Can I Still be a Presbyterian If…?

–Gwen Evans

One of the wonderful aspects of Tortolita’s being “a haven for all” is that there are so many diverse church backgrounds represented among our people. Some folks have come to us after many years in a denomination that emphasizes certain Christian beliefs much more than we do. Some are new Christians, still looking for answers to some basic questions of faith. All are welcomed at Tortolita who share the essential belief that Jesus is the Son of God and that Jesus came to earth to provide all people with the saving link of forgiveness and grace from God.

On the other hand, some people have concerns about points of theology that seem to differ from the majority views. Should they just keep silent, they wonder? Is it OK to express doubts about what other Tortolitans seem to believe so intensely?

The answer to that for Presbyterians is a resounding YES. The right of the individual to think for himself or herself is an essential tenet of Presbyterian beliefs.

Here’s an example: References to Adam and Eve and Creation are commonly heard in sermons, prayers and discussions at our church. Some individuals—good Christians, enthusiastically living their faith—believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all, but they don’t embrace the seven-day creation story described in Genesis. While not believing literally in Adam and Eve, they firmly believe in God as the Creator and Guide of all human and animal development throughout the history of the universe—however old it may be.

There are other differences of belief among our membership at Tortolita. Baptism—both the forms and ages for it, the nature of heaven and hell, and the nature of worship, among others issues, are all on a continuum of beliefs held by Presbyterians. It really is OK to differ from others in the details of Christian faith. The truly important concepts to remember are our shared belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior and the right of others to make up their own minds about the many finer points of theology. We can focus on the unifying love and forgiveness we receive daily from God. As long as we avoid the divisiveness of our differences and the futility of trying to argue people into believing exactly as we do, Tortolita will remain a true “haven for all.”