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FrankF
Guest
I’ve been having a discussion with my friend about Romans 14, where Paul addresses deitary regulations.
I think she’s taken a few of these verses and applied them in a much broader sense than was actually intended, but I’m wondering how to convince her against this.
For example, she’s using v. 19:
“Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
and v. 22:
“The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves.”
as means to suggest that doctrinal differences (i.e. between denominations - baptism, prayer to saints, etc.) are acceptable as long as they are believed “in faith.”
To an extent, I agree (but not on many of the issues she’s extending the argument to include.) I believe the word “faith” in v. 22 speaks more to “opinion,” because as we see in Paul’s other letters, he is very concerned with doctrinal unity. I’ve used Galatians 1:6-10 as an example. (Any other passages relating to such an issue would be appreciated.)
I’m just wondering if anyone can suggest some modern day “opinions” where fellow Christians should avoid in-fighting for the sake of unity. I think the idea of predestination in terms of thomism vs. molinism may be such an example.
Thanks!
-Ed
I think she’s taken a few of these verses and applied them in a much broader sense than was actually intended, but I’m wondering how to convince her against this.
For example, she’s using v. 19:
“Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
and v. 22:
“The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves.”
as means to suggest that doctrinal differences (i.e. between denominations - baptism, prayer to saints, etc.) are acceptable as long as they are believed “in faith.”
To an extent, I agree (but not on many of the issues she’s extending the argument to include.) I believe the word “faith” in v. 22 speaks more to “opinion,” because as we see in Paul’s other letters, he is very concerned with doctrinal unity. I’ve used Galatians 1:6-10 as an example. (Any other passages relating to such an issue would be appreciated.)
I’m just wondering if anyone can suggest some modern day “opinions” where fellow Christians should avoid in-fighting for the sake of unity. I think the idea of predestination in terms of thomism vs. molinism may be such an example.
Thanks!
-Ed