What Do Presbyterians Believe?

With so many Christian denominations in existance, it is difficult to determine how the various groups are different or alike. This is a brief overview of the Presbyterian denomination of Christianity.

Presbetarians trace their roots back to the sixteenth century to the Reformation. Many of their foundational beliefs were based on the teachings of the French lawyer, John Calvin.

Presbyterians are distinctive from other Protestant denominations in two ways.

1. They adhere strongly to Covenant, or, Reformed Theology. Covenant Theology tends to be strongly Calvinistic, emphasizing the Sovereignty of God, and believing in both election and reprobation.

2. Their form of church government includes strong congregational involvement (men and women alike) with the church leaders. The membership is deeply involved in determining church practices and philosophies.

Presbyterians believe in the authority of the Bible, but do not believe in a strictly literal interpretation, (i.e. seven day Creation week) but rather believe that man should use science and his reasoning ability to determine how things happened.

The church emphasizes justification (salvation) by grace through faith, which cannot be attained through good works.

Presbyterians have been very divided in recent years over social issues such as ordaining women to the ministry and condoning homosexual behavior. Several groups have split off of the Official Presbyterian Church because of a difference of opinion on these issues. The official position of the Presbyterian Church at this time is that homosexual unions may not be performed in Presbyterian churches, homosexuality is sin, and homosexuals may not be ordained to the ministry.

Abortion is another area in which the Presbyterian church has adapted and struggled in recent decades. Its current position is that the mother of the "problem pregnancy" can use the guidance of the Holy Spirit and her "faith community" to make the right choice for herself, but that abortion should be a "last resort". The church believes that after the point of viability (24 weeks gestation) a baby should be allowed to be born alive rather than aborted. Abortions before viability are deemed more acceptable. Their official position states that "...we do not know when life begins." In any case, the church is committed to being supportive of a woman, whatever her decision.

Presbyterians put a strong emphasis on humanitarian efforts. They are very involved in mission work as well as disaster relief efforts. They emphasize food and education for the poor and healing the sick. The church believes that it is every church and individual's responsibility to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world.