snow-covered celtic cross in presbyterian memorial garden
presbyterian cross , used national cemetery administration of united states department of veterans affairs.
presbyterianism historically confessional tradition. has 2 implications. obvious 1 confessional churches express faith in form of confessions of faith, have level of authoritative status. based on more subtle point: in confessional churches, theology not solely individual matter. while individuals encouraged understand scripture, , may challenge current institutional understanding, theology carried out community whole. community understanding of theology expressed in confessions.
however, there has arisen spectrum of approaches confessionalism. manner of subscription, or degree official standards establish actual doctrine of church, turns out practical matter. is, decisions rendered in ordination , in courts of church largely determine church means, representing whole, adherence doctrinal standard.
some presbyterian traditions adopt westminster confession of faith doctrinal standard teaching elders required subscribe, in contrast larger , shorter catechisms, approved use in instruction. many presbyterian denominations, in north america, have adopted of westminster standards standard of doctrine subordinate bible. these documents calvinistic in doctrinal orientation. presbyterian church in canada retains westminster confession of faith in original form, while admitting historical period in written should understood when read.
the westminster confession principal subordinate standard of church of scotland due regard liberty of opinion in points not enter substance of faith (v). formulation represents many years of struggle on extent confession reflects word of god , struggle of conscience of came believe did not (e.g. william robertson smith). presbyterian churches, such free church of scotland, have no such conscience clause .
the presbyterian church (u.s.a.) has adopted book of confessions, reflects inclusion of other reformed confessions in addition westminster standards. these other documents include ancient creedal statements (the nicene creed, apostles creed), 16th-century reformed confessions (the scots confession, heidelberg catechism, second helvetic confession), , 20th century documents (the theological declaration of barmen, confession of 1967 , brief statement of faith).
the presbyterian church in canada developed confessional document living faith (1984) , retains subordinate standard of denomination. confessional in format, yet westminster confession, draws attention original bible text.
presbyterians in ireland rejected calvinism , westminster confessions formed non-subscribing presbyterian church of ireland.
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