When I attended Lee College (Lee University today) starting in…

When I attended Lee College (Lee University today) starting in 1969 it was required of all students to take Dr. Donald Bowdle’s class on Christian Thought. There were two texts, his book “Redemption Accomplished and Applied” and the Shorter Westminster Catechism in a booklet format. There were portions of the Catechism that had to be memorized and on test exams.

The Catechism was in question and answer format with scripture supporting the answers.

I don’t know how long this had been a required class but for me it was there for the five years I was at Lee. A requirement was to read through the Bible in a semester.

The belief of sanctification was chiefly formed in the minds of the student body through Dr Bowdle. There were challenges among the faculty but we as students were not made aware of this.

The theology students got a deeper study of the Bible languages: Hebrew and Greek and that often led to discussions about sanctification.

My course of study was Bible education BA degree with a minor in Missions. I did not have to take a Bible language course.

Dr Bowdle in my opinion is the chief architect of the modern progressive sanctification movement of the COG. Others before him had paved the way however the official “doctrine” of the COG’s higher learning institutions was Dr. Bowdle’s definition of sanctification. Based in Westminster Reformed theology.

This formed the basis of the COG split (not designated so but in fact was a divide of the denomination) in 1988.

The great divide of the Church was planned and the majority of the assembly delegation came ready for the split. They packed their jewelry and adornment attire to wear the moment the new Church teachings were approved. The spoils of victory were displayed before the General Assembly approved the new resolution.

What we are seeing today in the COG is the awful outcome of that progressive sanction that was being taught in the 60’s at Lee College. Some still claim a Wesleyan outlook but it has diminished as an actual second work of grace sanctification.

The declaration of Faith stand not as a belief system of the COG rather as a monument to what the Church once was.