By What Standard Do You Examine Your Beliefs?

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Contender4TheFaith

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  • I examine my beliefs according to scripture, which I view as my highest authority
  • I examine my beliefs according to my church, which I view as my highest authority
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While listening to a sermon, should we believe everything the minister says because after all, he’s gone to seminary and has devoted numerous hours to study? Is his position on the matter, which likely falls in line with the church, to be believed without question? Or is there a higher authority found in scripture, God’s Word? By what standard do you examine your beliefs?
 
This poll leaves out a vital third option: the Deposit of Faith, comprised of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which is what I vote for.
😉
 
One must first use one’s rational nature to decide which standard is best. There is no way to short-circuit such a decision, since the decision to NOT rationally decide which standard is an authority is a decision to be irrational.

I rationally discern that God is the highest authority, and that God’s will is known through the Church in harmony with the Scriptures.
 
Also, you are aware that every religion teaches infallibility, right?
 
Cthompson, can you tell me where Sacred Tradition comes from?
 
Contender4TheFaith said:
can you tell me where Sacred Tradition comes from?
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2 Thess 2:15 is the most appropriate. Oral tradition was important to preserving teachings in the life of the early Church. Paul is urging his readers to listen to both the written and oral traditions they are being taught.

Acts 2:42 references how the Church devoted themselves to “the apostles’ teachings” (both written and unwritten)

2 Timothy 2:2 is where Paul says to remember “the things you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses”.

1 Cor 11:2 and 1 Thess 2:13 are also worth a glance.

John 21:25 is perhaps my favorite.

You ask where Tradition comes from? Originally, the spoken word and teachings of the apostles, which has been handed on down through the Church Magisterium to the present day.

God bless you.
 
I examine by beliefs by experience, living life, and actually talking to people. 25 years ago my cousin came out as Gay and since then my beliefs have changed greatly, and for the better!
 
Maybe, you know, actually talk to them. They’re still your friends 🙂
 
If they’re not Christian, you can’t expect them to follow Christian teachings. Paul even wrote that at the end of 1 Corinthians 5.
 
The Church Fathers, the Councils, etc etc. (you know, the guys that put together the ‘Sacred Scripture’’)

Holy Tradition is the deposit of faith given by Jesus Christ to the Apostles and passed on in the Church from one generation to the next without addition, alteration or subtraction. “The life of the Holy Spirit in the Church.” It is dynamic in application, yet unchanging in dogma. It is growing in expression, yet ever the same in essence.
 
JoeVig said:
I have a few fruends that are gay and i am at a loss what to do
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Why would you treat them differently than your straight friends? Each friend has different situations, different temptations, and different sins.

(Addendum: I’m bisexual, married – to a woman – and chaste, by the way. If you have other questions I can answer, shoot.)
 
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I understand what you mean by not treating them any differently then other friends, and I dont, treat them any differently I mean to say. But for some reason, I feel as though I am advocating, or supporting that lifestyle if I do nothing. I know, hate the sin, not the sinner. And this is pretty easy for me to do, especially since this is someone I grew up with, as in they lived right across the street from me. We went to Catholic schools together, went to Mass together, played as kids together. I guess, Im just confused as to how to react to the whole thing. It is, in my heart, a sin: true? Being chaste of course changes the whole picture. Being gay and being chaste is no different then being a liar but never lying, you get my drift. What do you counsel?
 
good point. Im just worried about saying the wrong thing or hurting feelings, but all that aside, I must still respond to the Glory of God
 
Contender4TheFaith said:
While listening to a sermon, should we believe everything the minister says because after all, he’s gone to seminary and has devoted numerous hours to study? Is his position on the matter, which likely falls in line with the church, to be believed without question? Or is there a higher authority found in scripture, God’s Word? By what standard do you examine your beliefs?
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You’ve omitted a question.

Should we believe our personal and private interpretation of Scripture? Or, since we are fallible humans, should we instead, obey Scripture’s instructions and learn the Word of God from our rulers in the Church?

Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
 
JoeVig said:
I understand what you mean by not treating them any differently then other friends, and I dont, treat them any differently I mean to say. But for some reason, I feel as though I am advocating, or supporting that lifestyle if I do nothing. I know, hate the sin, not the sinner. And this is pretty easy for me to do, especially since this is someone I grew up with, as in they lived right across the street from me. We went to Catholic schools together, went to Mass together, played as kids together. I guess, Im just confused as to how to react to the whole thing. It is, in my heart, a sin: true? Being chaste of course changes the whole picture. Being gay and being chaste is no different then being a liar but never lying, you get my drift. What do you counsel?
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I would encourage you not to think of the following things as sins: calling oneself “gay”, two gay guys being affectionate with each other, two gay guys living together. Those actions may be unwise, but they’re not wrong in themselves (affection is good for men, and single men can live together). The thing wrong as far as you’re concerned is just the sex, and you cannot even know for sure (unless they say so) that the couple is having sex. So you are not endorsing anything by being silent.

If he looks for advice, by all means, advise him. But if he doesn’t, he probably already knows what you think. Share with him the Good News and the love of Christ.
 
De_Maria said:
Should we believe our personal and private interpretation of Scripture? Or, since we are fallible humans, should we instead, obey Scripture’s instructions and learn the Word of God from our rulers in the Church?
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But this is problematic, De_Maria. We first have to JUDGE that the Church rightly interprets Scripture. We cannot simply take that on the Church’s authority.
 
You know, I can totally relate to what you say. Being in the military for 20 years, I lived with my share of men…that was not a sin, I wasnt affectionate by any means, but did have very strong bonds with a few. So, I can understand what you say. And you’re right, its the just sex thing thats wrong, and that is wrong wether its hetro or homo. And yes, wise counsel not to assume my friend is having sex. I know they have been together for quite some time, and, no i shouldnt assume there is sex. youve cleared a few things up. Sincerely, Thank YO
 
You’re welcome. Your instincts about what your friend is doing are likely correct, but you have no duty to speculate. I will pray that the Lord will move in your friend’s heart, and in all of our hearts.
 
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