Progressive Southern Baptist

[Vanguard PCD]

I usually label myself (as much as I hate labels) as Non-denominational, but I grew up as a Southern Baptist. I recently came across a website that talked about how some Christians like their SB roots, but have grown to be more moderate, and even liberal, BUT...it is an issue by issue basis.

One author commented on how he felt that he was more of a Progressive Southern Baptist (that was a new one on me) but after reading about his beliefs, I was like "THAT'S ME!" Ironically, most of the non-denominational churches around here (Alabama) might as well call themselves SB, based on their beliefs.

What makes me a Baptist (aside from my upbringing)?

1. I do not believe in infant baptism as far as them being Christians immediately after. I believe someone needs to understand the choice they are making, and commit to it. Infants are incapable of doing that. However, I am fine with infants being sprinkled as a symbolic means.

2. I believe in total immersion in water for baptism.

3. I firmly believe in Sola Scriptura. Anything outside of the Bible is manmade.

4. I do believe in the Trinity. With this, I do believe that Jesus was God's son, who died for our sins. Through Him, we are saved.

5. Communion is symbolic.

6. No single person has the divine authority to interpret the word of God.

What makes me a Progressive?

1. I recognize that Satan should actually be read The Satan, and it is a title, not a name. A more accurate rendering of the term in English would be "the accuser" or "the adversary." Hebrew 101.

2. The KJV is not as accurate as a modern day translation, such as the NASB (which I use). Revisions happen thanks to archaeology and technology.

3. Human hands wrote the Bible, and is subject to human error because of it. We do not have the autographs (original writings) from which to translate. God breathed [inspired], yes. Dictated verbatim, no. It is important to note here that humans, not God, make mistakes.

4. I believe in Soul Sleep. Upon death, you go to the grave, not Heaven or Hell. You will wait there in an unconscious state, until the resurrection and judgment found in Revelation 20-21. The dead know nothing, feel nothing, and know not the passage of time. For them death and then the resurrection/judgment will seem instantaneous.

5. The righteous do not go to Heaven after the resurrection. They go to the new earth, which is to be paradise. Revelation 21.

6. Hell is not an actual place. That was an English translation gone wrong, based off the Hebrew sheol, and the Greek hades...and centuries of hell, fire and brimstone sermons. The imagery of "hell" comes not from the Bible, but from fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost. The Lake of Fire is called Gehenna, and it will consume the devil, demons, sin, the wicked, and death.

 

[Willie T]

I find using that Roman Catholic term, "Sola Scriptura", interesting. Can you enlighten me as to which parts of the Scriptures were written in Latin?

 

[Vanguard PCD]

Case by case issues and my beliefs:

1. Homosexuality is an abomination, but it is not for us to judge someone. That is between them and God.

2. Abortion should be a woman's decision (it is her body), but alternatives should be considered before killing the life growing inside of her. Abortion should not be an option for consensual sex-birth control, only medical emergencies, rape cases, etc.

3. The husband is the head of the house, and the wife should submit to his authority. However, the submission should only happen if the husband is leading his family as an example of Christ. If he is, then the wife should be willing to submit, because she knows that he is doing the right thing. Men, understand this does not mean she is your slave and has to do everything you say.

By the same token, the husband must respect his wife and her opinion. A smart man will carefully listen to his wife and consider her opinion before making a decision. If at any moment the husband fails to set the example, then the wife can and should recant her submission and take charge.

4. There should be a separation of Church and State. However, people have gotten this all wrong. The Founding Fathers of the USA did not mean that government could not have anything to do with religion, to include prayer, crosses, etc. What is meant by it is that the government can't tell a religion how it is to be run, and a religion can't tell the government how it is supposed to be run. It is perfectly fine for a governmental institution to have prayers, symbolism, etc.

5. The death penalty should be used as a last resort (but not abolished), for the most heinous of crimes. Some will quote the Ten Commandments as saying "Thou shall not kill," but a more accurate rendering would be "Thou shall not murder."

 

[Vanguard PCD]

I find using that Roman Catholic term, "Sola Scriptura", interesting. Can you enlighten me as to which parts of the Scriptures were written in Latin?

None.

Just like they were not written in English either.

It is a borrowed term that everyone knows what is meant by it.

 

[Willie T]

As long as you want to believe it that way.....

 

[Bluelion]

I usually label myself (as much as I hate labels) as Non-denominational, but I grew up as a Southern Baptist. I recently came across a website that talked about how some Christians like their SB roots, but have grown to be more moderate, and even liberal, BUT...it is an issue by issue basis.

One author commented on how he felt that he was more of a Progressive Southern Baptist (that was a new one on me) but after reading about his beliefs, I was like "THAT'S ME!" Ironically, most of the non-denominational churches around here (Alabama) might as well call themselves SB, based on their beliefs.

What makes me a Baptist (aside from my upbringing)?

1. I do not believe in infant baptism as far as them being Christians immediately after. I believe someone needs to understand the choice they are making, and commit to it. Infants are incapable of doing that. However, I am fine with infants being sprinkled as a symbolic means.

2. I believe in total immersion in water for baptism.

3. I firmly believe in Sola Scriptura. Anything outside of the Bible is manmade.

4. I do believe in the Trinity. With this, I do believe that Jesus was God's son, who died for our sins. Through Him, we are saved.

5. Communion is symbolic.

6. No single person has the divine authority to interpret the word of God.

What makes me a Progressive?

1. I recognize that Satan should actually be read The Satan, and it is a title, not a name. A more accurate rendering of the term in English would be "the accuser" or "the adversary." Hebrew 101.

2. The KJV is not as accurate as a modern day translation, such as the NASB (which I use). Revisions happen thanks to archaeology and technology.

3. Human hands wrote the Bible, and is subject to human error because of it. We do not have the autographs (original writings) from which to translate. God breathed [inspired], yes. Dictated verbatim, no. It is important to note here that humans, not God, make mistakes.

4. I believe in Soul Sleep. Upon death, you go to the grave, not Heaven or Hell. You will wait there in an unconscious state, until the resurrection and judgment found in Revelation 20-21. The dead know nothing, feel nothing, and know not the passage of time. For them death and then the resurrection/judgment will seem instantaneous.

5. The righteous do not go to Heaven after the resurrection. They go to the new earth, which is to be paradise. Revelation 21.

6. Hell is not an actual place. That was an English translation gone wrong, based off the Hebrew sheol, and the Greek hades...and centuries of hell, fire and brimstone sermons. The imagery of "hell" comes not from the Bible, but from fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost. The Lake of Fire is called Gehenna, and it will consume the devil, demons, sin, the wicked, and death.

First off the Bible tells us it was written by God through men in a number of places there are no mistakes in it.

2. if a person sleep after death till judgement how is it Moses spoke with Jesus on the Mt when Peter witness this? Those saved do not lie in the grave.

3. Jesus refers to Hell so you would have to call Jesus a liar to say there is no hell. Better name for it is lake of fire, or more descriptive any way.

Those views are is satan's attempt to destroy the church. Truth is people say the bible has mistakes because they don't like what it says and don't want to change, well guess what they don't have to there is a place they can go and not have to worry about God's laws. its called the lake of fire or second death.

I have been accused before of sounding uncaring when I say if you don't like God then hell waits, that is your place and your kingdom. i understand hell better than most people with a 7 year long look at it. I don't say it lightly, but if one of my kids said hey i don't love you or your rules and I won't obey. i would say there is the door you can live on the street. My dad did this to me and I never walked out that door. It shape me right up because even though home was far from prefect and abuse much of the time. It was better than what would happen to me on the street.

I think some people need to realize God is offering a prefect life with no pain or suffering, and if they will not accept that or they don't want that then they deserve hell.

Peace and Love
blu

 

[Vanguard PCD]

First off the Bible tells us it was written by God through men in a number of places there are no mistakes in it.

But there are mistakes. The autographs may have been inerrant, but those have long since been lost/destroyed. Everything we have today is from a copy.

2. if a person sleep after death till judgement how is it Moses spoke with Jesus on the Mt when Peter witness this? Those saved do not lie in the grave.

You'd have to ask John about that and his explanation in writing Revelation 20-21. It also means you do not agree with what is written in the Book of Revelation.

You also need to ask the 4 gospels why none of them agree on who went to the tomb on the 3rd day and what was seen.

3. Jesus refers to Hell so you would have to call Jesus a liar to say there is no hell. Better name for it is lake of fire, or more descriptive any way.

Jesus never calls hell "hell" because English was not a language during His time. Hell is an anglo saxon word from centuries later. The Greek term is Gehenna, and is indeed the name of the Lake of Fire that Jesus spoke of.

 

[USCGrad90]

I believe in Soul Sleep. Upon death, you go to the grave, not Heaven or Hell. You will wait there in an unconscious state, until the resurrection and judgment found in Revelation 20-21. The dead know nothing, feel nothing, and know not the passage of time. For them death and then the resurrection/judgment will seem instantaneous.

Hell is not an actual place. That was an English translation gone wrong, based off the Hebrew sheol, and the Greek hades...and centuries of hell, fire and brimstone sermons. The imagery of "hell" comes not from the Bible, but from fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost. The Lake of Fire is called Gehenna, and it will consume the devil, demons, sin, the wicked, and death.

As far as I can find, "Soul Sleep" is a concept used by religions like Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists but is contrary to what the Bible teaches us. As Bluelion mentioned, Moses spoke with Jesus on the Mount, but also consider the case of Stephen - who asked Jesus to receive his spirit when he was stoned (Acts 7:54-59) Also consider Luke 23:43, where Jesus tells the thief on the cross: "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." By these examples alone, it should be evident that at death, believers go to be with the Lord, but there are numerous other verses to demonstrate this.

In terms of Hell as a literal place:
Luke 12:5 - But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
2 Peter 2:4 - For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;
Matthew 5:29 - If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Based on your saying you have read what authors have posted online or in books, I am not certain if you are piecing together your beliefs based on what you are reading or attending a church where this is taught, but some of these beliefs are just not in agreement with basic scripture. My suggestion is that you compare these beliefs with scripture to determine if they meet muster. Discussing this with a pastor also will help clarify what is scriptural and what is not.

 

[Bluelion]

But there are mistakes. The autographs may have been inerrant, but those have long since been lost/destroyed. Everything we have today is from a copy.



You'd have to ask John about that and his explanation in writing Revelation 20-21. It also means you do not agree with what is written in the Book of Revelation.

You also need to ask the 4 gospels why none of them agree on who went to the tomb on the 3rd day and what was seen.



Jesus never calls hell "hell" because English was not a language during His time. Hell is an anglo saxon word from centuries later. The Greek term is Gehenna, and is indeed the name of the Lake of Fire that Jesus spoke of.

there are no mistakes in the Bible. You don't think God would protect his word? We are not talking about some book but the word of God. How do you know they are copies i don't trust science dating because that dating says the world is millions of years old and that does not Go with the Bible. Either accept God and His word or reject it but don't play the mix and match game, cutting out the parts you don't like picking and choosing what you think is Gods word. Either the Bible is the word of God or not it is not both or part. Make your choice.

 

[least]

Hi Primi, I do have a few questions about your doctrine, namely regarding what happens at the time of death.

First, what is your Scriptural support for Soul Sleep? Jesus told the one man that was on the cross, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) And what of the rich man and Lazarus? Each were in their respective places of rest and very aware of their surroundings. (Luke 16:19-31). And how about those souls that had been martyred who had cried out to God, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on earth?” (Revelation 6:9-11). All of these verses indicate that when you die you go either to heaven or hell and that you are fully aware of what’s going on. That leads me to my next question…

If hell (aka, Hades) is not a place, what is it? Consider the following passage (Matthew 25:14-46) where Jesus is teaching on the parable of the stewards (Remember, there were three, two of which were commended for their faithfulness). The third was found to be wicked and slothful and the master said of him, “Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place here will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And then Jesus elaborates upon this and makes his point that “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (This is said of the righteous and the wicked). He follows by saying the following to the wicked, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (41) and then later, “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (46). Note that it is a place of “eternal fire” and “eternal punishment” signifying that it last forever. You are correct in saying that it is a place prepared for the devil and his demons, but those who reject Christ will also share their fate.

Finally, I was a bit confused on your opinion of Satan. You mention in your last paragraph that the devil will be consumed in the Lake of Fire; does that mean you do believe in a person who is “The Satan,” or do you not believe that the devil/Satan does not exist at all, but rather some sort of spiritual imagery?

I hope that you will consider these things; please let me know if you have any questions or have any biblical support for your views. Also, and I don’t mean to belittle you on this, but the label “progressive” works pretty good for insurance or soup, but I would hesitate to label myself in that way in regards to a denomination. I humbly recommend you reconsider that label as it comes across somewhat arrogant (although I doubt that was your intention). Remember, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17).

 

[FriendOfJesus916]

I usually label myself (as much as I hate labels) as Non-denominational, but I grew up as a Southern Baptist. I recently came across a website that talked about how some Christians like their SB roots, but have grown to be more moderate, and even liberal, BUT...it is an issue by issue basis.

One author commented on how he felt that he was more of a Progressive Southern Baptist (that was a new one on me) but after reading about his beliefs, I was like "THAT'S ME!" Ironically, most of the non-denominational churches around here (Alabama) might as well call themselves SB, based on their beliefs.

What makes me a Baptist (aside from my upbringing)?

1. I do not believe in infant baptism as far as them being Christians immediately after. I believe someone needs to understand the choice they are making, and commit to it. Infants are incapable of doing that. However, I am fine with infants being sprinkled as a symbolic means.

2. I believe in total immersion in water for baptism.

3. I firmly believe in Sola Scriptura. Anything outside of the Bible is manmade.

4. I do believe in the Trinity. With this, I do believe that Jesus was God's son, who died for our sins. Through Him, we are saved.

5. Communion is symbolic.

6. No single person has the divine authority to interpret the word of God.

What makes me a Progressive?

1. I recognize that Satan should actually be read The Satan, and it is a title, not a name. A more accurate rendering of the term in English would be "the accuser" or "the adversary." Hebrew 101.


2. The KJV is not as accurate as a modern day translation.


3. Human hands wrote the Bible, and is subject to human error because of it. We do not have the autographs (original writings) from which to translate. God breathed [inspired], yes. Dictated verbatim, no. It is important to note here that humans, not God, make mistakes.

4. I believe in Soul Sleep. Upon death, you go to the grave, not Heaven or Hell. You will wait there in an unconscious state, until the resurrection and judgment found in Revelation 20-21. The dead know nothing, feel nothing, and know not the passage of time. For them death and then the resurrection/judgment will seem instantaneous.

5. The righteous do not go to Heaven after the resurrection. They go to the new earth, which is to be paradise. Revelation 21.

6. Hell is not an actual place. That was an English translation gone wrong, based off the Hebrew sheol, and the Greek hades...and centuries of hell, fire and brimstone sermons. The imagery of "hell" comes not from the Bible, but from fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost. The Lake of Fire is called Gehenna, and it will consume the devil, demons, sin, the wicked, and death.

I believe the bolded.

 

[seashale76]

Well- if it were me- I'd look at the Baptist Faith and Message and the Basic Beliefs and Position Statements and then compare your list with that. If you find yourself accepting the Southern Baptist Convention stance on things and if their stance doesn't interfere with your own- then I'd say there is no issue with still referring to yourself as a Southern Baptist.

The Baptist Faith & Message
About Us - Basic Beliefs
About Us - SBC Position Statements

 

[Vanguard PCD]

How do you know they are copies...

Because Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed the temple at Jerusalem. It is well documented that the autographs do not exist anymore, only copies.

 

[Vanguard PCD]

Luke 12:5 - But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!

2 Peter 2:4 - For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;

Matthew 5:29 - If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

You do understand that you are reading an English translation, that is based off the Greek use of hades, the Hebrew use of sheol, and the Lake of Fire known as Gehenna? Hell is an Anglo Saxon word, not Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic. Furthermore Jesus used the word Gehenna 11 times in the NT to describe the Lake of Fire.

The 1611 KJV is the ONLY version that erroneously translates all three words (sheol, hades, Gehenna) as hell. Major error.

Are you understanding it yet? The KJV butchered the translations and traditional teaching, not scriptural, has everyone believing something that simply is not accurate.

 

[Vanguard PCD]

First, what is your Scriptural support for Soul Sleep?

Understand that my use of the term Soul Sleep is simply a synonym for unconsciousness. I am not affiliated with the JW, 7th DA or CoC in any way.

My support for the concept comes from Revelation 20-21. It is there you will find that the dead are raised [resurrected], judged before the throne of God, and cast into the Lake of Fire [Gehenna] or pass into paradise on new earth [not Heaven].

Jesus told the one man that was on the cross, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Yes He did. However, He never said Heaven, just paradise. Again, refer to Revelation 21 to find out what paradise will be.

And what of the rich man and Lazarus?

Parable.

And how about those souls that had been martyred who had cried out to God, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on earth?” (Revelation 6:9-11).

The Bible is full of metaphors. However, understand that John is interpreting dreams/visions of the future, while exiled on Patmos. Keeping with the same chapter, did you see verse 11?

And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest [sleep] for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

Here's my question...why do souls need robes? Can they even wear them?

All of these verses indicate that when you die you go either to heaven or hell and that you are fully aware of what’s going on.

Subjective and opinionated based on denominational beliefs.

That leads me to my next question…

If hell (aka, Hades) is not a place, what is it?

In Hebrew, sheol = grave.
In Greek, hades = realm of the dead [grave].

Neither means a place of torment.

Gehenna is the metaphorical name for the Lake of Fire, based off the Valley of Gihinnom, a place of extreme wickedness. Moloch worshippers sacrificed children there.

Hell is an Anglo Saxon word, and the 1611 KJV erroneously translated all three words (sheol, hades, gehenna) as hell, and completes it with imagery of burning and torment. Unfortunately, that imagery is based on fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost. If you wish to use hell to mean Gehenna in English, that is fine, but understand the place does not yet exist, or if it does, no one has been cast there yet...per Revelation. The judgments have yet to happen.

Finally, I was a bit confused on your opinion of Satan. You mention in your last paragraph that the devil will be consumed in the Lake of Fire; does that mean you do believe in a person who is “The Satan,” or do you not believe that the devil/Satan does not exist at all, but rather some sort of spiritual imagery?

Ha-Satan [Hebrew] is a title. In English it means "the accuser" or "the adversary." The 1611 KJV dropped the article 'the' from the term and turned it into a proper noun. If you wish to blend Hebrew and English, it is fine to say "The Satan" but only if you understand what the term satan means.

In keeping with this, The Satan is indeed a specific individual, as evident in the Book of Job. However, he is powerless to do anything without God's permission. His assigned duty is to bring forth those to be judged before God. This is also evident in the Book of Job. If you read Job carefully, you will see where it was God that brought up Job for testing, not the other way around.

In the OT, The Satan was a servant/agent of God. In the NT, he becomes public enemy #1, but...why? God is the creator. He is all powerful. It does not seem wise to anger God when He could destroy you [Satan] with a mere thought, yet [Satan] supposedly does this at every turn, risking His wrath.

One explanation is that The Satan of the OT, is not the devil of the NT. Keep in mind that the term Satan comes from the Hebrew ha-satan, which simply means the accuser/adversary. In Hebrew, if you accuse me of something, you are ha-satan.

Ha = the
Satan = accuser/adversary

To answer the question, I do believe there is a devil because the Bible says there is. Is his name Satan in the traditional sense? No, because it is a title, not a name. Do I believe The Satan from the OT is the devil in the NT? The jury is still out and is my single greatest venture in my pursuit of a PhD in theology/divinity. My thesis is on that very subject.

Edit: I am not and could never be Orthodox Judaism. I do, however, agree with their position on Ha-Satan. He is God's district attorney, bringing up charges on those to be judged. His role is to tempt us to see what choices we will make. Unrighteous choices = judgment, for not following God's laws.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion. To give Satan powers to operate outside of God's control means that he too is a god, and thus Christianity becomes polytheistic.

 

[Bluelion]

Understand that my use of the term Soul Sleep is simply a synonym for unconsciousness. I am not affiliated with the JW, 7th DA or CoC in any way.

My support for the concept comes from Revelation 20-21. It is there you will find that the dead are raised [resurrected], judged before the throne of God, and cast into the Lake of Fire [Gehenna] or pass into paradise on new earth [not Heaven].



Yes He did. However, He never said Heaven, just paradise. Again, refer to Revelation 21 to find out what paradise will be.



Parable.



The Bible is full of metaphors. However, understand that John is interpreting dreams/visions of the future, while exiled on Patmos. Keeping with the same chapter, did you see verse 11?

And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest [sleep] for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

Here's my question...why do souls need robes? Can they even wear them?



Subjective and opinionated based on denominational beliefs.



In Hebrew, sheol = grave.
In Greek, hades = realm of the dead [grave].

Neither means a place of torment.

Gehenna is the metaphorical name for the Lake of Fire, based off the Valley of Gihinnom, a place of extreme wickedness. Moloch worshippers sacrificed children there.

Hell is an Anglo Saxon word, and the 1611 KJV erroneously translated all three words (sheol, hades, gehenna) as hell, and completes it with imagery of burning and torment. Unfortunately, that imagery is based on fictional works such as Dante's Inferno and Paradise Lost. If you wish to use hell to mean Gehenna in English, that is fine, but understand the place does not yet exist, or if it does, no one has been cast there yet...per Revelation. The judgments have yet to happen.



Ha-Satan [Hebrew] is a title. In English it means "the accuser" or "the adversary." The 1611 KJV dropped the article 'the' from the term and turned it into a proper noun. If you wish to blend Hebrew and English, it is fine to say "The Satan" but only if you understand what the term satan means.

In keeping with this, The Satan is indeed a specific individual, as evident in the Book of Job. However, he is powerless to do anything without God's permission. His assigned duty is to bring forth those to be judged before God. This is also evident in the Book of Job. If you read Job carefully, you will see where it was God that brought up Job for testing, not the other way around.

In the OT, The Satan was a servant/agent of God. In the NT, he becomes public enemy #1, but...why? God is the creator. He is all powerful. It does not seem wise to anger God when He could destroy you [Satan] with a mere thought, yet [Satan] supposedly does this at every turn, risking His wrath.

One explanation is that The Satan of the OT, is not the devil of the NT. Keep in mind that the term Satan comes from the Hebrew ha-satan, which simply means the accuser/adversary. In Hebrew, if you accuse me of something, you are ha-satan.

Ha = the
Satan = accuser/adversary

To answer the question, I do believe there is a devil because the Bible says there is. Is his name Satan in the traditional sense? No, because it is a title, not a name. Do I believe The Satan from the OT is the devil in the NT? The jury is still out and is my single greatest venture in my pursuit of a PhD in theology/divinity. My thesis is on that very subject.

Edit: I am not and could never be Orthodox Judaism. I do, however, agree with their position on Ha-Satan. He is God's district attorney, bringing up charges on those to be judged. His role is to tempt us to see what choices we will make. Unrighteous choices = judgment, for not following God's laws.

Christianity is a monotheistic religion. To give Satan powers to operate outside of God's control means that he too is a god, and thus Christianity becomes polytheistic.

funny you think you have wisdom but are blind.

I find it hard to believe you already have your masters in Theology or divinity with that thinking. And there is another problem it is two different degree you named as one. It is a masters in divinity or masters in theology not both. Unless you are claiming you have a masters in both divinity and theology, which i find funny.

For one saying the Bible has mistakes shows lack of understanding on your part, and seems to show a lack of how the Bible came to be, all which is basic stuff which I have already taken.

I find it interesting you talk about the OT but do not use the Hebrew name for it referring it to the bible being destroyed in the temple. If the OT was destroyed how is it we still have it? It was not destroyed in the temple. The books have been protected every time Israel was conquered. But I said Bible and was referring to more the new testament. Your statement also show a lack of understanding of what went into the copying process, and how it was done, again all basic first year stuff, i know because it is my first year.

Also you speak alot about satan and it means adversary as if that is great knowledge. That again is basic not needing school to know.

I find you are not creditable at all and suspect you have a hidden agenda. If you think there is no hell you could never pass school.

and another point is you said thesis yet said you were working on your PHD, a doctors level is a dissertation.

Jesus is the truth, and the truth the light, light always destroys darkness.

Peace and Love
blu

I also find it funny you claim SB yet say there is no hell, SB are hell fire and brimstone it is heavy in their preaching. That is not an issue if you grew up in that church you would throw away lightly.

 

[Metal Minister]

I find using that Roman Catholic term, "Sola Scriptura", interesting. Can you enlighten me as to which parts of the Scriptures were written in Latin?

Interesting premise. I'd never heard of Sola Scriptura being a Roman Catholic term. Can you expound on this a bit?

 

[ThisBrotherOfHis]

I find using that Roman Catholic term, "Sola Scriptura", interesting. Can you enlighten me as to which parts of the Scriptures were written in Latin?

It isn't a Roman Catholic term, Willie. It was the rallying cry of the Reformation, and since the leaders of the movement were largely Catholic priests or laity, they used Latin terminology, given that they had been educated in Latin by the Church.

There are actually five "solas":

1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”

Each of these solas can be seen both as a corrective to the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church at the start of the Reformation and as a positive biblical declaration.

 

[Metal Minister]

It isn't a Roman Catholic term, Willie. It was the rallying cry of the Reformation, and since the leaders of the movement were largely Catholic priests or laity, they used Latin terminology, given that they had been educated in Latin by the Church.

There are actually five "solas":


[*]Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
[*]Sola fide: “faith alone”
[*] Sola gratia: “grace alone”
[*] Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
[*]Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”

Each of these solas can be seen both as a corrective to the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church at the start of the Reformation and as a positive biblical declaration.

This is what I knew as well, but I was wondering if he had different knowledge I didn't. Always good to learn!

 

[MrJim]

Having attended an SBC congregation for the past 3 years or so I can say as far as the one I attend they aren't too particular on what you believe as long as you keep it to yourself...not big on distinctives it probably qualifies as a "progressive SBC"; I would have more respect for it if it was more conservative but an SBC north of the Mason/Dixon?