Gentlemen,

First, I want to reiterate Sherri’s and my affection for you. We believe that one of the most tragic aspects of Reformedville is its incessant habit of demonizing everyone with whom anyone disagrees. God judges us by our obedience, and he judges us by our intent and our heart. Can anyone honestly doubt, having read Jesus’ parables, that God prefers the man trying to do right who makes mistakes to the man who actually does right for the wrong reasons? I think we should follow that example. Reformed folks tend to assume that everyone who disagrees with them is intentionally, willfully in error (concomitant to that, they always assume they themselves are without error, and that any error they might have is minor). Perhaps nowhere has this become more vitriolic than when Reformed people address politics (all the more ironic since so few of the ones talking know anything about it), refusing to extend even the slightest courtesy, and jumping to harshly judge the hearts and motives, of men they do not know. This ought not be, not least because the Presbyterian form of church polity and the republican form of government both afford plenty of opportunity to debate matters and address and change errors (or at least to get our way). We should extend grace to our leaders, grace to those in our service, and grace to our fellowman, not least because Christ has extended infinitely greater grace to us. We can start by being gracious in our debates, and I want to assure you that that is our intent toward you.

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