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We must break down the wall by examining each brick that divides us.
This takes study, prayer, and debate.
We must break down the wall by examining each brick that divides us.
This takes study, prayer, and debate.
As I recall, he merely said that Scripture is all that would persuade him.
And my reply was to the effect that it doesn't matter that you disagree with each other about this, because we already know that. The problem is how to deal with it, not how to make one side go away.
Jn. 16: Jesus said He would send the Spirit of truth to guide His people into 'all truth.' And the Bible says in Isaiah, 'You will hear a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk ye in it.'
quote]
John 16 consists of Jesus addressing his disciples, not you or me.
Jesus gives them his authority. If we reject them, he says, we will be rejecting him.
I believe protestantism is a rejection of the teaching of the disciples.
Orthodox faiths do not reject the vast majority of these teachings.
We can learn what the apostles taught by reading the words and/or stories of those who studied under them.(Ignatius, Polycarp, Clement, Barnabas, etc.)
Have you done that?
And a moratorium on finger-pointing and demonizing those on the other side. Defense-avoiding communication is the key. Focus on fact and evidence, rather than on accusatory statements.
Do you think that can be done?
Isn't that what all of us here are doingWe must break down the wall by examining each brick that divides us.
This takes study, prayer, and debate.
This will only be possible if a level field leading to respect is established.
Isn't that what all of us here are doing
John 18:29 Went forth then the Pilate toward them and said "what accusation/kathgorian <2724> do ye bring against the Man, this one"?
30 They answered and said to him, "If He were not an evil-doer, not ever this-one to thee we have delivered Him."
Of course. For the most part, that is exactly what's been going on in this thread.
I believe that Jesus is leading the Church into truth. I believe that individual men are in error when they reach conclusions that are contradicted by the Church.
I believe that Christian unity is only possible in the Catholic Church, and I also believe that it will become a reality before Jesus returns.
It's beautiful. You have never experienced the presence of Jesus fully until you are in the presence of his body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist.
I have a request for you. Check your local Catholic Churches to find out when they offer Eucharistic adoration. Some parishes offer perpetual adoration, 24 hours a day.
This is a quiet prayer time where the consecrated host is exposed.
Try to schedule a time to attend an adoration service for a few minutes of prayer before the body and blood of Jesus.
Let me know if you feel the presence of Christ in a new way.
I'm game for it. And it certainly sounds Scriptural, what Jesus would call for. How about others?
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As I've iterated previously, I think respecting the differences - and their historical reality- is a good start. I think it would be silly to ask the EO to stuff a rag in half of their mouth before they speak (deny part of what they received).
I don't desire to convince, but explain. But if the explanation is pre-conceived to be bootless, what is the point of the effort ?
I'm not trying to be difficult, I am trying to point out some of the difficulties in communication between us. If the differences stand, and the efforts are treated with suspicion, then I think it would be pointless to continue. I am not offended either way - just want clarity.
I have visited a Dominican convent where there is perpetual adoration of the wafer and the wine. Although I am quite convinced that it was very meaningful to some individuals, it did nothing for me. I am also convinced that for some individuals worship in a Hindu, Shinto, or Buddhist temple is equally moving and meaningful.
Thats because he (Luther I assume) went beyond reform. He tried to introduce heresy. That is unacceptable
That kind of language tends to incite. And it can go both ways. Rather than accuse someone of heresy, why not seek to build up and build bridges--find common ground, and let the Holy Spirit lead?
Speaking for myself, I would think that each person should have the freedom to present whatever he or she wishes, within forum parameters. Recognize that if it is presented on a discussion forum, it is going to be evaluated. Each person, then, also has the freedom to do with what is presented whatever he or she chooses, within forum parameters. Live and let live.
Dave
I was not trying to incite. According to Catrholic teachings, the things Luther was teraching were heresy. And since he did not recant he had to be excomminicated. Period.
He was right to seek reform regarding corruptions and bad behaviors in the Church. Heck, we still do that today. But to go beyond that and introduce heresies is a whole other matter.
Protestant orthodox churches do not teach heresy. Period.
I was not trying to incite. According to Catrholic teachings, the things Luther was teraching were heresy. And since he did not recant he had to be excomminicated. Period.
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