OK, I respect your opinion, but how do you know the creeds weren’t heresy?
I will look at the systamatic theology that you talk about out of curiosity, but if this is what leads you to your beliefs & how you think, I’m dubious to say the least. Ever going to answer the question re: John 17:22-23?
Reno,
The volume of systematic theology and the volume of
Church history are for your benefit in understanding
the issues you are raising on these threads. They
are the background information as well as sources
for basic answers to some of your questions.
Look, for years, people would say to me on FR threads,
“Yes, but have you read Atlas Shrugged?” Well, I
hadn’t. Finally, I realized it was worth reading
for my own edification (in a capitalist sense).
I did. I am suggesting to you that if you wish to
be conversant on these issues and have some depth
to your points, this is basic information you should
know. It is not an insult to you. It is very worthy
of the investment of your time. Most of the answers
to questions you raise here are there in one volume
you could refer to (and they are typically reference
books and not the kind of book you read cover to cover).
Second point... I do not draw my personal faith from
the creeds. At times, I sense you believe Christians’
faith revolves around creeds? I’ve yet to meet my
first “creedal Christian”.
Third point... John passage. It doesn’t say a word that
is contradictory to Christian belief. It has been discussed
by others extensively already on the mormon threads. It
seems pointless for me to re-post that which is available
for all to see.
Have a good day,
ampu
PS - as an aside, included in the courses I took in seminary
a gem called, History of Doctrine. We took each major Christian
doctrine and traced it through from the OT through the time
of Christ, through the Church Fathers and up until the
year I graduated. Then we would go back and take the next
Christian doctrine and do it all over. Then the next. It was
a treat!
What I realized is that some doctrines are arrived at because
we know what cannot be true (from scripture) and what the
possible correct answers are. That is where original languages
are often very useful.
Sometimes we hold a doctrinal position because out of all
the possible choices, one answers the most questions and
raises the fewest problems.
See post #657 ...