From: “garver”
Subject: PCRT
I just got the brochure for the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology in the mail. It looks like Lig Duncan isn’t going to be speaking in Philadelphia — only in the Phoenix and Indianapolis locations. I’m vaguely disappointed. I would have liked to have heard and/or met this fellow.
Where he is speaking, his topics remain the same as previously advertised: [1] One People — Christianity’s prescription for unity and peace among men; and [2] One Way — Christianity’s demand for obedient disciplehip on the way to eternal life.
There’s some kind of sad irony in that.
I also see that Rick Phillips is doing a seminar entitled, “The Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness: Current Denials and Biblical Affirmations.” Hopefully he’ll just stick with Robert Gundry as his target, but I somehow doubt it.
Perhaps I can try to ferret out what he’ll be speaking on prior to the conference (the first one is April 1–3) and maybe even exert some positive influence. I dunno.
joel
Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 13:21:58 -0600
From: “WAYNE LARSON”
Subject: PCRT
Joel,
Who attends these conferences? When I lived in Indianapolis there was an RPCNA church that did all the promotion for Indy PCRC. Problem was, their pastor was really into Bill Gothard, which sort of defined his circle of influence. Very few (if any) PCA folks ever went to the Indy conferences. Also, several years ago our church sent my wife and I to an ACE pastors conference in Atlanta. I was amazed to see that out of about 500 or so there were only a handful of PCA pastors (in Atlanta!) in attendance. Nearly everyone there was Baptist. I know my experience is only anecdotal, but I wonder sometime just how effective these things really are.
Oh, did they return to “Reformed” or is it still “Reformational”?
wl
Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 19:32:39 -0000
From: “garver”
Subject: PCRT
Wayne wrote:
Who attends these conferences?
I have no idea about Indy or Phoenix. In Philly it’s a good number of PCA and OPC people, with a mix of particular Baptists and other assorted evangelicals.
Oh, did they return to “Reformed” or is it still “Reformational”?
It looks like they’ve returned to “Reformed” again, with no Lutherans in sight, which is a loss, I think. Of the main speakers, D.A. Carson and Alistair Begg are both Baptists.
joel
Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 15:37:33 -0500
From: Calvin3Max@aol.com
Subject: PCRT
In a message dated 1/15/2005 2:21:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, “WAYNE LARSON”
Joel,
Who attends these conferences? When I lived in Indianapolis there was an RPCNA church that did all the promotion for Indy PCRC. Problem was, their pastor was really into Bill Gothard, which sort of defined his circle of influence. Very few (if any) PCA folks ever went to the Indy conferences. Also, several years ago our church sent my wife and I to an ACE pastors conference in Atlanta. I was amazed to see that out of about 500 or so there were only a handful of PCA pastors (in Atlanta!) in attendance. Nearly everyone there was Baptist. I know my experience is only anecdotal, but I wonder sometime just how effective these things really are.
Oh, did they return to “Reformed” or is it still “Reformational”?
wl
Wayne,
I have been to three of these in Philadelphia and that was some years ago. Like Ligonier they are more effective in reaching outsiders, that is those coming to or thinking about a more Reformed approach to things. What is usually discussed really doesn’t stretch those who come from our churches. To spend vacation time and money to go and hear the same old stuff we have read in books, were introduced to in seminary, or discuss with fellow presbyters is not appealing.
Eric
Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 15:27:03 -0600
From: “WAYNE LARSON”
Subject: PCRT
Good point, Eric. I think that’s why Janelle and I spent most of our time in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art instead of another seminar with him, who, or what’s his name.
wl
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 23:44:01 -0600
From: “Rich Lusk”
Subject: PCRT
I also see that Rick Phillips is doing a seminar entitled, “The Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness: Current Denials and Biblical Affirmations.” Hopefully he’ll just stick with Robert Gundry as his target, but I somehow doubt it.
Yeah, I have a hunch you’re right about that Joel. I feel another hatchet job coming on.
If you get a chance to talk to him, perhaps you can ask: Why is it better to have the imputed active obedience of Christ than to share in his resurrection verdict? What does the former give that the latter lacks? This is the question I’ve posed repeatedly to Horton, with no real answer beyond quotations from the confessions (which provide him dubious support at best). Maybe I should just email Rick myself . . . .
RL
