A Confession

Donald J. Bruggink

edited by Bob Terwilliger, spring 2022

After thirty-seven years as the James A. H. Cornell Professor of Historical Theology, I must make a confession to a large degree of professional failure. I obviously failed for all too many to instill a love for and commitment to the unity of the body of Christ. Perhaps the history of the church with all its divisions led me astray, but each division should have been taken as an opportunity to emphasize Christ’s prayer “that they may be one even as we are one” (John 17:22).

In the December issue of The Banner “some churches” of the RCA have “decided that remaining in fellowship with classes that see this issue [same sex marriage] differently would be the same as endorsement” (p. 20). Really? As professed, baptized Christians we can’t live in fellowship with one another because seeing things differently is the same as endorsement? My views on many subjects – the one above, as well as political views – are different than those of many in my home church of Third, Holland. I certainly don’t plan on leaving Third or trying to get my sisters and brothers to leave because we disagree, nor do I even plan on breaking fellowship. Our taking communion together is not a sign that I endorse their views or that they endorse mine. The Lord’s Supper is a sign that we are one in Christ who forgives us each for wrong-headed ideas and even forgives us for uncharitably holding right ones.

I repent for not having taught more effectively the oneness of the body of Christ and pray for the charity that will enable the RCA to remain one body, growing in charity even as we differ.

     Don got his A.B. from Central College, his B.D. (M.Div.) from Western Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. He also studied at the American Academy in Rome. Don served as pastor at Fordham Manor in Bronx, was a lecturer at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, a visiting professor, assistant professor, and since 1966, the James A. H. Cornell Professor of Historical Theology at Western Theological Seminary. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Hope College and San Francisco Theological Seminary, and for many years was the editor of the Historical Series of the Reformed Church. He is now a General Synod Professor Emeritus. Don lives in Holland, MI. brugginkd@hope.edu