An Overview of the Insider Movement Discussion

The Presbyterian Church in America received an overture (read down the page to see what action was taken regarding the overture) last year related to the insider movement. Out of that, a study committee was developed to research the issue and develop a response to it. Part 1 of the committee’s response has been issued and is available here. Part 1 deals only with the related translation issue, particularly regarding the translation of “Son of God” into Muslim-majority languages. The committee will be asking the 40th General Assembly to give one more year for the completion of Part 2 of the report.

In light of this, I thought it might be helpful for PCA pastors to have an overview not only of the insider movement, but also of the arguments that have been presented on both sides of the issue. Accordingly, I’ve put together an article (adapted from my thesis) that does this. It also addresses the fact that I believe that Reformed theology has unique resources to address many of the issues. While this article doesn’t specifically develop a response based on those resources, it does give a few suggestions for what areas of Reformed theology could be explored in developing a response to the insider movement. If you read through the article and are interested in how I developed the beginnings of a response in light of the theology and missiology of Johan Herman Bavinck, contact me, and I’ll be happy to give you a copy.

Download the Paper