STATEMENT OF FAITH

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 November 1935, Page 7

STATEMENT OF FAITH

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OPPOSITION TO NEW CREED VEHEMENT DEBATE ARISES.

(Bv Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, Nov. 6

A report to the- general assembly of the Presbyterian Church to-day by the committee which has been working for some time on a brief, statement of the elnueh’a faith gave rise to a debate of some vehemence. The statement, which was presented by the Rev. Principle J. Dickie, D.D.. on behalf of the committee, is based to a large extent on tjie statement adopted by the Church of Scotland and was submitted to tbe assembly for final acceptance. Various presbyteries have discussed the statement.* and with the exceptio nof Wanganui have pronounced favourably. Tho Rev. John Paterson, Wanganui, opposing Dr. Dickie, said the suggested creed was a most dangerous one. Tho emphasis in it was laid in the wrong places. He also objected to the doctrine of sin in the statement. Tljo teaching of this statement on man’s future destiny, if not dogmatic universal ism, went as close to it as was possible and ignored entirely Jesus’ warning as to the eternal danger inherent in man’s attitude and conduct in this life.

The Rev. Lloyd Wilkinson, Wanganui, supported *Mr Paterson on the ground that nothing would do except that Christ accomplished the act of salvation, by his death.

“J speak as a plain man, said 51 r J. Sutherland, who recalled that, as an elder lie had accepted certain vows, one of which was that he expressed his belief that the Scriptures were the word of God. Onei of their duties was to preserve the simple Scriptures. “On that point I condemn that brief statement of faith.” lie added. “The brief statement reduces to beggarly subjectiveness a vital truth.” The Rev. E. T. King, Taihapc, asked what benefit was to be derived from altering the statement that had served the Church faithfully for so many years. It seemed like catering to the mind of the present age rather than considering great fundamentals. The debate was not finished to-dav, prior business preventing its continuation.