A confessional Presbyterian congregation is a place, it’s like a city. Ken Golden calls it Presbytopia. If it is a city, it’s unlike that town from which many visitors come. Guests and new members need a map to their new home. Golden has written a book an excellent introduction to Reformed and Presbyterian theology, piety, and practice to guests and new members. Over 135 pages, in 14 brief chapters, Presbytopia covers the basics of the Christian faith (e.g., Bible, God, man, sin, Christ, the application of redemption, the doctrines of grace, Presbyterian worship, church, preaching, sacraments, and prayer). Each chapter concludes with study questions, which makes it useful for small groups and new members classes. It is accessible, gracious, thoughtful, and very well written. Confessional pastors, who are working to help new members understand how and why Presbyterian congregations say and do what they say and do, will be grateful that this introduction walks new members through some distinctively Presbyterian doctrines and practices, including the regulative principle of worship. It also includes a brief glossary of terms and a sample liturgy. Ken Golden has given us an outstanding introduction to their new city, Presbytopia. To our new friends, brothers, and sisters we say, “Welcome home” and here is a map.
We tend to be a “far sighted” tradition.
Speaking as a “seasoned” pastor whose chronic physical conditions include presbyopia, I am delighted to be so afflicted whilst dwelling in Presbytopia.
Ron Beabout
Evangelist
Trinity Reformed Church (OPC)
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Amen. I am thankful that Presbytopia welcomes even those with Presbyopia.
The “t” is all-important. Without it, we get “presbyopia,” that dratted condition of “seasoned” people that makes menus and other small-printed documents harder and harder to read…
I see I was anticipated. Great minds and all.
Great title. It certainly does feel like Presbytopia for me at the moment.
The term’s too close to ‘Presbyopia’ (difficulty in seeing clearly with age) though for my liking, Phil!