Measured Enthusiasm about "Reformation" in the Philippines
October 10, 2023•361 words
Measured Enthusiasm about "Reformation" in the Philippines
The Philippines now has its own "conference circuit." More and more events are being put on that promote "Reformed" theology. Money is being donated, special speakers are invited, people are traveling to attend, and book tables are being set up with all the latest offerings of Reformed and Presbyterian publishers.
It's all very exciting, truly. And there's no question that this is an enormous improvement in this country.
But is this a sure sign that reformation is alive and advancing in the Philippines? Is this what reformation looks like?
No. Ironically it is October, when we are all supposedly remembering the Reformation. What reformation of the church has been before is how it will be, again.
True "reformation" will be the establishment of confessionally Reformed churches.
Not mere conferences.
Not mere book sales.
Not merely people getting excited to play Calvinist twice a year with their friends.
Not even pastors posturing in gatherings and parachurch organizations and waxing eloquent about "reforming."
It will be the revitalizing of dead or impure churches and the planting of new confessionally Reformed churches—in which a plurality of Elders formally subscribe to, teach, and govern according to the Reformed Confessions and Catechisms.
That is what reformation will look like. That is what reformation does look like, where it is currently taking place. And where it is happening, praise God for it.
The conferences are fun, no doubt about it. But all the weekend getaways to talk about predestination, the 5 Solas, and expository preaching (with speakers that are not part of a reformed body nor formally subscribing to Reformed standards) is not a definite sign of reformation.
It's enthusiasm. Perhaps even genuine initiative. But those conferences can be full of people from dead churches, without the means of grace, without faithful shepherds. And all the "Reformed" talk can end there, without any real change in any congregation.
There needs to be a difference on the ground, in local churches, on Sunday morning. When things visibly and spiritually change there, then you have something to be really excited about. And for that, the Philippines has a long way to go.