The Westminster Confession and Modern Society by F.H. Lee
This small booklet is in defence of the Westminster Confession, stating in the foreword that this Confession is ‘the high water mark of the Reformed Creeds of Christendom’. In the booklet the author, Dr Lee, who is a minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, seeks to show the relevance of the teaching of the Westminster Confession to modern society. The substance of the booklet was first delivered as a lecture to the Faculty and students of Faith Theological Seminary. On page 11 Dr Lee appears to advocate the view that this earth will be renovated and be the habitation for Christ and believers forever, as kings together. However, the more favourable view and that held by many is that we look for a new heaven and a new earth (cf II Peter 3: 10-13). Dr Lee suggests that ‘perhaps a good argument could be advanced to replace obsolescent words and phrases in the Confession by more understandable current terminology’. I do not agree with him on this point. The language of the Confession is concise and most expressive of the doctrines taught. Replacing words and phrases, in what is already understandable in the context, is fraught with dangers.
Otherwise I commend the booklet for the application which Dr Lee makes of the teaching of the Confession relative to different aspects of modern society. At a time when the Church of Scotland, among other bodies, is undermining the Westminster Confession of Faith, it is appreciated that an article should appear in defence of its relevance.
Issued by the Scottish Reformed Fellowship, copies are obtainable from Mr T. Frankland, 3 Montpellier Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 4NE. Retail price 8p.
M. MacI.