you are what/who you read, but how to know what/who to read?

Jesusthekingofking · Oct 11, 2020

luther and calvin read augustine and inherit his theology. today we can read vastly, we have had the works of hundred of great theologian as we are currently in the 21th century. But how should we read to get the most out of it? in my observation, Lutheran will read Lutheran theologian, reformed Christian read within their circle, and so on.. how can we read widely without been influenced within a narrow circle? we can't get our friends to recommend books to us, because I believe most of our friends are merely ppl around us who more or less have similar influence as us.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) · Oct 11, 2020

Sounds like a sure fire way to get traditions of men passed down. Granted, those men you mentioned were right about many things and I'm sure were sound in theology and in life, but they didn't have a correct tap on everything. The best teacher is the Holy Spirit. Plus, new wine can only be put in new wineskins. Those men have been gone for hundreds of years. Lol

Danigt22 · Oct 11, 2020

Jesusthekingofking said:
luther and calvin read augustine and inherit his theology. today we can read vastly, we have had the works of hundred of great theologian as we are currently in the 21th century. But how should we read to get the most out of it? in my observation, Lutheran will read Lutheran theologian, reformed Christian read within their circle, and so on.. how can we read widely without been influenced within a narrow circle? we can't get our friends to recommend books to us, because I believe most of our friends are merely ppl around us who more or less have similar influence as us.

We have the holy ghost. Ask him for guidance. He is the only who truly knows scripture.

Jesusthekingofking · Oct 11, 2020

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:
Sounds like a sure fire way to get traditions of men passed down. Granted, those men you mentioned were right about many things and I'm sure were sound in theology and in life, but they didn't have a correct tap on everything. The best teacher is the Holy Spirit. Plus, new wine can only be put in new wineskins. Those men have been gone for hundreds of years. Lol

still a very vague answer. I'm looking for methodology. I agree or convinced Augustine is right on many things, because the 3 main branches churches (catholic, eastern, protestants churches) are heavily influenced by him for decades.

Jesusthekingofking · Oct 11, 2020

Danigt22 said:
We have the holy ghost. Ask him for guidance. He is the only who truly knows scripture.

even many heretic bible teachers or group can say so. Do you believe Joseph smith is right? or you agree with Issac newton that the trinity is a false doctrine?

d taylor · Oct 11, 2020

I seek out all free grace books/teachings or at least most all.

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) · Oct 11, 2020

Jesusthekingofking said:
still a very vague answer. I'm looking for methodology. I agree or convinced Augustine is right on many things, because the 3 main branches churches (catholic, eastern, protestants churches) are heavily influenced by him for decades.

You're not a leader then; you're a follower. Either way, the litmus test is simple: As a doctrine..Does it align with the totality of scripture? As a child of God...Do you obey whatever precepts it commands? God bless you brother in your searching.

Sabertooth · Oct 11, 2020

Jesusthekingofking said:
even many heretic bible teachers or group can say so. Do you believe Joseph smith is right? or you agree with Issac newton that the trinity is a false doctrine?

The key is loving Jesus. Even true Christians might entertain false teaching in their efforts to grow. If we love Jesus, first & foremost, false teachings will become evident as they challenge that love. Such an error doesn't threaten one's Salvation. The person is just incorrect about that subject.

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly,

but then face to face.

Now I know in part,

but then I shall know just as I also am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV

Danigt22 · Oct 11, 2020

Jesusthekingofking said:
even many heretic bible teachers or group can say so. Do you believe Joseph smith is right? or you agree with Issac newton that the trinity is a false doctrine?

Joseph isnt the holy ghost. He doesnt read the bible. He doesnt even believe the lord Jesus Christ is God.

Jonaitis · Oct 11, 2020

Jesusthekingofking said:
luther and calvin read augustine and inherit his theology. today we can read vastly, we have had the works of hundred of great theologian as we are currently in the 21th century. But how should we read to get the most out of it? in my observation, Lutheran will read Lutheran theologian, reformed Christian read within their circle, and so on.. how can we read widely without been influenced within a narrow circle? we can't get our friends to recommend books to us, because I believe most of our friends are merely ppl around us who more or less have similar influence as us.

If you have been around most Protestant circles, especially the Reformed, we read and learn from theologians and authors from every denomination. I have never met a person who strictly listens to teachers, authors, theologians and the like from their denomination alone. In the Reformed camp, we highly respect many men who come from Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and even early Roman Catholic traditions.

Aussie Pete · Oct 12, 2020

Jesusthekingofking said:
luther and calvin read augustine and inherit his theology. today we can read vastly, we have had the works of hundred of great theologian as we are currently in the 21th century. But how should we read to get the most out of it? in my observation, Lutheran will read Lutheran theologian, reformed Christian read within their circle, and so on.. how can we read widely without been influenced within a narrow circle? we can't get our friends to recommend books to us, because I believe most of our friends are merely ppl around us who more or less have similar influence as us.

One of the least denominationally biased writers ever is Watchman Nee. I'd start with "The Normal Christian Life", a classic that is life changing - if you let the truth get into your heart. Another is "The Life That Wins".

Jesusthekingofking · Oct 12, 2020

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) said:
You're not a leader then; you're a follower. Either way, the litmus test is simple: As a doctrine..Does it align with the totality of scripture? As a child of God...Do you obey whatever precepts it commands? God bless you brother in your searching.

totality of scripture is subjective to which group or denomination you ascribe to isn't it? and that does affect your obedience and how you live your life isn't it?

Jesusthekingofking · Oct 12, 2020

Aussie Pete said:
One of the least denominationally biased writers ever is Watchman Nee. I'd start with "The Normal Christian Life", a classic that is life changing - if you let the truth get into your heart. Another is "The Life That Wins".

Watchman nee is less biased? he's heavy influenced by the inner life group - Jessie Penn-Lewis, kewisk movement, the exclusive breathen

Jesusthekingofking · Oct 12, 2020

Jonaitis said:
If you have been around most Protestant circles, especially the Reformed, we read and learn from theologians and authors from every denomination. I have never met a person who strictly listens to teachers, authors, theologians and the like from their denomination alone. In the Reformed camp, we highly respect many men who come from Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist and even early Roman Catholic traditions.

are you saying there are people from Lutheran and eventually became reformed? I can even argue there are many reformed but converted to catholic.

Reformed and Lutheran can't even agree with each other so we can't simply says that reformed circle are made up of various denominations.

Jonaitis · Oct 12, 2020

Jesusthekingofking said:
are you saying there are people from Lutheran and eventually became reformed? I can even argue there are many reformed but converted to catholic.

Reformed and Lutheran can't even agree with each other so we can't simply says that reformed circle are made up of various denominations.

No, what I am saying is that there is no Protestant that reads/listens/learns anything strictly within their own denomination. I used the Reformed circle as an example, that many Reformed folk read and listen to various people from various denominations.

you are what/who you read, but how to know what/who to read?

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