Making sense of the ‘Word of God’ and ‘fundamental doctrines’: The questions and Formula in Church of Scotland ordination and setting-apart

Abstract

This article considers references to the ‘Word of God’ and ‘fundamental doctrines’ in the Formula and questions used in ordaining ministers, elders and deacons, and in setting apart readers. History and research suggest that ‘contained in’ has different meanings in two of the questions, and ‘fundamental doctrines’ means some but not all of the Westminster Confession of Faith doctrines, together with some doctrines on which that Confession is silent. A 1935 statement helps clarify what doctrines are ‘fundamental’, as do a 1992 statement, and the first 1926 Article Declaratory. The little-known 1935 statement is included as an Appendix.

Note: This paper was not part of the original conference and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Theological Forum.