Well, there are probably many ways to answer that question. We can look, of course, to the Scriptures. We can look further to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Some of us Presbyterians have had courses on church history and that is helpful too.
Still, how might one define a Presbyterian? I ran across the following today and hope that it is helpful.
“A Presbyterian is a Methodist with a drinking problem who isn’t rich enough to be an Episcopalian!”
Well, I am going to keep looking to see if I can come up with a better definition.
Do you have any good one liners?
October 17, 2007 at 2:35 pm
A Presbyterian is one who when the spirit comes upon him in power, he doesn’t raise his hands and shout Hallelujuah, rather he scratches his chin, turns to his neighbor and whispers “hmmm, . . . that was a good point.”
October 17, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Along the lines of what Bill said, a Presbyterian is one who coughs and under their breath muffles an “a-men”.
Similar perhaps to the difference between a Catholic, Jew and Baptist: The Catholics don’t recognize Christ as the Mediator between the Father and men, Jew’s don’t recognize Christ as the Savior of men and Baptist don’t recognize each other in the liquor store.
Presbyterians I have found, not only recognize people in the liquor and tobacco stores – they also own them!
Cheers and does anyone have a cigar cutter…?
JS
October 17, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Well, I have to tell a Terry Jones favorite. A bit off topic, but…
How many Presbyterian elders should you take fishing with you?
Two. If you take one, he will drink all your beer. If you take two, they’ll drink none of it!
October 22, 2007 at 7:12 pm
The Presbyterian Hymn (sung to the tune of God Bless America [or God, Bless America])
I am a Presbyterian,
I believe in democracy.
Not a Bishop,
Nor a Cardinal,
Nor a Pope shall ever have authority.
I have money,
I have power,
I have property,
But I’m not a snob.
I am a Presbyterian,
Just like God;
I am a Presbyterian,
Just like God.
October 22, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Anonymous,
Thanks for your post. Not sure if it was meant to be funny or not.
Anyway, FYI, Presbyterianism actually is nowhere near democracy, by definition. Assume you knew that and were just making fun.
Les
October 22, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Anon. Thanks for posting. Assume you were intending to make a joke and be funny.
FYI, Presbyterianism is nowhere near democracy, by definition, but I assume you know that.
Les
October 23, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Les,
Point well taken - “I believe in representative democracy (or something similar)…”
Yes, this is intended to be quite tongue in cheek — I learned this from a member of a youth group that I led many years ago.