An All American Burgher?

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in “the Marrow Controversy”–an 18th Century theological debate that occurred in the church of Scotland over the nature of grace and the free offer of the Gospel. The controversy itself was fueled by a 17th Century work that bore the title, “The Marrow of Modern Divinity.” Those who consider the fight against both antinomianism and legalism to be foremost among matters in the Christian life consider this renewed interest in the Marrow Controversy to be a welcomed development.

A number of years ago, Sinclair Ferguson released The Whole Christ, a work that categorically breaks down the essence of the Marrow Controversy. Ferguson’s three lectures on the Marrow Controversy were the catalyst for generating a renewed interest in this subject. Phil Ryken, wrote a doctoral dissertation on the preaching of Thomas Boston–one of the renown Marrow Men, as well as the introduction to a reprint of The Marrow of Modern Divinity with Boston’s Notes. Ferguson, Ryken, Ligon Duncan, Joel Beeke, Tim Keller and William VanDoodewaard are among those who have written or spoken on the significance of the Marrow in our day.  While the nuances of the Marrow Controversy are essential for believers to come to grasp, the men involved came to be involved in yet another controversy in Scotland during the 18th Century–namely, the Burgher/Anti-Burgher schism.

Ralph and Ebenezer Erskine–from whom, the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church ARP, arose and, after whom, Erskine College and Seminary were named–were among the foremost of the Marrow Men. The Erskine brothers led the way in the 1730’s in seceding from the church of Scotland on account of their concern over doctrinal laxity in the church. After seeking to form their own Presbytery, the “Seceders”–as they came to be known–formed their own denomination, the United Secession Church. Sadly, more divisions were to follow. In 1747, the Secession Church divided into two groups, the Burghers and the Anti-Burghers over “the Burgher Oath.” The church required ministers to state whether or not they believe that the civil authorities (i.e., the Burgesses) were bound to profess “the true religion” (i.e., Protestantism) in order to hold office. The clause in the Burghers (or Burgess) Oath that caused so much consternation for the Anti-Burghers was as follows:

“Here I protest before God and your Lordships, that I profess and allow with all of my heart the true religion presently professed within this realm and authorized by the laws thereof; I shall abide thereat, and defend the same, to my life’s end; renouncing the Roman Catholic religion, called Papacy.”

The Erskine’s were among those who supported the Burgher oath; however, Ralph Erskine’s son, John, was among the Anti-Burgher faction–those who believed that it violated an individual’s conscience and the right of the state not to be put under compulsion by the church. In what is one of the saddest events among family relations in modern church history, John Erskine stood before his Presbytery and read the pronouncement of excommunication against his father-in-law for accepting the Burgess Oath. When Ralph lay on his deathbed, he called for his son to be reconciled to him. John refused to come and see him. This is the extent to which political differences can divide those who believe the same gospel and the same tenets of the Reformed faith.

Of course, you are most likely asking yourself the question, “How is any of this relevent to those of us living in 21st Century America? After all, we’re citizens of a post-Puritan, postmodern and, in many respects, a post-Christian society—far from the wars fought over Roman Catholic domination of civil governments.” In fact, the better part of the church today cares very little about whether ministers of bygone ages fought in the political realm with such conviction. Yet, a growing number of biblically minded believers in the 21st Century, while functioning in a very different context, often act as though we must pledge allegiance only to those who will promote some form of “Christian nationalism.” Though this is a distinct call from that issued by supporters of the Burgher oath–insomuch as Christian nationalists would support conservative Roman Catholic politicians in their vision of for Christendom’s influence in America–it is still on that trajectory.

Stephen Wolfe has defined Christian nationalism as “nationalism modified by Christianity.” Paul Miller explains that “Christian nationalists do not reject the First Amendment and do not advocate for theocracy, but they do believe that Christianity should enjoy a privileged position in the public square. The term ‘Christian nationalism,’ is relatively new. . .but it accurately describes American nationalists who believe American identity is inextricable from Christianity.”

When I was in seminary, I debated several theonomic students who insisted on such things as not voting for individuals running for office unless they have the same values down to the minutest policy. In one conversation, a fellow student insisted that he was adamant about not voting for “W,” because Bush supported the implementation of “faith-based initiatives”—a plan which secured federal funds for all religious organizations. Since such initiatives were considered “anti-Christian” my friend would not vote for anyone in the forthcoming election. I have had similar conversations with Christians who insist that they would never vote for a particular candidate because they found out that he voted in a specific way on some highly nuanced economic or foreign affair policy issue with which they disagreed. At the very least, it seemed as though my fellow seminarians could only be satisfied with either Reformed Presbyterian, postmillennial rulers or a radical libertarian who would leave everyone to figure it out on a local government level.

The fact of the matter is that our worldview certainly plays an enormous role in determining who we can vote for with a good conscience. While there are clear ethical standards by which we decide who we can vote for with good conscience (e.g., abortion, transgender surgies, freedom to practice religion, etc.), we need to be careful not to fall into the trap of embracing something akin to the Burgher oath. Christians in America have the right to vote for leaders who will advance ethical policies that accord with biblical standards. However, we must guard against being consummed by our political zeal. The faithful ministry of the word of God and the proclamation of the gospel are never dependent on the implementation of any form of “Christian nationalism.” It is dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of faithful men and women who are citizens of a heavenly kingdom.

Pre-Constantinian and post-Constantinian Christians have lived under a variety of governments who were either extremely hostile to or intolerant of Christianity. Nevertheless, Christ enabled them to faithfully endure to the end. The call to give the better part of our time and energy to advance some form of “Christian nationalism” is always overshadowed by the call to give priority to the proclaim of gospel and the word of God. The commitment of believers to see the propagation of the gospel spread to every corner of the earth is far more important than the quest for some particular manifestation of the implementation of biblical law into the government. The two may not necessarily be considered mutually exclusive; however, the former commitment must always have precedent over the latter. The apostolic example in the book of Acts and throughout the pages of the New Testament bears witness to this truth. We never see the Apostles involving themselves in political reform movements. They never instruct us to labor for any form of Christian nationalism. This is no small observation. The better part of “Christian nationalists” seek to bind the consciences of other believers to something the Scriptures have not bound them. Granted, in some sense we are all bound by our context. Accordingly, we have the privilege of voting in accord with our consciences. Yet, we must ever remember that this is not our home. Our ultimate hope can never be in a Christianized America. Our ultimate hope lies in the fact that we confess that “here we have no lasting city” (Heb. 13:14) but are “looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10).