I had that perspective for a long time. I think I get it, or some of it. While I guess I get defensive in threads like this, what I really want is for people to hear one another.
It's when people say that we believe something that we don't believe that conversation sort of increases in friction and heat and all that. And it's just as much true when it goes the other way. Being asked if I mean to go on committing idolatry is not the best way to get me to look at something calmly. And calling people Apostate also tends to raise the ambient temperature. For those who prefer heat to light, well, that's the kind of thing they like.
My whole thing about "gnostic" churches -- and I regret the misunderstanding -- was really an examination of what are the systematic consequences of thinking that Holy Scripture is the only authority. Not to say this is good or that's bad -- that should come later -- but to see how "the invisible church" is organically related to "Sola Scriptura", if indeed it is.
For me, the proposition that God would choose the exceedingly bizarre, often tacky beyond words, apparently superstitious Roaming Calflick Church`as an instrument of His grace is one which celebrates His overwhelming mercy, not one which should lead to a chorus of neener-neeners all around.
The Church I go to is a Dominican parish. The "Order of Preachers" is the official name of the Dominicans. And they do preach, I think VERY well.
And when I come up to one of them bubbling over with "What a great sermon that was!" they almost always say, "Praise God." And they're right - and I've been on the other end of that. It's nice to hear what a terrific preacher I am (if only) but what I used to clamber up into the pulpit FOR was for people to leave the service saying what a wonderful God GOD is!
There's the gift in the preaching, and there's the gift in the hearing, all gifts, maybe following much effort and sturm und drang, maybe not, but always gifts.
That's central to me.
What a wonderful and edifying post. Much agree.
BTW, I've met some wonderful Dominicans.
BTW, I don't fault leaders 100% for the
increasing lofty, exaltation, vain-glory; self-righteous etc. stuff so common to religious leaders in all organizations . . .
The FOLLOWERS are plenty guilty of foisting the leaders into such constructs, attitudes, positions.
And few leaders seem successfully immune to such pressures from the troops.
I still think that's what 30 years on the back side of the desert was for with Moses.
And the 3 years with Paul.
Interestingly, Peter didn't seem to get such. And it clearly was not becasue he was more humble to begin with.