A minor

On Pastor Wilson and His "Short Credo on Heresy Charges"

Let me begin with a word about popularity. I am using the word in the broadest sense - that which people (Latin populi) know about - without any implications of liking or disliking. I think human popularity can be a powerful thing, and one which our Lord uses for His glory ("for Thine is the...power"). That said, I think Pastor Wilson is a great popularizer of the Reformed faith; of healthy Christian marriages, sex, and families; and of high church Puritanism. Of course, he is a quite a pundit, too, which is even more reason for his popularity.

Popularity aside, I know and love the man. He is my pastor, and I am grateful for his ministry. I have great respect for him and confidence in his leadership. However, I cannot see what good this new Credo is going to bring. My fear is that its tone will only harm the cause of recovering the objectivity of the covenant. There, I said it. For the record, I said it via email to Pastor Wilson first (yesterday), but I don't mind saying it in public, too, because the Credo is itself public.

I know both the prophets and Jesus used clever, barbed words against their enemies. However, their enemies were about to receive fire from heaven, and I don't think we're in a similar situation. I also don't think opponents of the objectivity of the covenant will have ears to hear our Credos, but we need to think about those who are still in the middle wavering back and forth while studying the issue.

Of course, I may just be a young ignoramus. I know I lack wisdom. Perhaps it's not for followers to question their leaders, but I'm inclined to think that only applies to small-minded followers (and leaders). The key is to bring questions with love and respect. As the writer to the Hebrews said, "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable."

Update (Wednesday, Jan 29): Pastor Wilson has posted a few new pieces here, including an amended "Short Credo on Heresy Charges."