And I would tell you that I'm not interested in Catholic or Orthodox standpoints, if it strays from God's word or cannot be reinforced. Church tradition or views of priests are interesting, but it must answer to God's Word. It is why we have it. As there is no Biblical verse backing up your view that the layman needs his reading filtered…
And I would tell you that I'm not interested in Catholic or Orthodox standpoints, if it strays from God's word or cannot be reinforced. Church tradition or views of priests are interesting, but it must answer to God's Word. It is why we have it. As there is no Biblical verse backing up your view that the layman needs his reading filtered through a priesthood. The trend has been to make the Bible available to the layman, not restrict it from him. This was a move of the Holy Spirit. Because no mere book would reach and change men's hearts. It is living and the Holy Spirit resides there. Verses call ALL BELIEVERS to read it and commit it to their hearts. This would not be the case, none of it, if it was to be restricted to dissemination by elders.
The Bible also is referred to as the "Word of God" in its own pages.
Catholics and Orthodox need to get used to Protestants being out of there. It is ok for you to contest my views, that's fine. But I can tell you, I'm not at all interested in what your elders have to say. I'm interested in what God's Word says. For that is why the Lord gave it to us. ALL of us, elders, pastors, priests, layman, have to check utterances and views against that. And guess what? If the Bible says one thing and some clergyman says another, that clergyman is wrong.
I think the issue is that different believers have a lot of different ideas about what it means to do that. But you have already made it clear that you aren't interested in the other standpoints, and therefore the discussion is over.
No. I've no interest in being "corrected" by those who practice Orthodoxy. I'm not Orthodox and will not take that approach. Any more than you want to take on Protestantism. But as long as we don't get lost on the point of it all, that being Christ, that should be OK. Shouldn't it?
That's one thing that bothers me about some practitioners of Orthodoxy. You seem to be more about Orthodoxy than about Jesus.
You say, "there are different believers here who have different ideas of what it means to do that." So let it be. Can you deal with the fact I'm not going to be Orthodox? Because I'm not. And I honestly do not care if you are Orthodox.
I only care about people finding Christ. And I am at peace with the different churches and their styles, the ones that truly are about the Gospel and souls finding Christ. And I've seen it in Catholics, Orthodox and a whole range of Protestants.
In the big picture, yes. But the theological differences can also be quite substantial, and they are not without consequence. I personally favor a big-tent ethos, but I can also see why some believers may begin to wonder if they all do in fact belong in the same tent.
Well, I'm presently Eastern Catholic, but with strong Orthodox sympathies. And yes—I'm at peace with you being your way if you're fine with me being my way. Your rather pugilistic communication style just sometimes seems to suggest that you want everyone to be your way, so I'm glad you clarified that.
Christ is a big tent. Because the bottom line is Christ and his salvation.
As for those wondering, let them bring their questions, if they feel the need.
Me, personally, I learned long ago not to get wrapped up in theological differences. If you can make a Biblical case and your bottom line is Christ, even better if I can see the change being wrought, that is good enough for me.
And I would tell you that I'm not interested in Catholic or Orthodox standpoints, if it strays from God's word or cannot be reinforced. Church tradition or views of priests are interesting, but it must answer to God's Word. It is why we have it. As there is no Biblical verse backing up your view that the layman needs his reading filtered through a priesthood. The trend has been to make the Bible available to the layman, not restrict it from him. This was a move of the Holy Spirit. Because no mere book would reach and change men's hearts. It is living and the Holy Spirit resides there. Verses call ALL BELIEVERS to read it and commit it to their hearts. This would not be the case, none of it, if it was to be restricted to dissemination by elders.
The Bible also is referred to as the "Word of God" in its own pages.
Catholics and Orthodox need to get used to Protestants being out of there. It is ok for you to contest my views, that's fine. But I can tell you, I'm not at all interested in what your elders have to say. I'm interested in what God's Word says. For that is why the Lord gave it to us. ALL of us, elders, pastors, priests, layman, have to check utterances and views against that. And guess what? If the Bible says one thing and some clergyman says another, that clergyman is wrong.
Feel as you will. As I said, there is no argument to be had on this matter.
I do not see why there should be. We are all Christians here and seek to above all point the way to Christ.
Right?
I think the issue is that different believers have a lot of different ideas about what it means to do that. But you have already made it clear that you aren't interested in the other standpoints, and therefore the discussion is over.
No. I've no interest in being "corrected" by those who practice Orthodoxy. I'm not Orthodox and will not take that approach. Any more than you want to take on Protestantism. But as long as we don't get lost on the point of it all, that being Christ, that should be OK. Shouldn't it?
That's one thing that bothers me about some practitioners of Orthodoxy. You seem to be more about Orthodoxy than about Jesus.
You say, "there are different believers here who have different ideas of what it means to do that." So let it be. Can you deal with the fact I'm not going to be Orthodox? Because I'm not. And I honestly do not care if you are Orthodox.
I only care about people finding Christ. And I am at peace with the different churches and their styles, the ones that truly are about the Gospel and souls finding Christ. And I've seen it in Catholics, Orthodox and a whole range of Protestants.
I'm at peace with that.
In the big picture, yes. But the theological differences can also be quite substantial, and they are not without consequence. I personally favor a big-tent ethos, but I can also see why some believers may begin to wonder if they all do in fact belong in the same tent.
Well, I'm presently Eastern Catholic, but with strong Orthodox sympathies. And yes—I'm at peace with you being your way if you're fine with me being my way. Your rather pugilistic communication style just sometimes seems to suggest that you want everyone to be your way, so I'm glad you clarified that.
Christ is a big tent. Because the bottom line is Christ and his salvation.
As for those wondering, let them bring their questions, if they feel the need.
Me, personally, I learned long ago not to get wrapped up in theological differences. If you can make a Biblical case and your bottom line is Christ, even better if I can see the change being wrought, that is good enough for me.
The Lord's peace upon you.