Dear Paul
Presbyterian Church in Asia Minor
Committee on Missions
To:
Paul the Apostle
c/o Aquila the Tentmaker
Corinth, Greece
Dear Paul,
We recently received a copy of your letter to the Galatians. The committee
has directed me to inform you of a number of things which deeply concern us.
First, we find your language to be somewhat intemperate. In your letter,
after a brief greeting to the Galatians, you immediately attack your
opponents by claiming they "want to pervert the gospel of Christ." You then
say that such men should be regarded as "accursed"; and, in another place,
you make reference to "false brethren." Wouldn't it be more charitable to
give them the benefit of the doubt -- at least until the General Assembly has
investigated and adjudicated the matter? To make the situation worse, you
later say, "I could wish those who trouble you would even cut themselves
off!" Is such a statement really fitting for a Christian minister? The
remark seems quite harsh and unloving.
Paul, we really feel the need to caution you about the tone of your epistles.
You come across in an abrasive manner to many people. In some of your
letters you've even mentioned names; and this practice has no doubt upset the
friends of Hymenaeus, Alexander, and others. After all, many persons were
first introduced to the Christian faith under the ministries of these men.
Although some of our missionaries have manifested regrettable shortcomings,
nevertheless, it can only stir up bad feelings when you speak of these men in
a derogatory manner.
In other words, Paul, I believe you should strive for a more moderate posture
in your ministry. Shouldn't you try to win those who are in error by
displaying a sweeter spirit? By now, you've probably alienated the Judaizers
to the point that they will no longer listen to you.
By your outspokeness, you have also diminished your opportunities for future
influences througout the church as a whole. Rather, if you had worked more
quietly, you might have been asked to serve on a presbytery committee
appointed to study the issue. You could then have contributed your insights
by helping to draft a good committee paper on the theological position of the
Judaizers, without having to drag personalities into the dispute.
Besides, Paul, we need to maintain unity among those who profess a belief in
Christ. The Judaizers at least stand with us as we confront the surrounding
paganism and humanism which prevail within the culture of the contemporary
Roman Empire. The Judaizers are our allies in our struggles against
abortion, homosexuality, government tyranny, etc. We cannot afford to allow
differences over doctrinal minutiae to obscure this important fact.
I also must mention that questions have been raised about the contents of
your letter, as well as your style. The committee questions the propriety of
the doctrinaire structure of your letter. Is it wise to plague young
Christians, like the Galatians, with such heavy theological issues? For
example, in a couple of places, you allude to the doctrine of election. You
also enter into a lengthy discussion of the law. Perhaps you could have
proved your case in some other ways, without mentioning these complex and
controverted points of Christianity. Your letter is so doctrinaire, it will
probably serve only to polarize the differing factions within the churches.
Again, we need to stress unity, instead of broaching issues which will accent
divisions among us.
In one place, you wrote, "Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become
circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing." Paul, you have a tendency to
describe things strictly in black and white terms, as if there are no gray
areas. You need to temper your expressions, lest you become too exclusive.
Otherwise, your outlook will drive away many people, and make visitors feel
unwelcome. Church growth is not promoted by taking such a hard line and
remaining inflexible.
Remember, Paul, there is no such thing as a perfect church. We have to tolerate
many imperfections in the church, since we cannot expect to have everything at
once. If you will simply think back over your own experience, you will recall
how you formerly harassed the church in your times of ignorance. By reflecting on your own past,
you might acquire a more sympathetic attitude toward the Judaizers. Be patient, and
give them some time to come around to a better understanding. In the meantime,
rejoice that we all share a common profession of faith in Christ, since we have
all been baptized in his name.
Sincerely,
Charles Phinney
Coordinator, Committee on Missions
From MEDIA SPOTLIGHT, VOL. 11, NO. 1, PAGE 9.
Reprinted by permission from the Trinity Review, July/August, 1988, Jefferson,
MD.
Originally published in JOURNEY magazine, Lynchburg, VA.
