How to tell the difference between the Catholic Church and Certain Cults

[simonthezealot]

Something I've been curious about...do you belong to a church at all? As in a physical church with a structure of authority.

Yes, one with a plurality of elders, just like Clement of Rome writes about.

 

[LiturgyInDMinor]

well stated my friend

who says a Calvinist and an Arminian can't get along and agree on alot of things?

Indeed brother.

 

[LiturgyInDMinor]

Yes, one with a plurality of elders, just like Clement of Rome writes about.

Like a presbytery....ooo....Presbyterian! I knew we were right!!!
muwhahahahahahah

 

[simonthezealot]

Like a presbytery....ooo....Presbyterian! I knew we were right!!!
muwhahahahahahah

For the most part presbies are okay, you Calvin lover!

 

[LiturgyInDMinor]

For the most part presbies are okay, you Calvin lover!

awww shucks.

 

[Etsi]

Yes, one with a plurality of elders, just like Clement of Rome writes about.

I'm actually surprised, because your arguments appear to me to be almost anti any kind of church authority. I don't mean that as a cut either...was just curious.

 

[simonthezealot]

I'm actually surprised, because your arguments appear to me to be almost anti any kind of church authority. I don't mean that as a cut either...was just curious.

Why so?

I'm in favor of Godly men being in charge of the direction of the Christ loving community, providing they follow scripture 1st and foremost.

 

[Etsi]

Why so?

I'm in favor of Godly men being in charge of the direction of the Christ loving community, providing they follow scripture 1st and foremost.

There are those the live by scripture, but do not have the spirit.

 

[Rick Otto]

I'm actually surprised, because your arguments appear to me to be almost anti any kind of church authority. I don't mean that as a cut either...was just curious.

That comment like most pro-church authority statements, sounds to me to be almost anti God's authority. No malice intended here, either. I'm comfortable letting people decide for themselves. I don't believe any of us were given dominion over another.

 

[Yab Yum]

How could a person exercise spirituality without a religion?

How can a person exercise spirituality within a religion?

 

[Rick Otto]

Excellent.
It's like, "How can we make man aware of his sin w/out law?

Well, the truth is, it takes divine intervention because the will has been rendered biased toward sin. Any freedom we can imagine it ever had is stained by the inescapable fact of our spiritual entropy.
But scaffolding of spiritual wisdom is not dependant upon an external or even 'christian' facade. Paul pointed out there are Gentiles who are conscientious toward God, indicating the spiritual delivery device of religion is at best a crutch, necessary for some of us, but hopefully something we'll outgrow.

 

[Etsi]

That comment like most pro-church authority statements, sounds to me to be almost anti God's authority. No malice intended here, either. I'm comfortable letting people decide for themselves. I don't believe any of us were given dominion over another.

I'm not taking it as such However, I would have to disagree considering God does set up authorities.