Antichrist Ambrose University President Gordon T. Smith continues to promote ecumenism and Social Gospel

As reported by Peter Biggs in Light magazine, February 18, 2018 (bold in original):

Background

During my research on an article on Worship, some Pastors spoke of their dissatisfaction with the Evangelical ‘liturgy’. Smith’s recent book Evangelical, Sacramental and Pentecostal (Intervarsity Press) is timely. It describes clearly the different approaches to worship. He longs to see these three traditions unite together, and calls for an integration of the three traditions in one faith.

What is your general impression of how the church needs to be responding to our current culture?

First, the whole point of Evangelical, Sacramental and Pentecostal is to stress how vital it is that we learn from one another and not presume that within our own camp we have all the wisdom and grace we need to navigate the complex world of rising secularism. This posture of learning – and humility – also means that we will need to learn how to seek common cause with Christian believers from other theological and spiritual traditions. In our case here at Ambrose University, for example, I am very pleased that we have been able to establish a strong rapport with the local Roman Catholic community. We have our differences, of course; but we have a shared commitment to the ancient truths of the Creeds, and we share common concerns on a whole range of spiritual and ethical issues that directly impact our city and our country.

Second, it is also likely the case that in a secular society we can expect to experience various forms or expression of persecution. However, as 1 Peter stresses, let’s be wise on this and genuinely suffer for the gospel, not for the lack of political or diplomatic skill. We need to be discerning when it comes to which battles we fight and where and when it is more appropriate to not be in constant battle mode.

How is the seminary preparing future Pastors and leaders for the main challenges?

My observation is that in our increasingly secular society there are at least three skills or competencies that need to be cultivated in and with our students – whom we view, of course, to be future leaders of the church in our country and beyond our shores. These are:

1. Preaching for Monday morning. Meaning, of course, that it is not about preaching so that our church grows – getting people into the church – but rather preaching that is focused on equipping and empowering women and men for their service in the world – in business, the arts, education and, indeed, in every sphere and sector of society.

2. Peace-making. A secular society has no real focus or centre; and thus it should not surprise us that the society is marked by very significant levels of conflict. And surely, if we are going to give leadership to the church at such a time as this, the capacity to be an instrument of peace is rather crucial. We need people who are skilled in managing conflict constructively – skilled in conflict resolution and addressing how we can be less polarized within our society. This means, of course, that we need to learn how to address conflict in the church.

3. And third, political savvy. When I was a pastor back in the 1970s, we had little if any civic involvement. But pastors today need political skills – the capacity to engage the social and civic leaders – developing connections, cultivating political capital, advocating for essential causes but all, of course, not in a mind-set of a battle against our culture but as people who are seeking the peace of the city [to use the language of Jeremiah 29].

It is for this reason that I think we need to re-read 1 Peter, which is a New Testament book written to the church “in exile” – well, actually, a diaspora community, and thus one that might be an example to us of what it means to be a minority presence in a culture and society.

Your recent book addresses different worship traditions. It seems your concern is that each actually de-emphasizes either preaching, the sacraments or the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Yes that is true. Take preaching… even the pulpit in some churches has disappeared to be replaced by a coffee table and stool. The ‘preacher’ will have a friendly ‘chat’ with the congregation.

This is fine, but only to a point; it is crucial that we not lose sight of the power of the presence of the word, the scriptures, as the authoritative guide and text for the community of faith and that as a church we are formed and re-formed by the word which challenges, encourages and admonishes us.

Dr. Smith's reference to Jeremiah 29 isn't the first time I've seen that passage of scripture taken out of context in order to support a Social Gospel agenda. As always, it's necessary to look at scripture in context. In Jeremiah 25, God states that because Israel had disobeyed him, He was going to punish the nation with 70 years of captivity in Babylon. In Jeremiah 27, God tells Judah to serve the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar while in captivity. Chapter 28 introduces the false prophet Hananiah, who prophesies that God will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar "from the neck of all nations" within two years. In chapter 29, Jeremiah writes to those who had already gone into exile, who were apparently aware of the prophecies of people such as Hananiah, and were apparently receptive to false prophecies of an early deliverance. Jeremiah is warning the exiles not to be deceived nor to encourage the false prophets. God has determined that the Israelites' exile in Babylon will definitely be for 70 years--which, by that time, was the length of the average human lifespan (Psalms 90:10). The exiles are not going to be delivered during the lifetime of most of the people, and they're not the vanguard of invading army. They're going to be there for a long time, so they should build houses, settle down, have families, and increase in number. This is the context in which Jeremiah 29:7 says:

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

God is telling the Israelites that he's not going to deliver the exiles or destroy Nebuchadnezzar or his kingdom for the next 70 years, so if they pray and seek for the peace and prosperity of Babylon, God will allow the exiles to prosper. In Jeremiah 30 and subsequent chapters, God promises to restore the people of Israel from exile. These passages of scripture are written to, for, and about Israel in the Old Testament. Jeremiah 29:7 isn't a message to the New Testament church to engage in a Social Gospel program of making this a better world. As always, never trust a Jesuit.

See my previous posts on Ambrose University:

Why is an Alliance-Nazarene college named after a Roman Catholic saint? (March 2, 2009)

The Ambrose-contemplative connection (March 4, 2009)

Ambrose University College trains Nazarene pastors using materials from a company with ties to Mormonism (March 6, 2009)

Ambrose University College and "Transformation" (March 6, 2009)

The Outhouse (aka The Shack) in God's house (May 5, 2009)

Ambrose Seminary teaches contemplative spirituality in 2009-2010 (February 24, 2010)

Ambrose University College hires Jesuit-educated contemplative spirituality proponent as its new president (May 30, 2012)

Ambrose University College's "Jazz Day" provides evidence of increasing worldliness in evangelical schools (March 5, 2014)

Antichrist Ambrose University College continues on its downward, leftward, and Romeward course (March 8, 2014)