In a recent feature article on sexual abuse in Protestant and Catholic organizations, the World Magazine ends the articles by quoting columnist Rod Dreher who Twittered “Nice worlds from Pope Francis, but after all this time, and all these empty promises from the episcopate, what counts now are **deeds**.” The author then ends the article by saying that is what counts in Protestant churches as well. [1]
In the Protestant doctrine of salvation, all that is required is words. All we need to do to be saved is to believe. Why do we have one standard for sexual abuse in the church (deeds matter more than words) but think God has another standard for our salvation (only words matter)? Maybe we ought to read the book of James more. “Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?” (James 2:20 ESV).
______________________________
[1] Sophia Lee. “Crouching at Every Door–Conclusion”. World Magazine. September 15, 2018, p. 41.
