Getting Closer===The Presbyterians.

Getting closer to the top, we come across the Presbyterians. Historically they have a couple of big things to overcome.

One. They come from a Calvinist tradition. Which means there ain't nothing you can do---God has already determined whether he likes you or not. If he doesn't, you've had it. Everlasting burning. Well this isn't really a hot mission message so.....this isn't mentioned even on Wickepedia. By some fancy footwork the Presbyterians believe in predestination and don't believe in predestination. So they are a scholarly group.

Two. They gave the name and the intellectual cover for fundamentalism, early in the 20th century. But again they've dropped this. They don't want you to remember that W.J. Bryan was of their group.

In literature we think of Sinclair Lewis. Why? Because the Presbys were what he used to represent staid the middle class religion of the American businessman. Check it out in your home town and you'll find most of your bank presidents in the 20's went to the First Presbyterian Church in your village.

But they've changed a lot. Still a lot of boring businessmen, but with a new theology and social concern they are the perfect church for the respectable who don't want to get too far out on the liberal limb, but like to give generously to the Community Chest.

Their archetecture is solid and impressive. Ther sermons are solid, without either hurting your conscience or jolting you awake. Hey, next to St. Thomas, the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church inNew York is about as 'tony (toney? as you can get.

So, if your daughter wants to marry into this group, you should be satisfied. Good social standing, and rather light, but not totally dismissive, of issues like same sex marriage. A good fit for those who believe in God, but don't want to get carried away with the idea and do something that would keep them out of the Rotary Club.