Originally posted by Doubting Thomas:
The very fact that all of you with one accord spew out whatever the Magesterium orders you to, is proof enough that you don't have a mind of your own to study the Scriptures on your own to find out what it really says.
[qb]
I'm not Roman Catholic. Therefore the "Magisterium" doesn't "order" me to do anything.
Actually DT, you are in violation of BB rules. Your profile says "Christian" which is not the name of your denomination. You need to update your profile, and let us know what denomination you are. If you are not Catholic, then what are you?
I know what I beieve, because I have studied the Bible, and the Holy Spirit has led me in my study of the Scriptures.
So He's led you to come to some diametrically opposed conclusions on key issues to which He has led other Christians?
"I don't think so, Tim".
Yes, I fully agree. I have seen that in many of your posts. Let me quote your words: "I don't think." I agree with you.
How strange it must seem to you that on issues concerning salvation and the nature of God, some basic issues where we disagree: people with backgrounds as diverse as Charismatic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Word of Life, and even SDA, will agee with me when using sola scriptura as a basis to work with.
DHK
What I do think is strange is that on many key issues, using the supposedly objective means of sola Scriptura (oh, and the Holy Spirit's guidance, of course) you've come to different conclusions than many, many of your "brothers" resulting in schismatic fellowships and that somehow you think this relativism and denominationalsim is Spirit led. How sad.
(And there are many using sola Scriptura to support beliefs in unitarian or modalistic god as well. Don't forget the differences between the Calvinist and Arminian concepts of god--one is selectively loving, and one is all-loving--as well.
The only doctrinal issue that you have mentioned is Calvinism/Arminianism. I am not a Calvinist, nor am I an Arminian. Does that solve that debate for you. There are extremes on both side of the debate, and one does not have to take sides. Each has some good points. And the debate there is completely non-essential to salvation.
Would you like also to debate how many angels can stand on the point of a needle. Will that make any difference in the fellowship that Christians have with one another. Perhaps more Biblical than philosophical, I may disagree with some of our more eschattological students in what half of the Tribulation Period the two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 prophesied in. I wonder if they will break fellowship with me if I disagree with them??
We don't have to agree on every point of doctrine. But we do agree on the fundamentals. It is obvious that Catholics have never thought some things through for lack of Bible study. No, I don't see any major areas of "schism."
Psst(!)--D28, this is where you chime in about "checks and balances" and how it's "a beautiful thing"...

)
You need to examine what he is saying more closely. Here is a verse of Scripture that I want you to tell me the meaning of:
1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
DHK