Posted on 02/24/2020 6:54:56 AM PST by Kaslin
According to a new Lifeway Research survey, while 47 percent of “mainline” pastors now support same-sex “marriage,” only 8 percent of evangelical pastors do. More specifically, “Presbyterian or Reformed (49%), Methodist (47%), Lutheran (35%) and Christian/Church of Christ pastors (20%) are more likely to see nothing wrong with same-sex marriage than Baptist (3%) or Pentecostal pastors (1%).”
None of this is surprising in the least.
First, as noted by Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research, “The movement we see among pastors’ views of same-sex marriage has less to do with their denominational tradition than their view of the Bible.”
Accordingly, those who hold most faithfully to the authority of Scripture will be the least inclined to change their views on homosexuality. Put another way, those who believe the Bible to be God’s inspired, unchanging Word will be the least likely to compromise their convictions based on societal changes.
“An evangelical distinctive,” McConnell continued, “is the ultimate authority the Bible has over one’s beliefs despite changing cultural perspectives. It is not surprising then that evangelical pastors across different denominations continue to view same-sex marriage as wrong through this lens.”
That’s because the Bible is unambiguous in its condemnation of homosexual unions. Under all circumstances, regardless of how much love or commitment is involved, they are sinful in God’s sight and contrary to His established order.
At the same time, mercy and forgiveness are offered for all, including practicing homosexuals. The Word is equally clear on this (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
That’s why, when I had a mini-debate with “gay Christian” poster boy Matthew Vines, he could not offer a single Scripture verse in support of his position. (For a graphic illustration of the scriptural bankruptcy of the “gay Christian” argument, see here.)
When it comes to “mainline” pastors, which these days primarily refers to “progressive” or “liberal” pastors, they are more inclined to interpret Scripture through the lens of contemporary culture than to evaluate contemporary culture through the lens of Scripture.
As a result, they are more likely to disbelieve fundamental, biblical truths, including: the Bible as God’s infallible Word; salvation coming only through Jesus; the virgin birth and the resurrection; eternal reward and eternal punishment.
That’s why it’s no surprise that these same pastors, who have waffled on the most foundational issues, will waffle on things like gay “marriage” too. What else could we expect?
Ironically, it is the Pentecostals, who are often derided for their belief that the Spirit continues to speak today, who are the most conservative of all, with only 1 percent of their pastors affirming same-sex “marriage.”
But that, too, should come as no surprise. That’s because the reason Pentecostals believe that prophecy and tongues are for today is because they believe that the Word of God means what it says. That’s also why they reject same-sex “marriage.”
Pentecostals also emphasize the importance of the new birth and life in the Spirit. This means that the vast majority of their adherents will have a greater devotion to the Lord and His Word than those of “mainline” churches, which often downplay the concept of personal relationship with God.
All this would be in keeping with a 10-country religious survey published in 2006, titled, “Spirit and Power – A Ten Country Survey of Pentecostals.”
The survey indicated that, “In addition to their distinctive religious experiences, renewalists also stand out for the intensity of their belief in traditional Christian doctrines and practices. For instance, in eight of the 10 countries surveyed (all except the U.S. and Chile), majorities of nonrenewalist Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word; but this view is even more common among pentecostals than among non-renewalist Christians. Similarly, large majorities of all Christians, renewalists and nonrenewalists alike, believe that miracles still occur today as in ancient times. But this belief tends to be even more intense among pentecostals and, to a lesser extent, charismatics than among nonrenewalist Christians.”
It is true that, according to the recent Lifeway Research survey, the more educated the pastor, the more likely he (or she) was to accept same-sex “marriage.” Specifically, “Those with a doctorate (27%) or a master’s degree (32%) are more likely to support same-sex marriage than pastors with a bachelor’s degree (9%) or no college degree (6%).”
But, once again, it is also more likely that many of those who pursued more advanced degrees view the Bible through a more modernist lens than those who chose not to pursue such degrees. Education, in and of itself, does not guarantee orthodoxy. This is especially so when the seminaries attended are themselves liberal.
Interestingly, “Pastors of churches with fewer than 50 in attendance are more likely to see nothing wrong with two people of the same gender getting married (33%) than those at churches with 100 or more in attendance (19%).”
This would confirm what I have written about numerous times, namely, that “progressive Christianity” is doomed to fail.
That’s why, while 47 percent of “mainline” pastors now affirm same-sex relations, they represent an increasingly small minority of American pastors as a whole as their congregations are dwindling. In stark contrast, Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity is exploding around the globe.
One group adheres more faithfully to the Word and relies on the Spirit’s power. The other does not.
The results are as expected.
And lumping American Baptists with Southern Baptists.
Did He? Matthew and Mark contradict with each other.
Whereas Catholic “invalid marriages” aren’t.
Sure they are.
Are you saying that the Apostle Matthew is lying?
That’s a pretty hefty accusation you’re making against the Holy Spirit.
Are you saying the Apostle Mark is?
It is in Mark where Jesus defines marriage as a permanent union of one man and one woman when He says, "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Through marriage, two become one. One union, meant to last a lifetime. And since marriage is a gift from God through the words of His son, Jesus Christ, Catholics view it as one of the seven sacraments and one has to show themselves as worthy of receiving it.
So you admit that you’re denying the Word of God?
You’re calling Matthew (and thus the Holy Spirit) a liar by saying that Jesus never said what Matthew records?
Show us Scriptural support for the concept of an *invalid* marriage, where God addresses or even recognizes the concept.
Books, chapters, and verses.
They don't contradict...It's just that one gives additional information...
That's the way the bible is written...You rarely get the full picture from one or two verses of scripture...
Matthew, Mark and Luke were written to Jews under the Law...We Christians are not under the Law, but Grace...So the apostle Paul (through Jesus) adds a little to that marriage situation for born again Christians...
1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
Are you married??? Don't seek a divorce...But if you are divorced, seek not another wife...BUT,
1Co 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned;
That ought to put an end to the conversation right there...If you are divorced from your spouse and remarry, you have not sinned...AND, if your new wife has never been married, she will not sin by marrying you...
and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned.
And then comes the warning: You might have a rocky marriage...
Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
And how does the Catholic Church justify that it officially put two incompatible people together encouraging fornication and even creating illegitimate children, only to allow the family to be torn apart??? I'm sure it takes no responsibility in the matter...
My 148 was intended to be a reply to your 146...Sheesh...Guess I need to a little better job of proof reading before I hit the post button...
Even considering they are required to attend pre-Cana classes.
The priest ought to be able to weed out a number of cases that technically qualify for being declared an invalid marriage, such as.......
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-are-grounds-for-annulment
The Code of Canon Law identifies many possible impediments to a party’s or a couple’s capacity to marry. Some are obvious. For example, a party who is already married is not capable of marrying a second spouse. Similarly, active bishops, priests, and deacons, as well as those in religious vows of celibacy, are incapable of entering into new marriages.
Other such impediments are not as obvious. Insufficient age (usually sixteen for a man or fourteen for a woman) impedes a valid marriage from coming into existence. Also, since marriage is partly about procreation, preexisting and permanent impotence renders a party incapable of marriage. (Impotence is the inability to complete a conjugal act. This is not the same thing as sterility, which, of itself, does not impede a marriage.)
Parties too closely related are incapable of marrying each other. Such relatives ordinarily include relationships as close as first cousins and uncles/nieces, as well as any direct-line relationships (grandfathers/granddaughters, etc.).
Like a priest cannot determine ahead of time that someone is too closely related or lacks the mental capacity to assent to a marriage, or is TOO YOUNG? Like that's not obvious???????
“Just because it was called a donation doesn’t make it legitimate,” Rosen said.
Looks like we “won” the argument again, by which I mean the Catholics refusing to engage any more.
The silence is deafening.
Once again your taking things out of context! Seems to be your favorite technique.
Maybe you should share your faith in Christ and try to lift up others instead of attempting to destroy others Faith in Jesus Christ.
PS: You still have not given me Biblical Proof of the Doctrine of the Trinity! I sincerely believe that your Christology is as flawed and non-biblical as you believe that mine is!
"I think your first sentence there is incorrect...Whether I’m a great example of saintly belief is a good topic for a panel discussion, but you have no business saying I don’t have faith."
The post wasn't directed at you, and in fact was a statement about the Catholic church.
***I have a lot of trouble with the Catholic “religion” mainly because it is a “religion” not a “faith” ***
Well; here is YOUR chance to put it all IN context.
Up for it?
I doubt that anyone can do this to your satisfaction; so I'll have to post MORMON 'scripture' instead:
Trinity:
found in the Book of MORMON ----------- rejected in the Doctrines and Covenants
Now Zeezrom said: Is there more than one God? And he answered, No. (Alma 11:28-29)
...and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. (Alma 11:44)
...doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen. (2 Nephi 31:21)
...praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end. (Mormon 7:7)
...power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son--And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth. And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, (Mosiah 15:3-5)
...of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them. (Ether 2:8)
"Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name." (3 Nephi 9:15)
"And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them--Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one...And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one." (3 Nephi 11:22-27, 36)According to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods before this world was, that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into his eternal presence and into his immortal rest. (Section 121:32)
And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them--Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths--then shall it be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them. (Section 132:18-20)
Abraham received concubines, and they bore him children; and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him, and he abode in my law; as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded; and because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods. (Section 132:37)
Sounds like a worthy cause.
Maybe you should share your faith in The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latterday Saints and try to lift up others instead of attempting to destroy others Faith in Jesus Christ; alone.
the actual response to belligerence when it occurred was much more restrained. Although the elders did confiscate property and burn houses, their attacks were generally aimed at specific enemies. Mormons had neither the inclination nor means to wage a general war of extermination against all mobbers, despite menacing talk. The only fatalities occurred in the skirmish with Bogart, where the elders got the worst of the fight. Had the prophet been intent on waging total war, it is unlikely he would have allowed Rigdon to issue his 4th of July warning, which only put the Missourians on guard. [5]
Seems to be a MORMON favorite technique; to...
...answer the question that SHOULD have been asked.
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