Confession of a Secret Life of Covenant Theology
A Baptist pastor from California has revealed his secret hobby of buying Presbyterian theology books in disguise. He said that he had been doing this for several months, because he was afraid of being judged by his fellow Baptists.
He explained that he did not agree with everything that Presbyterians believed, but he admired their intellectual rigor, their historical roots, and their biblical fidelity. He said that he found their books to be challenging, edifying, and enlightening. He said that they made him think deeper about God, His Word, and His covenant.
"I have always been curious about other perspectives and traditions. I think it's important to learn from others who love God and His Word, even if they have different views on some issues. I don't think that makes me a traitor or a heretic. I think it makes me a better student and a better teacher," he said.
He also said that he believed that there was only one true church, the universal church of all believers in Christ. He said that he considered Presbyterians as his brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of their secondary differences. He said that he was saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. He said that he was called to love one another as Christ loved him.
"We are all part of the same family, the same body, the same kingdom. We have the same Lord, the same Savior, the same Spirit. We have the same gospel, the same faith, the same hope. We should not let our differences divide us or hinder us from fellowship and cooperation," he said.
He said that reading Presbyterian theology books did not make him less of a Baptist or less of a Christian. He said that it made him more of a learner, more of a thinker, more of a seeker. He said that it made him more humble, more grateful, more worshipful.
"These books have challenged me to think more deeply about God and His ways. They have edified me to grow more in grace and knowledge. They have enlightened me to see more of His glory and beauty. They have not changed my core beliefs or convictions, but they have enriched my understanding and appreciation of them," he said.
He said that God was bigger than any label or category that they put on themselves or others, or any system or tradition that they followed or rejected. He said that God was bigger than any book or author that they read or ignored. He said that God was good to give him these books and make him a Baptist.
"God is not limited by our human categories or labels. He is not bound by our human systems or traditions. He is not dependent on our human books or authors. He is God alone, and He is good. He is good to give us His Word and His Spirit to guide us into all truth. He is good to give us His people and His gifts to equip us for every good work. He is good to give me these books and make me a Baptist," he said.
He asked for forgiveness and understanding from his congregation, his denomination, the bookstore owner, and the cashier. He said that he would never wear a disguise again or buy books in secret. He said that he would be proud of who he was and what he read.
The bookstore owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he was surprised and amused by the pastor's confession. He said that he had noticed him several times in his store, but he did not recognize him as a Baptist pastor.
"He looked like a typical Presbyterian minister to me. He wore a suit and tie, glasses, and a beard. He carried a briefcase and a magazine. He seemed very serious and scholarly. I had no idea that he was wearing a disguise or buying books in secret," he said.
He said that he did not mind selling Presbyterian theology books to anyone who wanted to buy them, regardless of their denomination or affiliation. He said that he respected everyone's freedom of choice and expression.
"I don't discriminate against anyone based on their beliefs or preferences. I sell books to anyone who wants to buy them, as long as they pay for them. I respect everyone's right to choose what they want to read and learn from," he said.
He said that he forgave the pastor for deceiving him and using cash instead of credit card, and appreciated his apology and his honesty. He said that he hoped that he would continue to visit his store and buy more books from him.
"I'm glad that he came clean and told me the truth. I'm glad that he apologized and asked for forgiveness. I'm glad that he enjoys reading my books and learning from them. I hope that he will come back soon and buy more books from me. Maybe next time he can try some Lutheran or Anglican books," he joked.
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