Let's look at a brief overview of the UPC articles of faith and see if anybody can sign without being a "liar". First of all the ONLY thing preachers are agreeing to is the fundamental doctrine and holiness standards, meaning you can really believe anything else about anything else you want to. But for the sake of argument, I will include the articles of faith....
Is the Bible the ONLY God-given authority? Or is there any other authority at all?
Fundamental Doctrine:
Does anyone contend for their views to the disunity of the body?
Repentance:
Pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained at repentance? Yes, indeed. That's what the articles of faith say!! Did you think it was at baptism they were remitted??
Water Baptism:
No word about remission of sins because of the name of Jesus stated by a preacher??
Holiness:
You mean that everybody that signs believes that TV cannot be in the home and does not listen to any unwholesome radio programs or does not participate in any worldly sports or amusements?? What does that mean anyway?? Why isn't there anything about women wearing pants in here??
Conscientious Scruples:
The UPC takes a definite stand against bearing arms in war and the taking of human life??
Secret Sociteties:
No organization with unbelievers bound by an oath? Do we have any politicians among us who have taken an oath of office? How about sworn testimony in court??
Marriage and Divorce:
Has this ever been tweaked??
Public School Activities:
Any public school kids attend any shows lately or theatre in the school? Have boys and girls played baseball together??
And so, here we have it. Kind of hard not to be a liar isn't it?
ILG, I agree, but you didn't go far enough.
I wonder how many men and women we would have left if we kicked those out who only disagreed with, or ignored, ONE item in the AOF?
Well, seriously!! It's just that some people focus on certain things. If we were all going to actually get real about what is written in there, things would be a lot different.
You are right. It's also fact that 'standards' are taught according to the pastor's interpretation of them, making it confusing when most of them preach that they are Biblical as well.
I had a pastor that ok'ed culottes and makeup on women. He also ok'ed different items of jewelry, mainly rings.
I had a pastor that didn't allow sleeves above the elbow and women's hair had to be up if they were in any leadership or choir, orchestra, and such like. He preached against a lot of things and is considered ultra-con.
Both pastors are UPC in the same state. Both had Bible to back them up....or made it seem that way.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
I wonder how many men and women we would have left if we kicked those out who only disagreed with, or ignored, ONE item in the AOF?
Well that's pretty much the point. The people who cry about liars the loudest......well......they need to notice that about forgiveness at repentance and NO mention of remission at baptism not to mention the numerous other things in the list.
You are right. It's also fact that 'standards' are taught according to the pastor's interpretation of them, making it confusing when most of them preach that they are Biblical as well.
I had a pastor that ok'ed culottes and makeup on women. He also ok'ed different items of jewelry, mainly rings.
I had a pastor that didn't allow sleeves above the elbow and women's hair had to be up if they were in any leadership or choir, orchestra, and such like. He preached against a lot of things and is considered ultra-con.
Both pastors are UPC in the same state. Both had Bible to back them up....or made it seem that way.
I understand what you are saying but I don't think it is actually looked upon that way. The portions of the manual which define the "holiness standards" are considered to be "antiquated," "out of touch with reality," "an embarrassing hangover from a previous time of ignorance," "blue laws," "no longer applicable," and by other unflattering terms by many. Signing the AS therefore becomes something one must do to maintain license/ordination but something that is not taken seriously or actually believed in. This is not true of everyone at the minister or district level but is true of some.
Then they should leave. Easy solution. There are a lot who are surviving fine outside of the UPC.
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My highest goal in life is not to trash the U. P. C.: Even if I'm not a fan I find pathetic and petty those who strive for such.
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