Clerical Infidelity

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 24, 1913

Clerical Infidelity

CANDIDATES for the ministry in some presbyteries of the country continue to be troubled with doubts regarding the authenticity of the Scriptures of Truth and the real deity of Christ. This was indicated in a recent meeting of the New York presbytery, in which the question of ordaining several candidates was being considered. In their examination before the open meeting they admitted that "they desired more evidence before they could form a definite opinion on these four points; namely, the virgin birth of Christ, the authenticity of the Pentateuch, the canonical standing of the Gospel According to St. John, and the resurrection."

Speaking of this the Tri-States Union, published at Port Jervis, N. Y., in its issue of April 24, says:—

"While the attitude of these candidates receives the approval of the liberal element in the Presbyterian Church, among orthodox Presbyterians the bold stand taken by these four men has created, if not alarm, at least a certain feeling of uneasiness."

In defense of the primitive views of the Presbyterian Church on these questions, the Union quotes this excellent statement from William S. Bennet, as published in the New York Sun:—

"There ought not to be in the mind of any one seeking to enter the Christian ministry through Presbyterian ordination doubt on the question of the virgin birth of Christ, the authenticity of the Pentateuch, the Gospel According to St. John, or on the actual resurrection of Christ."

"First, unless Christ was born of a virgin the whole Gospel of Matthew is founded on a lie. Chap. 1:18, 19."

"Second, Christ himself adopted the Old Testament, including the Pentateuch, and announced himself as the fulfilment of the law. Matt. 5:17."

"Third, unless Christ died, was buried, rose again from the dead, and ascended to heaven there is no Christian religion, and Christ was simply a good man who taught a beautiful code of ethics. A man who believes that and nothing more may be a very good man, but he has no place in a pulpit which preaches a risen Christ."

"Fourth, the authenticity of the Gospel of St. John stands in this relation to a candidate for the ministry: It is the accepted canon of the church. If a candidate does not accept it as a part of the inspired word of God, then he does not comply with one of the conditions requisite to admission to the ministry."

In conclusion Mr. Bennet well inquires: "Why should a young man who does not accept the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church endeavor to obtain Presbyterian ordination?"