Former Archbishop of Canterbury warns Christianity at risk of dying out in a generation

[SteveVH]

Not really doctrinal changes. Not everyone is forced to believe. You can decide for yourself on these matters.

Hi Aidan.

Would you not agree that no one is really forced to believe anything in any faith tradition? But, if one chooses to become a member of, say the Catholic Church, then one must submit to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Otherwise, what’s the point?

I guess my question would be why would one wish to belong to a faith community whose doctrines and dogmas didn’t really matter, in the long run. If I can simply decide for myself then the highest authority in the determination of truth becomes my personal opinion.

Not sure if certian stances are “keepin up with the times” but rather treating all as equal children of God. We tend to leave the judgment at the door I guess and allow God to be judge and jury.

Is it your opinion that not allowing a man engaged in an ongoing gay relationship to enter the priesthood treating him unequally as a child of God? Or, that not allowing females into the priesthood should be considered unequal treatment? What, exactly, do you mean by this?

Thanks.

Steve

 

[masuwerte]

Unless the former archbishop severely clarifies what means by making Christianity attractive to young people I would treat any such ideas with suspiscion. I think what would attract more young people is a solid message of the timeless truth for the practice and morals of Christianity and if our post modern era rejects that then so be it.

Well said.

 

[masuwerte]

With the isue of women’s ordination, we’re getting into an area where it’s good to remember that Episcopalians are not Catholics. Those of us who support the ordination of women, as I do, sincerely believe that we’re doing the right thing, and aren’t really concerned that Roman Catholics disagree with us. But it would be wrong to assume that we support gay marriage or abortion. My own parish for example, has a woman as interim priest right now, but we are strongly opposed to abortion and we do not support gay marriage.

 

[GPGT]

I was considering church shopping. I moved down the valley last spring, and thought I’d check out all the churches, and see where I feel at home.

I think you oughta look at the first link in my signature. “Church shopping” when already a Catholic? You can’t just leave the only church Christ himself founded hoping to feel at home elsewhere!?

 

[GKC]

With the isue of women’s ordination, we’re getting into an area where it’s good to remember that Episcopalians are not Catholics. Those of us who support the ordination of women, as I do, sincerely believe that we’re doing the right thing, and aren’t really concerned that Roman Catholics disagree with us. But it would be wrong to assume that we support gay marriage or abortion. My own parish for example, has a woman as interim priest right now, but we are strongly opposed to abortion and we do not support gay marriage.

Parts of the ACNA agree with you.

GKC

Anglicanus-Catholicus

 

[aidanbradypop]

Hi Dustin.

Would you not agree that no one is really forced to believe anything in any faith tradition? But, if one chooses to become a member of, say the Catholic Church, then one must submit to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Otherwise, what’s the point?

She was stating something about the Episcopal Church and I was simply responding. I agree that in order to be Roman Catholic, one must agree with what the Church teaches and if not then you are correct…what is the point.

I guess my question would be why would one wish to belong to a faith community whose doctrines and dogmas didn’t really matter, in the long run. If I can simply decide for myself then the highest authority in the determination of truth becomes my personal opinion

.

I belong to The Episcopal Church not just a community. We have the Articles of Faith, the Creeds, Book of Common Prayer, Scriptures, Catechism, the Sacraments…etc. How is that a Church in which beliefs do not matter? I was surpised when I found out that not all Catholics believe in the RP or believe in private confession so why have doctrines and dogmas when people will decide to believe how they wish? See how it can go both ways?

The Episcopal Church leaves a lot of issues up to the local Bishops. Some Diocese do not bless same sex unions such as my Diocese but if you go 3 miles to the east in MN, they will.

God did give us freewill and how we choose to carry that out is up to you and I. The Episcopal Church is not pro abortion but rather some Episcopalians are as well as many Catholics I know. Sadly it infects both sides of the river.

Is it your opinion that not allowing a man engaged in an ongoing gay relationship to enter the priesthood treating him unequally as a child of God? Or, that not allowing females into the priesthood should be considered unequal treatment? What, exactly, do you mean by this?

Thanks.

Steve

i didn’t state either one in the post. It was stated that it seems we are just “keeping up with the time” and I disagreed.

As far as your question about gay clergy and women in the priesthood: I have no issue with homosexual clergy single or not. As far as women ordination, it takes a bit getting used to. I wouldnt say I am against it but I am not jumping out of my seat praising it either. Both are personal opinions.

Blessing with you Steve