Question to all Non-Catholic Christians: Did Christ provide any instructions on how the faith should be authoritatively passed on over time?

[adf417]

adf417:

Jon, as exhibited throughout this thread and others, it seems to me you, and others, consistently profess that there is simply no way for a seeker of God to find His fullness truth in this world. Is that really what you believe? What do i have wrong? Do you actually preach to a non-believers that we Christians can’t know God’s fullness of truth?

I think we can know enough of His truth sufficient for us to receive His grace. I think the role of the Church is to instruct us in that sufficient grace, and provide the means of grace thst are word and sacrament. On those things we disagree on, we should pray together for that continuing guidance into all truth which was promised to us, and pray for forgiveness, recognizing that, like the apostle, we “see through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face.”

I agree we should pray for what you say, i just dont think we shoud assume it was only a promise but also an actuality, real life, here and now. The Jews are still waiting on the promise of the messiah.

Peace!!!

 

[JonNC]

i just dont think we shoud assume it was only a promise but also an actuality, real life, here and now.

I don’t think it just a promise, either.

 

[adf417]

adf417:

i just dont think we shoud assume it was only a promise but also an actuality, real life, here and now.

I don’t think it just a promise, either.

Im sure you dont just think it is only a promise Jon however, Statements like this below sure makes it sound as though you do. More importantly it makes those who are seeking truth look elsewhere other than Christianity. Either we have it (the way, the truth, and the life) or we don’t.

Are you anymore convinced the Catholic Church is right than an Orthodox Christian is that they are right?
Arguing who is right doesn’t lead to anything other than arguing. Claiming to be right because we are right is triumphalism.

Peace!!!

 

[JonNC]

Im sure you dont just think it is only a promise Jon however, Statements like this below sure makes it sound as though you do. More importantly it makes those who are seeking truth look elsewhere other than Christianity. Either we have it (the way, the truth, and the life) or we don’t.

How does this discourage people from looking at Christianity that, say, @steve-b says. Now don’t get me wrong, I have an exceptionally high regard for Steve, but his apologia is far more Un ecumenical than mine. Recognize for a moment, the small percentage of difference between what you believe and what I believe, or what an Orthodox Christian believes.

 

[adf417]

adf417:

Im sure you dont just think it is only a promise Jon however, Statements like this below sure makes it sound as though you do. More importantly it makes those who are seeking truth look elsewhere other than Christianity. Either we have it (the way, the truth, and the life) or we don’t.

How does this discourage people from looking at Christianity that, say, @steve-b says. Now don’t get me wrong, I have an exceptionally high regard for Steve, but his apologia is far more Un ecumenical than mine. Recognize for a moment, the small percentage of difference between what you believe and what I believe, or what an Orthodox Christian believes.

Ecumenism is certainly a large part of Christianity and maybe Steve is or is not good at this aspect of the faith but im speaking of the aspect of “truth” and the ability to define truth as Christians to outsiders.

If we Christians cannot know what truth is how can anyone outside the faith take us seriously when we say Jesus is the way, the truth and the life? If there is no absolute truth when it comes to our faith this statment becomes void. Since you and i believe it is not void any true seeker is either confused or forced to consider Christianity a joke within itself.

Peace!!!

 

[JonNC]

If we Christians cannot know what truth is how can anyone outside the faith take us seriously when we say Jesus is the way, the truth and the life? If there is no absolute truth when it comes to our faith this statment becomes void.

At what point does God tell us we can know all of His truth in this life? When Christ says the Spirit will lead us into all truth, why would we understand that to mean now, right now?
And if that were true, why would there need to be “development of doctrine”? Why didn’t they early Church have access to all truth right then?

The apostle says we see Him through a glass in a dark. manner. Christ says He has not told us everything.
Again, why would we assume that we can know, in our sinful state, all of what God knows? That seems presumptuous

 

[adf417]

At what point does God tell us we can know all of His truth in this life? When Christ says the Spirit will lead us into all truth, why would we understand that to mean now, right now?

Did i say “all”? If i did let it stand retracted. And therefore…Why not now?

And if that were true, why would there need to be “development of doctrine”? Why didn’t they early Church have access to all truth right then?

They did have access but in the previous verse he says - “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” Like the doctrine of the Trinity and the Theotokos. You can see how these things were not revealed till much later and you have no problem with that. Why cant other truths be known right now?

The apostle says we see Him through a glass in a dark. manner. Christ says He has not told us everything.
Again, why would we assume that we can know, in our sinful state, all of what God knows? That seems presumptuous

Very sorry if i said “all”. If i did i meant all truth that has been revealed. I dont think that would be presumptious but it would be prudent.

Peace!!!

 

[steve-b]

adf417:

Im sure you dont just think it is only a promise Jon however, Statements like this below sure makes it sound as though you do. More importantly it makes those who are seeking truth look elsewhere other than Christianity. Either we have it (the way, the truth, and the life) or we don’t.

How does this discourage people from looking at Christianity that, say, @steve-b says. Now don’t get me wrong, I have an exceptionally high regard for Steve, but his apologia is far more Un ecumenical than mine. Recognize for a moment, the small percentage of difference between what you believe and what I believe, or what an Orthodox Christian believes.

Jon,

as you know, my answers have solid references to them. And I usually give links so that you nor anybody reading, have to take my word for what I’ve written…right? But you are correct in one point. I don’t subscribe to fake ecumenism

 

[JonNC]

Jon,

as you know, my answers have solid references to them. And I usually give links so that you nor anybody reading, have to take my word for what I’ve written…right? But you are correct in one point. I don’t subscribe to fake ecumenism

I have nothing but high regard and admiration for your faith and defense of it.