I think I am done with this thread. This isn’t to say that I surrender my beliefs or that I think Zerinus is correct. It is that no matter what argument, new or old, that we put forth, he answers those with a circular logic that we cannot break.
Here are the reasons why:
His belief is that the Church from the first century onward was Apostate and that the TRUE church only showed up after Luther and Calvin. No facts, historical or Biblical will change his mind on this.
Therefore if all of what the Church said from the first century onward is Apostate, he does not have to regard any of it as a valid argument, and even if he does, he can simply say that his interpretation is correct because we are Apostate, and he has the truth because he is not Apostate.
Again, I don’t agree with this but, he is entitled to believe as he wishes, as are we.
We have presented plenty of valid arguments from our point of view, to which he has refuted them with points from his point of view. If we bring up something he thinks he has already addressed he refers us back to his blog or post that he feels addresses it.
While we don’t agree with his arguments, and don’t see them as the Truth as we feel that our evidence is stronger and more centered around the understanding of the times and peoples Jesus was speaking to in the Bible, again, they are his arguments and his beliefs.
We cannot change beliefs here, we can only present our side of the story and then say “God Bless You” and let him decide what he wants to believe. The only one who can change hearts is God himself.
So Zerinus, at this point I thank you for your arguments, your patience and your kindness. You have given us insight into Mormonism and we have told you what we believe. Therefore, everything this thread needs to accomplish, has been accomplished. The Holy Spirit will inspire the Truth, no matter which side it is on.
It was an enjoyable thread and I did rack my brain a few times. However, I still believe in my Catholic faith, just as you believe in your Mormon faith. There is nothing that will change that, except for God himself in either case.
God Bless,
Chris