Spiritual Salt

Q. What is the history of the Presbyterian church from which the OPC and PCA originate?

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To understand the historical Presbyterianism that forms the foundation for both the OPC and PCA, we must trace the development of Presbyterianism through its key theological, ecclesiastical, and cultural moments. Here’s an overview:

Historical Presbyterianism

Presbyterianism is a branch of Reformed Protestantism that emerged during the 16th-century Reformation, particularly under the influence of John Calvin and his associates. It is characterized by its adherence to Reformed theology, a distinctive system of church governance, and a commitment to the centrality of Scripture.

Origins in the Reformation

  1. John Calvin (1509–1564):
    • Calvin’s work in Geneva laid the theological and organizational foundations for Presbyterianism.
    • Key emphases: God’s sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, covenant theology, and the priesthood of all believers.
  2. Geneva’s Influence:
    • Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion and his practice of organizing churches with elders (presbyters) influenced the development of Reformed churches across Europe.
  3. Scottish Reformation (1560):
    • Led by John Knox, a disciple of Calvin, the Reformation in Scotland established Presbyterianism as the national church.
    • The First Book of Discipline and the Second Book of Discipline codified Presbyterian polity (governance by elders and assemblies).

The Westminster Standards

  1. The Westminster Assembly (1643–1653):
    • Convened in England during the English Civil War to reform the Church of England.
    • Produced key doctrinal documents:
      • Westminster Confession of Faith
      • Larger and Shorter Catechisms
    • These became the definitive theological standards for Presbyterian churches worldwide.
  2. Covenant Theology:
    • Central to Presbyterian theology, emphasizing God’s redemptive work through covenants (e.g., Covenant of Works, Covenant of Grace).
    • Rooted in the Westminster Standards and earlier Reformed thought.

Presbyterianism in America

  1. Scottish and Ulster Presbyterian Immigration:
    • Many Presbyterians immigrated to the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, bringing their theological convictions and ecclesiastical structures.
    • Francis Makemie is often regarded as the “Father of American Presbyterianism.”
  2. Formation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA):
    • Established in 1706 with the first presbytery in Philadelphia.
    • Grew rapidly through the First and Second Great Awakenings but also faced internal tensions over revivals and theological issues.
  3. Old School vs. New School Division (1837):
    • A major split occurred within the PCUSA:
      • Old School: Conservative, emphasizing doctrinal fidelity and rejecting emotional revivalism.
      • New School: More open to revivalism and less rigid on theological orthodoxy.
    • This division influenced later splits, including those that eventually led to the OPC and PCA.

Key Features of Historic Presbyterianism

  1. Church Polity:
    • Governance by elders (teaching and ruling) in a system of graded courts (sessions, presbyteries, synods, and general assemblies).
    • Representative democracy reflecting the belief in Christ as the sole head of the church.
  2. Confessional Standards:
    • Deep commitment to the Westminster Standards as a summary of biblical truth.
    • Regular subscription to these standards by ministers and elders.
  3. Worship:
    • Regulative Principle of Worship: Only elements explicitly commanded in Scripture are included in corporate worship.
    • Simplicity in worship, with an emphasis on preaching, prayer, and psalm-singing.
  4. Missionary Zeal:
    • Commitment to spreading the gospel through global missions, catechism, and education.

Divisions and Developments in American Presbyterianism

  1. Theological Liberalism and Higher Criticism (19th–20th centuries):
    • Challenges arose from German higher criticism and theological liberalism, leading to disputes over biblical inerrancy and core doctrines.
    • These tensions gave rise to the conservative movements that led to the formation of the OPC and PCA.
  2. Southern Presbyterianism:
    • After the Civil War, the Presbyterian Church split into Northern and Southern branches:
      • Northern Church (PCUSA): More progressive in theology and social issues.
      • Southern Church (PCUS): More conservative theologically, with a unique Southern cultural identity.

Influences on OPC and PCA

  1. Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC):
    • Roots in Old School Presbyterianism and the battles against liberalism in the early 20th century.
    • Strong continuity with the confessional rigor and doctrinal purity of historic Presbyterianism.
  2. Presbyterian Church in America (PCA):
    • Influenced by Southern Presbyterianism, which emphasized Reformed theology and cultural conservatism.
    • Shares a common ancestry with the OPC in the Westminster Standards but with a broader emphasis on cultural engagement.

Conclusion

The OPC and PCA both emerge from the rich heritage of historic Presbyterianism, shaped by John Calvin’s theology, Scottish Reformed traditions, and the Westminster Standards. Their distinctions reflect different paths within this shared lineage, each responding to the challenges of their times while striving to remain faithful to their Presbyterian roots.

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