Pseudo-Ecclesiasticism

Abstract

"IN a very able and interesting article, entitled " Religion and Radical Nonconformity" (Fraternal, January, 1959), Trevor Ling condemned what he chose to call the" pseudo-ecclesiastical" interests which many of us have at this time. Instances of such interests which he gave were: concern about right ways of ordination, discussions on baptism, dedication, etc., the adoption of formal liturgical patterns and the observance of the Christian Year. Our concern with such matters seems to him to constitute a forsaking of spiritual religion and a repudiation of radical Nonconformity. Ling's article deserves careful consideration, both on account of its intrinsic merit and because some may be persuaded by it that a movement is afoot which they have reason to fear and resist. The interests which are condemned in the article referred to have arisen from the quest for a sound theology of the Church, its worship and ministry, and from the attempt to express this more satisfactorily in our doctrine and practice. If, in the process, we have been led to a new appreciation of the doctrine and practice of traditions other than our own, we would claim that we have been so led from the Word and under the guidance of the Spirit. There is no recognition in Ling's article that this is even a possibility"