Religion: Belief or Opinion?

Protestants seldom talk about “heresy” and are traditionally tolerant in matters of faith. Last week it appeared that the Congregationalists, for one, were going about as tolerant as they could go.

The committee on evangelism of the Chicago Congregational Association had queried 50 of Chicago’s Congregational ministers about their positions on the major Christian beliefs. As reported by last week’s Christian Century, the replies showed that about the only thing Congregational ministers agree on is a belief in God.

¶ Two did not believe that Christ ever lived on the earth.

¶ Twelve considered the Crucifixion a “noble example”; 23 believed that it was “divine redemption for sinful men.”

¶ Eight denied the doctrine of original sin; 30 decided that there was “a tendency toward evil in human beings.”

¶ Seven did not believe in the Resurrection, but half the ministers considered Jesus a “necessary mediator between God and men.”

¶ Only eight of the 50 held the Bible authoritative in matters of faith, rather than merely a guide. Thirty-five counted the church as indispensable; 13 rated it “helpful.”

This “theological confusion,” concluded the committee soberly, is a serious handicap to Congregational evangelism. What, it asked, are preaching missions to preach, and in what faith are young people to be confirmed?