Response to JRKH & JudieK–Part 2 of 2
**Continued–**No arguments. Disagreements within Protestantism are “deep and wide,” to quote a Sunday School song from my childhood.
JRKH & JudieK: you both have found your place within Christianity. You are both farther along on your journey that I am.
About 4 years ago, there was a particular moment during prayer, when I began to wonder about the “human element” in religion and the Bible. If God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; why does “what is considered to be sin” change as time passes. Why is there so much disagreement among Christian beliefs and practices? Why is there so much violence in the history of Christianity. Since different religions have different Canons, which Canon contains the inspired Word of God? These are some of the questions that flooded my thoughts—almost simultaneously. I began to pray, “Dear God, please reveal your Truth to me, not man’s truth about you–but your Truth.”
I realized I needed to read the Bible cover-to-cover; I needed to study the history of Judaism and Christianity, and I needed to study the history of the transmission of Scripture.
That one moment, and that simple prayer, sent me on a journey, which has revealed things I never expected to find.
I have abandoned the idea of “once saved, always saved,” a doctrine of the Baptist Church, instilled in me since childhood. Considering the N.T. as a whole—and not just passages grouped together to support a preconceived assumption—I found the Scriptures do not support such an assurance of salvation.
The N.T. does not support “salvation by grace or faith alone.” The idea that “faith without works is dead,” is found throughout the N.T. Christ’s atonement for our sins accomplished a salvation that our human works would never be sufficient to accomplish. Yet, keeping the commandments of our Lord; and living our lives by the call of Christ to love one another, is intertwined with faith and necessary for our salvation.
After I read the Bible cover-to-cover (I still need to read the Books of the Catholic and Orthodox Canons,) I was shocked by what the Bible does say; and I was equally shocked by what it does not say.
The twists and turns in the transmission of Scripture and the process of forming Christian Canons is fascinating. I have spent countless hours reading about different manuscripts. I was fortunate enough to see the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit, which opened a whole new area of study.
I compared English Bible translations, realizing that what I really need is fluency in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. In spite of educational shortcomings, I did find, that “not all Bibles are created equal.” There is a disturbing amount of manipulation of Scripture in many of our current English translations–easy to spot—just read the footnotes.
There were long periods of time, when I had books everywhere. This has not been 4 solid years of study. I have had a sea of health problems, and that has slowed me down.
Still, after all of this study; I am years behind many Forum Members. So, I welcome your contributions.
My “journey” has really only just begun. My prayers for God’s Truth, do include the request for the discernment of the Holy Spirit in interpretation of Scripture and understanding Church history.
This presents a most curious irony: the process of shedding some of the Protestant beliefs, condemned by the Catholic Church, has been achieved by an individual, Spirit-led journey—which is also, condemned by the Catholic Church.
The
Catholic Encyclopedia has a very
enlightening treatment of the
Three Fundamental Principles of Protestantism–all considered to be flawed, of course. These two quotes speak volumes about the Catholic view of Protestantism. I posted the link so the article can be read in full context.
oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Protestantism
I. Origin of the Name. II. Characteristic Protestant Principles. III. Discussion of the Three Fundamental Principles of Protestantism: A. The Supremacy of the Bible; B. Justification by Faith Alone; C. The Universal Priesthood of Believers.
. . . . . Moreover, in the course of time, private judgment has ripened into unbridled freethought, Rationalism, Modernism, now rampant in most universities, cultured society, and the Press.
. . . . . By pinning private judgment to the Bible the Reformers started a book religion, i.e. a religion of which, theoretically, the law of faith and conduct is contained in a written document without method, without authority, without an authorized interpreter. The collection of books called "the Bible" is not a methodical code of faith and morals; if it be separated from the stream of tradition which asserts its Divine inspiration, it has no special authority, and, in the hands of private interpreters, its meaning is easily twisted to suit every private mind.
That does add quite a perspective on this Thread: Catechism vs. Scripture. This Catholic article states, very clearly, that the Bible separated from tradition, which asserts its Divine inspiration, has no special authority.
This brings us to some rather ironic questions: Do you agree or disagree with this Catholic position regarding the Bible? Are you actually allowed to disagree, since that would indicate “individual interpretation”?
This is where are beliefs part ways. I believe that Jesus Christ came as the Word Incarnate. I believe that there is power in the Word of God, given to us as Holy Scripture.
Even though “tradition,” through divine inspiration, can shed light on Scripture; I believe
God’s word can stand alone. Contrary to the statements in the above Catholic article,
I believe God’s word does have special authority.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
If God’s word is living and active; can we be justified in declaring a Scripture must only be interpreted a certain way? Is that not an attempt to impose finite limits on an infinite God?
I also believe the Holy Spirit dwells within us, giving us the Spirit of Truth:
John 14:15-20 (ESV): 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
Will write more when rested.
In Pursuit of God’s Truth,
Anna
Well said!
Having read encyclicals by John Paul the Great and our current Holy Father, I have concluded that I am wisest to leave such matters to them as they have made the studies and are a lot smarter than I am.
I have no idea what you mean. It seems like you are skipping some very big events. Lets focus on the NT. Does the OT predict or prophecy that a NT Scripture was forthcoming?? I dont think so. Regarding the NT: When, exactly, was it given to us. ** Who**, exactly, gave to us. And How, exactly, do you know the answer to the 2 previous questions? This is the crux of the problem with your position. Youd like to pretend - now that the Church has provided you with a Bible, and has excluded much of the apocryphal writings formerly circulating as “Scripture” - that you can discern from it it’s authenticity, purpose and meaning. Think about that! It doesnt really make much sense.