The Erosion of Orthodoxy: Lessons from the Decline of the Church of Scotland With Ian Hamilton

About the Guest(s): Ian Hamilton

Ian Hamilton is a scholar and minister with deep roots in the Presbyterian tradition. Raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Ian discovered his faith in his late teens and subsequently studied theology at Edinburgh University. His ministerial career spans over 35 years, with 20 years in the Church of Scotland and 17 years ministering at Cambridge Presbyterian Church in England. Ian has also taught historical theology and Puritan spirituality at Edinburgh Theological Seminary. Currently, he serves as the President of Westminster Seminary UK. Ian is married to Joan, and together they have four children and six grandchildren. Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of Renewalcast, hosts Colt and Jay welcome Ian Hamilton, a prominent figure in Presbyterian circles, to discuss the historical and contemporary trajectory of the Church of Scotland. Ian provides a detailed overview of his extensive career and his unique perspective on the theological and cultural shifts within the Church of Scotland over the years. This background sets the stage for a rich and insightful dialogue about the church's fluctuating commitment to the gospel truth. Throughout the conversation, Ian delves into the critical issues that have led to the Church of Scotland's current state, particularly the unsettling shift towards cultural relevancy at the expense of biblical orthodoxy. He reflects on the early challenges the church faced, from royal interferences to enlightenment rationalism, and how these have sown seeds of unbelief that continue to grow. The discussion also covers the struggles and consequences of maintaining doctrinal purity amidst changing times, with specific mentions of women's ordination and LGBTQ+ issues, and the impact of these decisions on the church’s integrity and membership. Key Takeaways:

• Historical Context: The Church of Scotland's origin during the Reformation and its initial evangelical and confessional stance.
• Cultural Relevance vs. Biblical Faithfulness: The modern church's struggle to balance the desire for cultural relevance with maintaining biblical orthodoxy.
• Internal Conflicts: The impact of moderatism and liberal theology on church unity and doctrinal integrity.
• Personal Reflections: Ian Hamilton's experiences and contemplations on facing ecclesiastical decisions and the importance of heart religion.
• Leadership in Crisis: Strategies for spiritual leaders to address theological and moral compromises within the church.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The church's first calling is to be faithful to the Lord, faithful to His word, which is transgenerationally true."
2. "Often heresies begin with a good concern; people want to be relevant."
3. "The history of the church is that people were fed to the lions rather than deny Christ."
4. "Everything to me ultimately comes back to the doctrine of God."
5. "Our problem today is that we have distanced ourselves from who God really is."

Resources:

• Edinburgh Theological Seminary: Website
• Westminster Seminary UK: Website
• The Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher: Amazon
• Memoirs of Thomas Boston: Amazon
• “The Essential Church” Documentary

Stay tuned to Renewalcast for more enlightening conversations and theological insights. Make sure to listen to the full episode to dive deeper into the valuable discussion about the Church of Scotland's history and challenges.