wfn.org | Valentine examines nature of absolutism and fanaticism in

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Note #6655 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

challenging speech
12-June-2001
GA01096

Valentine examines nature of absolutism and fanaticism in challenging speech

Former moderator speaks at Semper Reformanda dinner as organization approves
merger with Witherspoon Society

by Emily Enders Odom

LOUISVILLE, June 12 - At the conclusion of the Rev. Herbert Valentine's
compelling message entitled True Believers, his third person address became
suddenly personal with an unexpected shift to the first person plural. 
"What do I suggest we do about all of this," he asked, after having outlined
in precise language the dangers of claiming possession of the totality of
truth.  "Very simple.  Hold up the mirror to ourselves at the same time we
are looking out the window and determine what the objects are of our
devotion.

	"It may very well turn out," he continued, "that we progressives or
liberals are the ones who are the fanatics."

	The speech was given at the Semper Reformanda dinner, Tuesday evening.

	Valentine had earlier cited the origin of the word "fanatic" as having its
basis in the Latin root, fanum, or sacred place.  Everything outside of that
sacred place, he said, is profane, and must therefore be dismissed by the
"true believer."  "The fanatic," he explained, citing a humorist, "is the
one who knows he is doing what the Lord is telling him to do if the Lord
were in possession of all the facts."

	Paraphrasing Karl Rahner, Valentine offered that "truth is like the
horizon; it is equidistant from us all."  In the spirit of that statement,
he called for continued dialogue and an open exchange of ideas.  "Whenever
and wherever ideas cease to be exchanged," he intoned, "whenever that stops,
history tells us that blood flows."

	In the business meeting which preceded Valentine's address, a memorandum of
agreement was adopted merging the Semper Reformanda and Witherspoon Society
organizations under one board of directors, with one mission statement, one
program, one budget and staff.  The new organization will retain the
Witherspoon Society name. However, the name Semper Reformanda will continue
to appear in the organization's newsletter and at General Assembly.  Elected
as members of the new Witherspoon Society Board were Barbara Kellam-Scott,
José Olagues and Ken Smith.

	An additional highlight of the evening, held at the Galt House East, was
the introduction by Elenora Giddings Ivory, director of the Washington
Office, of Jenny Lin.  Lin is to serve, beginning September 4, as the first
Washington Presbyterian Office intern to be funded by Semper Reformanda's
internship program in honor of Robert J. Stone.  Stone, one of the initial
organizers of Semper Reformanda, served as the first moderator of the
organization from 1995 to 1997.

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