1788 WCF, Christendom and Theocracy

Kingdom Polemics

In this episode of Kingdom Polemics, Pastor Aldo and Rev. Dr. Benjamin Glaser delve into the changes made to the 1788 Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) in the American version, currently used in the PCA. Dr. Glaser, a member of the ARPC, shares his thoughts on the appropriateness of these alterations.

The conversation starts with Pastor Aldo reading the changes introduced in the 1788 WCF. Dr. Glaser expresses concern over the undergirding libertarian conception of the individual in the American version, which was not present in the original.

One of Dr. Glaser's key points is that remnants of the establishment principle are still present in the American version. He argues that the expectation was for local civil governments to have a partiality towards Christianity and promote it, contrary to the notion of a complete separation between church and state at the time of the United States' establishment.

Pastor Aldo highlights historical calls from Presbyterians in Ireland, Scotland, and England for the end of prelacy, all of whom confess the lordship of Jesus through Presbyterian polity.

The discussion then moves into a review of various sections of the WCF and the larger catechism as they relate to Christendom and theocracy, touching on topics like Sabbatarianism, oaths, the role of the civil magistrate, just war, kings and queens as nursing father and mother, the distinction between the moral law and the natural law, George Gillespie's view of Civil Law in the Old Testament, covenant curses on nations, the magistrate's responsibility for the enforcement of the first table of the law, disapproval and opposition to false religion in one's place of calling, toleration of false religion, and prayers for removing atheism and idolatry.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as Pastor Aldo and Rev. Dr. Glaser explore the historical and theological nuances surrounding these significant revisions in the American version of the Westminster Confession of Faith. You can find out more about our guest, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Glaser, at: https://bethanyarp.org/leadership/rev-benjamin-glaser/.

Join the Kingdom Polemics community on our YouTube page at https://youtube.com/@kingdompolemics, where you can subscribe, leave comments, and access more thought-provoking content. Additionally, find past episodes of Kingdom Polemics at https://reformationmiami.org/kp for a comprehensive exploration of these crucial theological discussions.