(Tim) Stephen and Sebra Baker and Mary Lee and I had an excellent time at the Christ Church Ministerial Conference last Thursday and Friday. The conference's subject was "Sexual Orthodoxy" and the MP3s should soon be available from Canon Press.
Make sure you listen to Doug on "The Politics of Fruitfulness" and his son-in-law, Ben Merkle, on "Sentimentalism and the Feminine Ethos." Doug does a good survey of the growing, worldwide birth dearth, following up with the Scriptural doctrine that children are a blessing from the Lord. This cultural critique is needed across the Reformed church, today, where money and degrees are chosen over children. Ben's talk is a helpful reminder of the necessity of letting boys be boys so they may grow up to be leaders (with a particular emphasis on the church). I found all the talks helpful, but thought these two were standouts.
Everything in Moscow isn't the life of the mind, though, and our meals with Doug and Nancy, their children and grandchildren, were a great joy as we see God providing for the leadership of the Church through coming generations. Like the rest of Doug and Nancy's progeny, keep your eyes on Ben. He's a young man married to a strong and prudent wife, Bekah; their children are well-disciplined and happy; and it's obvious God has given him great wisdom. At this point, Ben's plans are to serve in the Academy (meaning New St. Andrews). Spending time with Ben and Bekah, though, I found myself jealous for their gifts to be used in the pastorate.
Then again, what do I know, anyhow?
Summing up, every time we have an opportunity to spend time in Moscow, with Doug and Nancy, their children and grandchildren, and the other members of the CREC/Christ Church/Canon Press/New St. Andrews team, we're reminded our Savior's rule is "by their fruit ye shall know them." Godly homes and families? Living faith? Biblical discernment? Humility? The complete absence of materialism or chest-thumping?
Honestly...
the fruit speaks for itself. I've watched Doug's work for over twenty years, now, and during that time I've found him the most encouraging sign of God's mercy to His Bride in these United States of America.
No, I don't agree with everything Doug's said and done. But have you ever noticed how that statement, that caveat, is used today only for real men who stand for God?
I can't think of a higher compliment than men without chests beginning every statement about me with the words, "You've gotta watch out for that man--he's dangerous!" or "I take strong exception to some of the things he's written..."
Been around long enough to know this hatred for things-Doug didn't start with the Federal Vision. It started when Doug wrote as if lives and souls depended upon his fulfilling his calling with a clearnote and zeal. Right at the gaps in the wall. Like the prophets of old.
For instance, a decade ago I got a ten-page letter from a certain man who will remain nameless ripping Doug's Reforming Marriage to shreds. Or so he thought. At the time, I was the Exec. Director of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and I'd planned to promote Reforming Marriage in CBMW's publications. With the receipt of this letter and being forbidden to recommend or distribute Reforming Marriage, I realized I had to choose between Doug and all CBMW's grand poobahs. It was an easy choice and that day I began to prepare for my resignation.
Still today, the Reformed world is filled with men who demand David and I choose.
Him or me
Him or me
Him or me
What's it gonna be?
Here's our answer: in Doug Wilson we recognize the spirit of Dad, Edwards, Knox, Luther, Waldo (Peter), Athanasius, the Apostles, and Elijah. Note. The spirit--not the living embodiment. And shouldn't this spirit be recognizable in every man called to shepherd God's flock?
So now that I've put the fox amongst the chickens, I'm back on the road again. See you all in a few hours...
