The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Should be obviously wrong, right?

Newman,

I realize that I'm taking this thread and I apologize to the OP.

I wanted to make a further comment on your statement above in regard to your "friend and super guy' who you state is "Dutch Reformed". It would probably be prudent on my part to first ask what Dutch Reformed denomination your friend is associated with. But, I'll dispense with prudence and go out on a limb here and presume that he is a member of perhaps the CRC (Christian Reformed Church). But, even if he isn't what I'm about to say is still relevant. The majority of Dutch Reformed denominations/churches have long since abandoned their roots, either confessionally or practically. For example, the CRC cut their moorings significantly in the mid '70s, particularly when Synod passed "Report 44", which had to do with the nature, inspiration and authority of Scripture. Most of the CRC now espouses semi-Pelagianism at best and some have embraced Neo-Orthodoxy. So, it shouldn't come as any surprise that your friend offered that illustration to which I take a strong objection.

The modern Protestant "church" is in a sad state of affairs. The situation hasn't been this grim since the 1800s when all manner of heresy took over the Church, e.g., Dispensationalism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, Christian Science, Finneyism, classic Liberalism and a host of other abberations. Modernism has all but taken over in recent years and the fundamental doctrines of the faith which the official Confessions set forth have been practically abandoned. Biblical worship has been cast aside for a man-made idolatry. And biblical illiteracy flourishes. The RCC has not been negatively effected either. I remember back in the 70s, Thomas Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI was teaching Barthianism; Hans Küng was lauded as one of the greatest theologians to come along since Thomas Aquinas. The Charismatic movement made significant inroads into the RCC as well during this time.

Let me finish by pointing out that there are few today who still adhere to confessional Calvinism either doctrinally and/or practice. By God's grace, The Highway has been spared from departing from the "faith once delivered unto the saints". Yet, over the past few years a noticeable apathy has crept in here to among the members. Very few are either willing or able to articulate or defend the faith. I am sure there are myriad reasons for this apathy, but it still exists nonetheless. Despite the fact that what The Highway stands for is among a very, very small minority of Internet sites whose purpose is to maintain traditional, historic Calvinism, there is less than a handful who are interested in supporting it to keep it online as a witness, despite the fact that the website and this board get over 1,000,000 hits per month. Consequently, The Highway is dying a slow but certain death and will eventually have to be abandoned. But despite the abysmal situation the Church is in I can take great comfort in knowing that Christ is the Head of His Church and thus it shall never perish, though it's size be ever so small.

Okay....