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Slippery Slope
After receiving the July-August 2024 Banner, I read its content until I got to page 16 (“Resounding Words”). Then I quit, not wanting to read once more how Synod 2024 threw away Reformed principles. Then I received the September issue and read your editorial “Slippery Slope?”. It restored my hope that the Christian Reformed Church can yet be rescued and that I can read the whole Banner again.
Frederick Wind // Whitby, Ont.
You speak about a slippery slope away from grace, but I would argue your approach leads to a slippery slope away from holiness/truth. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything” (Matt. 5:13). The synod decision does not close the doors of the church to those who believe or act differently; it requires members and preachers to agree on what is biblical. All are welcome, as they should be, but not everyone can be a member. If the church allows broad versions of belief to be sufficient as a faith statement in members and preachers for fear of lack of grace, it will lose the definition that makes it Christian. Grace does not allow us to call evil good. It demands that we love and forgive, and then teach what is biblical truth (consider 1 Cor. 13, especially v. 6).
Tara Vreugdenhil // Hannon, Ont.
Thank you for this editorial in which you remind us that the basis of our salvation is not correct behavior or correct beliefs, but God’s love shown through Jesus’ sacrifice alone. Secondary and tertiary beliefs should never become the basis for the “un-fellowshipping” of individuals or congregations. What are the primary beliefs? Those are contained in our creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed. I fear the CRC has taken a huge turn, one I see as following the divide in our (U.S.) political arena, one that tries to separate us from each other by demonizing those who do not adhere to the strict “black and white” on issues. Why is it so hard for Christ followers to show grace? Please continue to shine a light and provoke us to think differently.
Joanne de Bruyn // Raleigh, N.C.
Banner editor Shiao Chong suggests that, though well-intentioned, synod’s zeal to discipline members who behave differently or believe differently might inadvertently suggest that God’s favor is conditional on acting correctly and believing correctly. This year’s synod reiterated its position that Scripture unequivocally says same-sex sexual relationships are sinful. Yet Chong fears that the CRC’s position is “slipping into drawing boundaries for God’s love rather than gratefully exploring the depths of God’s love.” Believers are to stand on the inerrant word of God, saying in Romans 16:17, “ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” This is reiterated in 2 John 1:10.
Joe A. Serge // Oshawa, Ont.
A Stagnant Church
I usually read my copy of The Banner from back to front. As I made my way through the July/August 2024 issue, I became increasingly sad and almost despairing. The harshness and suddenness of the synod decisions made me grieve for the denomination and for all the people affected on all sides of these issues. Fortunately, I had unknowingly saved the best for the last. The article “A Stagnant Church” was a needed call to reconciliation and was only exceeded by the hope and promise offered in your editorial. I know that this editorial was not crafted quickly or easily. Thank you for your call to faith and kindness for all of us.
Lorri Vander Roest // Ann Arbor, Mich.
Aliens and Earth
I am writing concerning your Q&A about whether aliens are real (“Big Questions,” October 2024). I would like to think that they are real because I can’t believe that God would put life on only one planet and not on others. What I am more concerned about is that we humans are doing everything in our power to destroy this one planet that we do have when we should be doing all we can to fix the mess we have created. I strongly believe that the biggest issue today, more than ever, is money. We have become a society that wants more and more while appreciating nothing, thereby quickly filling the planet with garbage. By doing this we are missing out on the peace and calm of knowing God.
Linda Parent // Port Perry, Ont.
Encouragement
We send you our encouragement as you continue to edit The Banner. Know we appreciate and are inspired by your editorials as well as the work involved in keeping The Banner as an important tool of our denomination. Our prayer is that God will continue to provide you with the wisdom to carry out this important mission. Our thoughts are also with your colleagues that work on this publication. May your team always work to the honor of our King.
Deb &Tony Vandekraats // Calgary, Alta.
