This is theological post regarding matters within a particular denomination of the Presbyterian Church and as such may seem trifling to many of you. Nevertheless. Several months ago, we posted on the new “Report of the Ad Interim Study Committee on Federal Vision, New Perspective, and Auburn Avenue Theology” (for a primer on this theological issue, read this). The proponents of said theology have responded here, with an initial “24-theses” rebuttal by Dr. Peter Leithart of New St. Andrew’s College. His first thesis:

It’s long been a frustration that there is no forum for theological discussion and debate in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Presbyteries sometimes devote time to such discussion, but that’s too rare. And General Assembly (GA) is simply not a place where theological debate can be expected to happen. The General Assembly debate on the Federal Vision (FV) was a case in point. Nearly two hours were devoted to the committee report, but virtually no theological claims were made or disputed. The Assembly quickly determined that justification by faith was the issue, on the assumption that some in the PCA are denying it (which is not true). Once the debate went in that direction, the outcome was predetermined, as we Calvinists like to say. We all know what we think about justification by faith; we in fact know all that needs to be known; no need to discuss; let’s vote.

For those with an interest in this debate, you will enjoy parsing out these points.