Today, I was reading an article comparing Adam Smith’s argument in favor (!) of establishments furnishing religious instruction with that of Thomas Chalmers. The essay concluded that, in light of their views, contemporary tax policies are warranted in exempting religious organizations from such standard civil obligations and in allowing deductions for contributions made to them. [...]
Archive for the ‘Parish in American Context’ Category
Rendering unto Caesar?
Posted in Establishments, Parish in American Context on June 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Laidlaw’s Plea and Plan
Posted in Benevolence & the Diaconate, Parish Theory & Practice, Parish in American Context, Thomas Chalmers on March 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
“A Plea and Plan for a Coöperative Church Parish System in Cities,” by Walter Laidlaw
In this essay, published in the American Journal of Sociology (1898), Walter Laidlaw advocates among the Protestant church a voluntary ‘cooperative parish system’ in the large cities of the United States for the spiritual, moral, and socio-economic benefit of the people. [...]
W. G. T. Shedd & Parochialism (2)
Posted in Parish Theory & Practice, Parish in American Context on December 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
Below are some solid quotes from Shedd’s Pastoral Theology on parochial visitation. It should be observed how much of the old European model he advocates, notwithstanding the American milieu in which he labored.
First, Shedd stipulates that pastors ought to be engaged in personal, ‘door to door’ visitation (as we might say) in his parish. In [...]
W. G. T. Shedd & Parochialism (1)
Posted in Cure of Souls, David Nasmith, Parish Theory & Practice, Parish in American Context on December 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
I’ve recently stumbled across Shedd’s Pastoral Theology at GoogleBooks. It contains several interesting insights into the theory and practice of Reformed parochialism. But even more intriguing is the fact that it illustrates the survival and idealization of the old, European ecclesiastical model within the untamed vastness of multi-denominational, disestablished America. And no, it’s not Roman [...]
