Can anyone tell me about the Presbyterian church?

[peacebaby3]

And if they have different segments (for lack of a better word), etc? In other words, there are Southern Baptists and then other Baptists.

Anything about them would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[GOPBasher]

1. I think it comes from the Calvinist tradition.

Calvinists believe in pre-destination. (It's already determined beforehand who will go to heaven or not.) I'm pretty sure the Presbyterian church comes from that. Here's a link.

http://www.pcusa.org/navigation/whoweare.htm

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. It's originally Calvinist, but doesn't emphasize that much any more

There's a tremendous variation in Presbyterian Churches. Some are liberal, but others, especially in the South, are nearly fundamentalist.

Their style of worship is what some have called "a hymn sandwich": hymn, Bible reading, hymn, Bible reading, hymn, Bible reading, sermon, prayers, hymn.

Compared to Lutherans and Episcopalians, they de-emphasize Communion, and many congregations have it only four times a year.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

3. I went to one once and I was surprised at how ceremonial it was.

The one I went to almost seemed like a Catholic or Episcopalian church. I wonder if this is common or if my area church is unique.

[supernova]

5. Hymn sandwhich!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

This is truer than you know Lydia. That is hilarious! Thanks for the laugh. :D

[supernova]

4. My name is Supernova, and I'm a PPresbyterian

Presbyterian churches, in terms of "liberal" or "conservative" run the gamit in the US.

"Presbyterian" comes from the greek word "presbuteros," or elder.

Overall, we are "presbyterian" because of our elective style of church government. That is true, no matter which branch of Presbyterianism to which you belong. Officers are elected at the church, district, and national levels. Statements of Belief are periodically revised and also voted upon.

I belong to the largest presby denom, The Presbyteran Church USA (http://www.pcusa.org) with about 2 million members nation-wide. The head of PCUSA is called the Moderator of the General Assembly, the national governing body which meets biannually.

PCUSA, like the Methodists, Episcopal, and non-SBC Baptists, is considered a mainline denomination. Neither liberal nor conservative. We recognize two scraments: baptism and communion.

If you are interested in the PResby church, you will have to visit a few. You will find traditional theology and more challenging theology and beliefs in individual churches. While my church is more typically traditional in its doctrinal outlook, another church about six miles away looks a lot like a UU church. I might eventually wind up there, but that's another story.

My particular church has tried to become more ecumenical over the years. We have communion (Eucharist) once a month, We have a processional and recessional. So, while it isn't "high church," it's not quite as plain as it used to be.

The Presby church has always championed social justice issues along with its missionary work. Along with the National Council of Churches we condemned the Iraq invasion and recently got into a dust up with the Israeli government over their treatement of the Palestinians. The discussion about Chan Chandler in Waynesville produced a lound volley of laughter in Sunday School last week. We are studying "The Battle for God" class.

Most presbys are very cool and welcoming. With the odd exception (could just be my area) I've foumd most to be moderate and level-headed.

The best model of a Presbyterian ever? The late, great Rev Fred Rogers. :-)

[checks-n-balances]

6. Here are a few more links, peacebaby3

Supernova did a great job already of explaining and as a member of the same denomination, I'll say it was right on target. I second that about Mr. Rogers!

Anne Lamott is also a Presbyterian.

If you have the time to read these and want to talk one of us or have more questions, do post it and somebody will probably get back with you. Meantime, I hope this helps:

What Presbyterians Believe (series of articles):
http://www.pcusa.org/today/believe/believe.htm

Protecting the Vulnerable:

(snip)
"Those who say, 'I love God,' but hate their brothers or sisters are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen" (1 John 4:20).

Friends, this is the Word of God. The Church of Jesus has been called to proclaim it. Do you hear it? If so, where? When? If not, why not? And no reading of the Gospel or of our Reformed heritage allows us to limit these calls to acts of individual charity. Calvin was clear in echoing Paul that the calling to be a civil magistrate was the highest possible calling, because it made one an agent in the political realm of the concern of God for the whole community, and especially the poor and vulnerable.

(snip)
Every decision that makes the rich and powerful richer and more powerful, and every tax break that primarily benefits the wealthy ultimately, is paid for by a cut in the resources for the poorest of the poor. And every such decision that is made permanent by our representatives in Congress will perpetuate the damage beyond the next generation...Some in Congress are appalled, but not enough at the moment, to turn back the tide toward concern for the poor.

It is past time for everyone who claims to believe in the God of Israel, the Protector of the poor and the Judge of the rich and powerful, to speak out, lest we all come under the condemnation of the God who exposes the hypocrisy of all who claim to be people of faith, but whose deeds or inaction place the poor in further jeopardy.

More at
http://www.pcusa.org/today/department/church-society/church-society.htm

[pelagius]

7. "Confessing Movement" Churches in the PCUSA...

...have adopted more conservative stances on human sexuality. In fact, the basic three points of their movement are:

(1) Jesus is God.
(2) The Bible is His Word
(3) Sex outside of male/female marriage is wrong.

A list of these churches can be found at:

http://www.confessingchurch.homestead.com

[supernova]

8. More Light Churches in the PCUSA

Pelagius, you might not be aware of this, but there is a More Light movement within PCUSA as well.

The More Light Churches (such as the UU-like one near me that I mentioned) are typcially supportive of gay rights and the ordination of gays in the Church.

You can read more here: http://www.mlp.org/