Is it possible to be a Christian and not go to church??

"Polity: (1) political organization; (2) a specific form of political organization; (3) a politically organized unit; (4a) the form or constitution of a politically organized unit; (4b) the form of government of a religious denomination."

Many Americans have a very negative view of politics and political organizations (including government). However, every organization needs rules and a form by which to live and function. If it lacks rules and forms, or if the rules and forms are inadequate, one has a chaotic organization.

We'll learn about the "politics" (in a GOOD sense--the sense of how do we try to have a good organization rather than a chaotic one) of Presbyterianism in this chapter.

When you get to Question 83, you may appreciate this joke:

Church visitor to Pastor: Tell me, what kind of millennialist are you? Are you a premillennialist, a postmillennialist, or an amillennialist?

Pastor: Oh, I'm none of those. I'm a panmillennialist.

Church visitor? I've never heard of that group. What do you believe?

Pastor: I believe that it will all pan out in the end!

Sorry--but there is something important in the answer!!!

Only a small portion of our time is spent in the church building or participating in church organizational activities. But we are called to be Christians 100% of the time. McKim talks about some issues of our Christian life. Are there others that you wish he would have discussed?

This chapter discusses two elements of our worship--the sacraments of baptism and of the Lord's Supper. As you read this chapter, remember that it is continuation of our study of worship.

In this chapter we should find out some of the differences between Presbyterians and other Christians with respect to worship. Do you find anything new? Do you find anything you disagree with? Has anything here helped your understanding of worship?

Salvation relates us once again to God, but it also relates us to others who are in relationship with God. This week we'll learn more about the church, which is composed of those in relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Did you know that the word "salvation" comes from the same Latin root as "health." We see that in English with our word "salve," which the dictionary defines as to remedy (as disease) with or as if with a salve; quiet, assuage (as to give a raise in salary to salve his feelings". In French, the relationship is very clear, since the same word--salût--means both health and salvation.

You might keep this in mind as you read this chapter. What "disease" did God have to heal in humans, in us, in me? What happens when the remedy isn't used?

I look forward to reading your responses.

The Holy Spirit is the focus of this chapter. For many Christians, this member of the Trinity is the least understood. Does McKim help you understand the Holy Spirit? Do you still have questions?

The topic of this chapter is Humanity. We'll have nice "light" subjects like "the purpose of life," "the image of God," "sin," and "free will." This last topic gets us indirectly back to the subject of predestination that was the focus of several comments the first week. So let's get the conversation going again!