RM Creeds & RM Reformation

[Koey]

We don't like to call them creeds, but that is exactly what they are. So I want to revisit the (oh, let's avoid the word creed and call them) slogans of the Restoration Movement.

1. "In essentials unity, in doubtful things liberty, but in all things love." This is a wonderful saying and I agree with it, but I put it to you that it is taken out of the context of Augustine's life. It uses two categories only: essentials and non-essentials (doubtful things), but Augustine spent a lot of his life fighting against a third category, heresy. I submit that our creed (sorry, motto) has allowed too much heresy, rubbish, toxic teachings into our midst.
2. Stone called creeds vain, but then used Augustine's motto as a creed, and neglected to mention that the Bible contains several creeds itself. Really, Stone was a heretic, who wanted to excuse his non-Trinitarian beliefs and so did not like the Nicene Creed.
3. "Back to the Bible" is another motto with which I agree, but nevertheless it too is a creed. It also assumes certain things which the Bible itself contradicts. For instance, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit would guide the early church into all truth. To me, that means that writings outside of the Bible have a secondary place in our faith, especially the early church Fathers.
4. "Where the Bible speaks we will speak, but where the Bible is silent so are we in all matters of faith and doctrine." To me, this is the best creed of the entire movement. It is my personal guideline. However, it too is a creed, and surprise, surprise, we speak where the Bible does not about a whole heap of things. e.g. I prefer immersion baptism, but I must admit that the Bible does not say that baptism may only be done by immersion. In fact, it is only a half truth to claim that baptism means literally immersion. The other half of that truth is that even in the Bible the Greek word baptizo is used in a non-literal sense, like to wash. And, hypocrisy of hypocrisy, we have made a non-essential an essential. So, we have spoken where the Bible does not on this and on other "doctrines" creating an unnecessary bigotry against those who prefer a non-literal baptism. We who believe in Christian unity, have unwittingly contributed to division.

Conclusion: I think that the RM needs another R, reformation.

 

[astranger]

We don't like to call them creeds, but that is exactly what they are. So I want to revisit the (oh, let's avoid the word creed and call them) slogans of the Restoration Movement.

Conclusion: I think that the RM needs another R, reformation.

Over time slogans and mottos have atendancy to evolve into creeds.

Is the RM is trying define itself so that it can have meaningful dialogue within itself and with those outside itself? There is also a natural tendency for like minded people to walk together. I come from a grass roots background. . .this is natural because sheep eat grass.
Blessings: astranger

 

[Koey]

Yes, I agree with the creeds of the RM and think they are fantasmagorical ideas. But at the same time, they too are not in the Bible. Interesting, eh?