Is the renewal of the mainline Churches a pipe-dream or a possibility?

A discussion starter from Dr Peter Toon, January 23, 2006

It is beyond dispute that the mainline denominations (Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, ELCA Lutheran, United Church of Christ etc.) of the USA have moved a long way from their original confessional and devotional roots. They have been deeply affected by the Enlightenment, modernism and post-modernism and other social & cultural realities. No-one of a reasonable mind doubts this.

Can they, can any single one of them, be so reformed and renewed in 2006 or 2007 or anytime that the changed worship, doctrine and discipline reflect the biblical roots of their origins and their unique witness in the past?

This question is answered in the affirmative by a few theologically conservative people involved all these denominations. These include members of the American Anglican Council and the Anglican Communion Network in the Episcopal Church who speak optimistically of what can happen at the General Convention of ECUSA in June 06.

This very small minority take this position even though the evidence of history seems to be pretty clear that the American way of renewal is to move out of the “apostate” denomination and create a new one in which the original principles and ideals can be recovered and maintained.

Happily this minority has a spokesman, and a distinguished and able one at that. He is the Methodist retired professor from Drew University, Thomas Oden, and he speaks (writes) clearly of this in his book, published January 2006 -- TURNING AROUND THE MAINLINE: how renewal movements are changing the Church (Baker Books).

For those Episcopalians who are going to the General Convention thinking and praying that they will see the beginnings of a U-turn by the ultra-progressive Episcopal Church, this book is required reading --- so that they know has happened in the past in the mainline concerning “renewal” and what (humanly speaking) the possibilities for the ECUSA are and what the odds against also are! This book should also help prepare them to recognize the difference between a real U-turn of repentance and a faked U-turn which is merely a political apology (which the ECUSA leadership is trained in).

I wish them profitable reading and valuable meditation thereon, leading to informed petition and intercession, not to mention confession of sins on behalf of what ECUSA has done and continues to do.

The Rev'd Dr. Peter Toon MA., D.Phil (Oxford) petertoon@msn.com