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Again the divisions starting all the way back to the johannine communities all the way up to the reformation including the great schism pale in comparison to the divisions theologically that occurred after the reformation.
So what's your hypothesis for the exponential increase in theological differences following the reformation? Coincidence???
So what's your hypothesis for the exponential increase in theological differences following the reformation? Coincidence???
Okay, so denominational identity is evil. What alternative do you have to it?
Forming different parts for Your theology from different eras, scholars and Churches/denominations. Besides the past 500 years I'm interested in the 2nd century:
Contemporary Protestantism is hardly a shattered and fractured movement. Protestants from many denominations share the same Bible translations, scholars, books, movies, teachers. They see themselves as co-heirs to the Reformation despite they denomination they attend. They tend to form academic alliances and co-opt each other on missions, cultural issues and social justice. They share hymns, praise music, liturgy and general lifestyle.
The worn-out argument that the Body of Christ is torn asunder by "23,000" denominations simply doesn't add up. The fact is that very few Protestant groups see others as enemies or heretics. There is clearly a greater Christian unity in practice. Just like in Catholicism not that long ago or Eastern Orthodoxy now- there is diversity, but still a genuine, real and testable unity.
Denominations are a wonderful thing. Would we want one school, one brand of shoes, one author in the bookstores?
Protestantism not divided theologically? really? Christianity is more divided today than at any other time in history. I am glad we don't let theological differences stop us from unifying in missionary work, scholarship etc but i think painting a picture of Protestantism as unified isn't very convincing.
Not if they are led by false teachers teaching false teachings.
Everyone is someone else's heretic.
Being a Roman Catholic yourself you would have to acknowledge (if you are honest) the very fierce theoligical divisions in the RCC- material schism. Formally, all RC's have a unity. The same goes for Protestants, as there is formal agreement and material division. It's where the boundaries are drawn.
There have been several studies done that show the catastrophising of those who run around in hysteria about "division" in the Church are pretty much guilty of hyperbole. Like I say- I had coffee today with a minister of another denomination. We don't have a lot to disagree on. We met at a Christian book store where we both buy our books. Division, or unity? We say unity.
This statement presupposes theological relativism which reminds me of liberal scholarship that argues that orthodox.......(fill in the standard argument)
Comparing theological divisions today within the CC to Protestant divisions among different denominations is hyperbole. I think it's interesting that so many here seem to down play these divisions and at the same time almost praise theological diversity. Or even more interesting exaggerate divisions within the CC.
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