[boilerfan]

I would like to proffer another idea to the liberalization of many main line denominations.

Since many of these denominations long ago deviated from original teaching of a literal Bible it opened the door for deviants to slowly change church doctrine. I belong to one of the most conservative protestant denominations (LCMS) and the only thing that is keeping the Missouri Synod away from liberalistic teaching is the adherance to a literal translation of the Bible.

True, church property is a motivator, but I believe that Satan is using liberalism to destroy the church to deceive the faithfull as is profecied in the Bible.

The Episcopal church has reached a turning point where it is openly condoning and welcoming unrepentant sinners as teachers and pastors of their congregations. This is totally contradictory to the scriptures.

We are all sinners, but only those who recognize their sin and repent are washed clean. Unfortunately all others have a warmer destination ahead of them.

[Jalapeno]

Unfortunately all others have a warmer destination ahead of them.

You mean Cancun?

[Terriergal]

True, church property is a motivator, but I believe that Satan is using liberalism to destroy the church to deceive the faithfull as is profecied in the Bible.

Kind of what I said - I don't know that any of these people have the real estate in mind when they challenge teachings on homosexuality or whatever, but Satan I am SURE does, so he uses them as his pawns to corrupt the most visible witnesses for God in society.

I send my kids to an LCMS school. If I didn't already belong to the local E. Covenant church I would go to an LCMS church. There are some unscriptural teachings in the Covenant church, e.g. women pastors, creeping in to the higher levels that are disturbing, but so far our local congregation is aware and opposed to them. I had to laugh at some of the articles that come in the denomination Magazine - about gun control (pro gun control) and lamenting the fact that 'women pastors' in the Covenant denomination are finding it hard to get called to a church! Boo hoo.

[jtill]

"The Episcopal church has reached a turning point where it is openly condoning and welcoming unrepentant sinners as teachers and pastors of their congregations."

I have seen this very thing happen in the Episcopal church I have belonged to since 1950. And, when it did happen, there was a huge falling away of membership. What was once a church with 650 communicants, is now a church with 150. Sad lesson, but it was learned!