Losing a ministry, being out of a job, suffering humiliation from others: these things are small losses under grace. We know that selling insurance or managing a fast food restaurant is not less spiritual than being a church leader. The right goal is repentance, subjection of the flesh, and walking with Jesus. If that means a person can no longer be in ministry, that’s okay.
First off, we see how legalism is wrapped up in the gospel - although the RP church would claim that we are all saved by grace and that our works have no merit, they fall into the trap of measuring people by their performance and alternatively praising those who measure up and condemn those who don't. Or, stated a different way, praise those who cover up and lie about their inadequacies and condemn those who are sincerely trying to conquer sin and grow.
Second, we see how much performance is wrapped up in the image of the church. That is why much of church discipline, especially discipline of pastors and elders, is hidden behind closed doors. The most legalistic of sessions are those who are continually pushing against the requirements for open meetings.
Third, we see how domineering and abusive ministers and members are lifted up in front of the people, rather than condemned. They are powerful vs. the weak victims, and exposing them would expose the church as no better than other "lesser" denominations.
5 comments:
I just found your blog. Our family is still dealing with the spiritual abuse we suffered in the RPCNA in the 90's. We finally left presbyterianism altogether, because it just lends itself to abuse/neglect of the sheep. Have you thought about podcasting?
I'm so sorry for the abuse you suffered. This is a place for RP victims to express their anger and frustration and hopefully begin the process of healing.
That said, I think that anonymity is a big part of the healing process for me at this point. I suspect that there would be some who would come here and question my story because they knew my family/church, and I'm not at a point of healing where I feel comfortable dealing with that.
Yes, I can see many reasons why anonymity is important. There are stories I could tell, some of which are even funny, but I fear the stories might identify my family. I am so grateful that you have created this blog, and I hope it helps you and others in healing. As we have moved on through other NAPARC denominations, and now even outside of that, we have continued to encounter church leaders who want to hold up some performance standard, who do not follow Biblical standards for leadership, and who are all talk, without keeping their word. But it seems that many still think that the plurality of elders is a real safeguard against problems of abusive leadership. I once believed that, too, until finally having to admit that they all just back up one another, unless it's a doctrinal issue where they can make a name for themselves. Yet, they want us to make vows to them.
Yes, this was abundantly clear in the Gentle Reformation posts about COVID-19. Each pastor had his own viewpoint. Many of the viewpoints were contradictory, yet the pastors refused to call out others for sin. Most clearly, one pastor said "Christians must hold their nerve at this time of 'Corona Crunch'. God's Church must be the very last place on earth, only as a very last resort, to lock up man's only hope, or have it's[sic] doors shut for fear of the Germs."
Even though other pastors said exactly the opposite - that care for the flock included not spreading disease through gatherings, and even the author himself changed his tune, there was no apology or repentance.
That is the essence of authoritarianism - pastors who can do no wrong who back up other pastors who can do no wrong. No saltiness, no challenge to righteousness, no iron sharpening iron. Then we sheep are supposed to accept these obvious contradictions as the gospel truth. Yes, gathering is mandatory and wise, and yet gathering is optional and foolish, and only God's elect and all-wise leaders can discern between these paradoxical truths!
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