I have a couple of friends who went to Dallas Theological Seminar (DTS). Their views on most things (except the Eucharist and a hand-full of others) are very Catholic. However, they recoil in horror at being told that. They have all-but admitted that their basic theological position is that the Catholic Church has it wrong... let’s go find another answer. When they find the same answers the Catholic Church has taught for 2,000 years? They say even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then...
One of the prayers we use is that we ask God to lead all people who call themselves Christian into the way of truth. It’s in one of the older Prayer Books, I don’t think it is used any longer. Those seeking the truth will find it.
That’s not a surprise. DTS is primarily an Arminian seminary. And as Augustus Toplady wrote 250 years ago, Arminianism is the “road to Rome.”
The free will idea that man is capable of choosing to be saved is a most Roman Catholic idea. That’s why most “Protestants” who are comfortable with the ecumenical movement are Arminian.
The brilliant Dr. S. Lewis Johnson was a rare reformed professor, but he has been gone from DTS from DTS since the 80’s.
That may be your conclusion, versus what the weight of Scriptural substantiation supports, thus explaining their contention for basic truths we both profess, versus such a thing as praying to departed saints in Heaven.
Yet RCs often essentially argue that if we agree with them on some things then we are inconsistent in disagreeing on others.
They also tend to argue that an assuredly (if conditionally) infallible magisterium is essential for determination and assurance of Truth (including writings and men being of God).
And or to fulfill promises of Divine presence, providence of Truth, and preservation of faith, and authority.
And for support that being the historical instruments and stewards of Divine revelation (oral and written) means that Rome is that assuredly infallible magisterium. Thus those who dissent from the latter are in rebellion to God.
Does this fairly represent what you hold to or in what way does it differ?
” They have all-but admitted that their basic theological position is that the Catholic Church has it wrong... let’s go find another answer.”
Hogwash. I’ve been a Baptist for 40+ years, and I’ve never heard ANY Baptist use the Catholic Church to reference theology! Frankly, we don’t CARE what Catholics teach!
In every discussion I’ve heard, we simply ask, “What does the Bible say?”
” That’s why most “Protestants” who are comfortable with the ecumenical movement are Arminian.”
Most Protestants have never heard of Arminius. However, frankly, I’ve never met a Cavinist who believed in Calvin’s doctrines at the time of salvation. Odd, isn’t it?
When was the last time you heard a pastor preach, “If God decides to save you, you cannot resist! If he does not, you cannot be saved - and God hates most of you! Now - who is God compelling to come forward tonight?”
As for the Anglicans: I see no sign the Anglican Church believes scripture is the Word of God, and not just some dusty old rules that don’t apply to modern man. Indeed, by having “priests”, it rejects the teaching of the New Testament for the teaching of man.
Do I or other Baptists spend a lot of time worrying about it? No, but neither do I give much weight to someone’s theological views if they insist they hold an office the New Testament never mentions...
DTS has little in common with catholics.
They are pre-trib rapturists, and dispensationalists, which is in conflict with catholic teaching.
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