Theologian’s Views Going To Assembly

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31086, 15 June 1966, Page 18

Theologian’s Views Going To Assembly

GN'cw Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 14. The Auckland Presbytery decided at a private meeting tonight to take its views of Professor L. G. Geering’s controversial theological beliefs to the General Assembly.

A motion proposed by the Rev. R. J. Blaikie was withdrawn in favour of making a formal overture to the Assembly. j The motion said that Professor Geering, whose recent series of articles in the Presbyterian journal “Outlook” has caused widespread controversy, had “seriously damaged the confidence of many congregations in Knox Hall, as well as adding critically to the strains of unity of our church.”

It suggested that apart from establishing a second theological college, only a change of staff at Knox Hall, where Professor Geering is principal, could remedy the situation.

A report issued by a special committee said that in questioning the interpretation of the New Testament, Professor Geering’s articles represented to some people a ‘‘radical

departure from the historic Christian faith.” It said that some members of the Presbytery saw in this “new theology” a religion without revelation which could lead to the abandonment of Christianity.