Loyalty

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Philip E Jenks

About Philip E Jenks

Philip, a synodical deacon in the ELCA Metropolitan New York synod, is a retired communicator for American Baptist Churches USA, the U.S. Conference for the World Council of Churches, the U.S. National Council of Churches, and two Philadelphia area daily newspapers. He and his spouse, the Rev. Dr. Martha M. Cruz, are the parents of six adults and are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rye Brook, N.Y. They live in Port Chester, N.Y.
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3 Responses to Loyalty

  1. anfearfaire says:
    March 23, 2023 at 5:26 pm

    Cold war paranoia, as with racism, Islamophobia, and the inferiority of those who did not look or think like us was insidiously instilled in impressionable young Americans in the schools and through the media during the post war era. Our parents were too busy trying to make a buck in the factories that they couldn’t give a damn about the concepts of racism and white supremacy we were fed in the schools. Meanwhile, the “Silent Majority” then as now tend to believe every word spoken by those whom they vote into office.
    Mr. Jenks, you must realize that cold war paranoia did not arise “ex nusquam.” It was carefully crafted subtle and cunning propaganda.

    Reply
  2. Philip E Jenks says:
    March 23, 2023 at 6:08 pm

    Always good to hear from you. Who are you?

    Reply
  3. anfearfaire says:
    March 23, 2023 at 8:52 pm

    I was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Church attending Sunday School, confirmed, married and attended until ~2000. My fondest memories are of Pastor Luther T. Freimuth whom I had a close relationship with and guided me through an era when I was questioning my faith.
    Over the years I have attended with family, friends, and colleagues a variety of churches…Pentecostal, Catholic, Baptist, and non-denominational churches. Most notably we were led to Times Square Church, hearing the preachings of David Wilkerson, Carter Conlon, Nicky Cruz, Claude Houde and many others.
    Having read through the Bible multiple times over the years, I found that some of the doctrines, beliefs, and mission statements of the traditional church denominations do not concur with the Word of God.
    My screen name “an fearfaire” is a reference to Ezekiel 33. At times the Lord has placed upon my heart to call out errant teaching which inevitably leads folk astray.
    One point to note. According to St. Paul’s mission statement: *C2.03. This congregation accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life. Nevertheless, your Pastor states in his YouTube video: What the Bible says about homosexuality | Kristin Saylor & Jim O’Hanlon | TEDxEdgemontSchool: “The Bible does not speak with one voice.” “The Bible does not have one definition of God.” “It does not have one way of describing God.” “The Bible does not have one theology.” “The Bible does not have one definition of marriage.” “There is no consistent ethic of sexuality going throughout the Bible.” “The Bible speaks with these many voices.”
    My identity will be known to you if you speak to Heather Paul or the Trencks and ask: “Who is Olga’s son.” In addition, Pastor O’Hanlon knows my identity through emails with him and my YouTube handle.
    My recommendation to those who study Scripture and want a thorough word-by-word Bible study are the YouTube videos of Baruch Korman (LoveIsrael.org).
    You must admit Mr. Jenks that there is a huge schism between the liberal ELCA and conservative LCMS. My own beliefs are also much at odds with Progressive Christianity, Christian Modernism, or Liberal Christianity.
    There are some, myself included, who consider themselves belonging to the great Church of Jesus Christ. A spiritual, not a brick and mortal, structure.
    In closing, one must take the Holy Scriptures as the ultimate source of our belief, not the teachings of any one denomination we happen to have been born into, migrated to, or attend for social reasons.

    Shalom,
    Peace be with you.

    Reply

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