PRESBYTERIAN FAITH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22260, 7 November 1935, Page 14

PRESBYTERIAN FAITH

STATEMENT OF BELIEFS \. DISCUSSION AT ASSEMBLY DIVERGENCE OF OPINION [IJV TELEGRAPH —I'RKSS ASSOCIATION] WELLING TON, Wednesday A report presented to tho General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church to-day by the committee which has been working for some time on a brief statement of tho Church's faith gavo rise to a spirited debate. The statement, which was presented by the Rev. Dr. J. Dickie on behalf of tho committee, is based to a large extent on ono adopted by tho Church of Scotland and was submitted to tho assembly for final acceptance. Various presbyteries have discussed ibe statement and, with the exception of tho Wanga'nui Presbytery, have pronounced favourably. Tho Rev. John Paterson, of Wanganni, opposing Dr. Dickie, said the suggested creed was a most dangerous ono, as emphasis in it was laid in tho wrong places. He also objected to the doctrine of sin in tho statement. Ho said the teaching of this creed on man's future destiny, if not dogmatic universalism, went as close to it as possible, and ignored entirely Jesus' warning as to the eternal danger inherent in our attitude' and conduct in this life. Tho Rev. Lloyd Wilkinson, of Wanganui, supported Mr. Paterson on tho ground that nothing would do except that Christ accomplished tho Act of Salvation by His death. "I speak as a plain man," said Mr. J. Sutherland, who recalled that as an elder he had accepted certain vows, one of which was that he expressed his belief that the Scriptures were tho Word of God. Ono of the Church's duties was to preserve the simple Scriptures. "On that point I condemn the brief statement of faith," he added. "The brief statement reduces to beggarly subjectiveness vital truth. The Rev. E. T. King, of Tailiape, aslcod what benefit was to be derived from altering the statement which had served the Church faithfully for so many years. He said it seemed like catering to the mind of the present age rather than considering the great fundamentals. Tho debate was not finished to-dav, prior business preventing its continuation.