Midweek Musing- 11/20/24

The Westminster Confession of Faith

The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) holds a significant place in Christian history, especially within the Presbyterian tradition. It was written in 1646 during the English Civil War. The document deeply impacted Reformed theology at the time, and it continues to impact the Presbyterian Church (USA) and other Protestant denominations even to this day.

The Westminster Confession’s historical context, theological depth, and its evolution over time tell not only of its legacy but also the ways the church has moved beyond its original narrow views on many social and theological issues.

The Confession came out of the Westminster Assembly, which was convened by the English Parliament to establish religious unity in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Obviously, this was long before church/state division was a concept. This meeting was composed primarily of scholars, theologians, and clergy. It sought to create a doctrinal standard rooted in the Reformed theology of the day. The gathering was heavily influenced by Calvinist thought and those in attendance wrote the Confession to provide clarity on key theological issues such as the nature of God, salvation, Scripture, and the sacraments.

The Confession was initially adopted by the Church of Scotland and later became a foundational text for Presbyterian churches worldwide. Its language and structure reflect not only the concerns of 17th-century Europe, a time marked by political upheaval and religious conflict, but also a desire to claim and clarify orthodoxy.

The Westminster Confession of Faith is what is known as a systematic theological statement. It covers a wide range of topics and doctrines. Some of its central teachings include:

1.            The Authority of Scripture: The Confession declares Scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice, inspired by God and sufficient for salvation.

Note even in the 17th century this document does not advocate for literalism in the interpretation of Scripture in the sense we might associate with modern "biblical literalism." Instead, it emphasizes the authority, sufficiency, and interpretation of Scripture through study and prayer within the community of faith.

         2.      The Sovereignty of God: It emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty in creation, providence, and salvation, underscoring the doctrines of predestination and election.

         3.      The Doctrine of the Trinity: The Confession affirms the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

         4.      Salvation by Grace: Salvation is solely by God’s grace through faith, not by human works.

         5.      The Church and Sacraments: It identifies the visible church as the community of the faithful and upholds two sacraments—baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

While these teachings remain foundational for many Reformed churches, they also reflect the theological and cultural assumptions of the 17th century.

You see the document’s strong Calvinist leanings brought theological clarity but also sparked debate. Its rigid stance on predestination and its emphasis on God’s sovereignty led some to question its pastoral applicability, particularly in emphasizing assurance of salvation for all believers.

Moreover, its strict moral code and often narrow interpretations of scripture often reflected the patriarchal, hierarchical, and exclusionary norms of its time. For example, its views on civil government, Sabbath observance, and gender roles mirrored 17th-century societal structures, limiting its relevance in more inclusive and diverse contexts.

The Westminster Confession was adopted by American Presbyterians in the 18th century and remained central to the denomination’s identity. It provided a theological foundation for Presbyterian governance, worship, and mission. However, as society evolved, so did the Presbyterian Church (USA), which began to reexamine and reinterpret the Confession in light of increased scientific, historical and contextual understandings and new modern concerns.

In light of these new understandings in 1967, the PC(USA) adopted the Confession of 1967, which addressed contemporary issues like racial justice and reconciliation. This marked a shift toward a more contextual and inclusive approach to theology.

Part of this was the   inclusion of Women and LGBTQ+ Individuals: The church has moved beyond the Westminster Confession’s implicit support for patriarchal structures by ordaining women and affirming LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership roles.

It also promoted an emphasis on Social Justice: The PC(USA) has increasingly focused on social justice, environmental stewardship, and global reconciliation, moving beyond the Confession’s individualistic and doctrinal focus.

Today, the Westminster Confession is part of the PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions, serving as one of many doctrinal statements rather than the sole standard. It continues to inform the church’s theology and practice, particularly in its emphasis on God’s sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of grace. However, the church reads the Confession through a modern lens, balancing its historical insights with a broadened commitment to inclusivity and justice.

In my research I found some examples of how the document is both used today but also how new confessions and understanding have moved us beyond its limitations. (By the way no document will ever fully be able to explain the wonders and mysteries of God.)

Anyway here a few examples:

The Westminster Confession is studied in schools of religion and seminaries as a historical document that informs Reformed theology but it is also critiqued for its limitations.

Unlike the statements of exclusivity in this document. The PC(USA) and most other reformed communities engage in ecumenical conversations, fostering unity among diverse Christian traditions.

And as we have learned about the root causes of some of our world’s problems and discovered new concerns such as the polluting of our planet, the church’s mission has widened. And unlike the Confession’s almost exclusive emphasis on salvation, the modern church reflects an expanded understanding of God’s kingdom, addressing injustice and embracing a broader definition of community.

While our denomination still recognizes the Confession as a profound document of its time, we also note it reflects the worldview of that same time.

Today’s church emphasizes a more expansive vision of God’s grace, rejecting the Confession’s exclusivist tendencies. Including affirming the full participation of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals in the life of the church. Thus we now celebrate the diverse cultural expressions of faith within the global church.

We also now view doctrines like election and predestination as expressions of God’s love and mercy, rather than exclusion.

The Westminster Confession of Faith remains an important piece of the Reformed Church’s and Presbyterian identity, Yet, perhaps its most enduring relevance lies in the church’s ability to engage it critically, honoring its insights while addressing its limitations.

One reason I am Presbyterian is that the PC(USA) exemplifies this dynamic of past and present, tradition versus contemporary knowledge, seeking to balance both and striving to be faithful to the gospel in a changing world.

By moving beyond the Confession’s narrow views, the church continues to embody the transformative love and justice of Jesus Christ, showing that theology must evolve to meet the needs of every generation.

May we all look at our own faith with such a critical lens.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Alleluia. Amen.