Featured Discussion.

Protestant by definition in historical context was the protesting against the Roman Catholic church. The Reformation by definition was the reformation or reforming of doctrine rather than the deliberate destruction of Roman Catholicism for all intents and purposes.

Interestingly, I too researched and there is a distinction in Judaism Temple and Post Temple Judaism. Judaism by definition was the religion of the Jews and if such definition is accepted predates Christianity by millenniums. Followers of Jesus appeared during Temple worship, and eventually churches became places of worship among others. Nothing new really (Apollos or Paul etc), considering the vast worship occurring in Israel during the reign of Solomon. Never heard anybody claim Christianity was older and certainly not more mature than Judaism. Especially considering the teething problems of Acts and the reciprocal behavior of new churches after planting following in the footsteps of the churches of Acts. However, was refreshing to hear somebody else mention Western influence, most certainly the Greeks had major influence in all our theological mindfulness today, especially when considering the Septuagint manuscripts from which we translate and interpret both the old and new testaments.

If doctrinal transmission was used as the basis for age then Judaism could be clearly defined more elderly. For example, whatever happened to the ana-baptist? Doctrinal transmission can be used to trace them to the Amish and Quakers - true sects of Christianity.

Shalom

 

I believe the theological term is Apostolic doctrine concerning transmission rather than Apostolic Succession (by personal relation).

Interesting, I miss the hillside slowdowns for carriage and horses! Grew up around the Pennsylvania area myself where Amish and Dutch are residents.

Yes, and sometimes not enough emphasis is placed upon perseverance of the saints. Persevere to what end? The end in faith? Or perhaps sanctification in holiness. What good was a headful of doctrine but no apparent transformation in holiness? So much emphasis throughout the OT to worship in holiness the Most Holy!

Shalom

 

The ancient Eastern was overlaid by the Western - concerning the Septuagint. I heard the Greek was more precise than English, for example, the word love in Greek has various relations by definitions and types. Likewise I found the context defines the meaning in Hebrew of the same word which could be used in different context and mean something somewhat different.

Shalom

 

Perhaps because Pelagianism is the doctrine of the natural man in which he desires to champion. The Catholic church being the sole interpreter and authority of Scripture.

Pelagianism = man only needs a fine education and teacher or guidance.
Arminianism = man was hurt and needs a physician or healer.
Calvinism = man was/is dead in sin and trespass and needs the Savior
Universalism = if Satan can be atoned for who isn't savable?

Protestants champion Sola Scriptura, that is, the best interpreter of Scripture is Scripture, the vague must be interpreted by the more concise or clear passages. The emphasis is placed upon the NT to illuminate the OT; therefore, the OT is read through the lens of the NT ironically influenced by the Greeks.

 

I enjoyed Aquinas' commentary throughout Isaiah. One of the things I noted was how much merit Thomas Aquinas gave to the Mystics of his day whether Jewish or Christian was not said. Easy to forget the early church began from Jews: disciples, apostles, the early churches etc.

In a way I can see the practices of the Sadducees pertaining to the invested powers which divorce and remarry men and women.

Are we having fun @JonC ?
Shalom

 

There are some churches in Wales known as "Calvinistic Methodist Churches", but I don't think it's right that in general, Methodists were once Calvinists. The Wesleys certainly weren't. Also, I don't understand how Arminius could have "died an orthodox Calvinist," because it was the five points of the doctrines of Arminius (Conditional election. Unlimited atonement. Prevenient grace and resistible grace. Conditional preservation of the saints.) which led to the so-called Five Points of Calvinism.

 

You misunderstand Calvinism. Where are you getting your information?

 

What’s that mean, I’m a compaticlist?

 

Have you studied Martin Lloyd Jones… he would be your best image of a Calvinist Methodist. My Welsh family were CM’s and also Congregationalists… please explain those differences.

 

Oh

 

Studied in theology for decades, member of the OPC Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Studied the Synod of Dort, read Calvin's commentary throughout the Scripture from cover to cover, Westminster Confession of Faith large and short catechism, Heidelberg, etc etc.,.. . I haven't a clue what you might believe was misunderstood. However, my emphasis was not Calvinism.

Very much correct, a lot of time things are not articulated until controversy occurs. For example, the Nicene Creed was revised a few times and each time another section was added as matters surfaced throughout time. Likewise, Arminius and his followers were tried and their controversy was the cause and reason the Synod of Dort called them to trial and/to settle said controversy. Throughout church history referring to the universal catholic church controversy became pivotal moments in doctrine let alone the history of the catholic church: synergism vs. monergism, the Five Solas, Arminianism and Calvinism. Arminianism wasn't necessarily the doctrine before Calvinism but rather the controversy by which the Synod of Dort responded and the Synod findings developed later coined Calvinism and the Five Points of Calvinism.

Shalom

 

Yes, documented through the Hybrid Wolf Association back in the 1980s I bred Hybrid Wolves some 99 percent genetically pure for the sake of legality. In the state I lived pure bred wolves were illegal to domesticate.

Fascinating experience, learned another side of Wolves yet they had to be respected as wild. Amazing to observe especially when operating as a pack, the tactics used to hunt, namely distraction when confronting prey.

 

Fellas, what do you think about my new indoor study room?

A work in progress, I need to pour the clear epoxy resin over the flooring after filled: Ambience, with four wings they fly - The school of Isaiah




After the flooring is completed I'll begin the walls. Thinking about making troughs along the walls to grow bamboo and vines to cover the walls. The issue then might be lighting.