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A-G, I am including you here only because it realtes to what I posted to you earlier.

But don't you rely on just such "endless verses" to prove the authority of the Church?

Which verses say the Church has authority? Church authority comes from the Apostles who passed it on to their successors. The bible hints at that, and the Church documents this with earliest writings. From the beginning the Church had "elders" who were in authority.

Christ serves as an example of how we should try to be. The whole purpose of going to curch is not to read endless verses but to worship and praise God, to erepent and to try as much as possible to live a Christ-like life. It's a way of life, FK. It's not bible study. Anyone can do bible study.

But not anyone can live a Christ-like life. There are those who have memorized the bible and still don't live a life of Christ, and then there are those who couldn't quote a verse but could walk on water if they had to.

FK: "But don't you rely on just such "endless verses" to prove the authority of the Church?"

Well, I know that the Latins rely on a handful of verses for the immense power they claim for their Magisterium. Do I take it that the Orthodox rely more on early extra-scriptural documents for the powers ascribed to your clergy?

Christ serves as an example of how we should try to be. The whole purpose of going to church is not to read endless verses but to worship and praise God, to repent and to try as much as possible to live a Christ-like life. It's a way of life, FK. It's not bible study. Anyone can do bible study.

I agree that worship is why we go to church, but I don't know how proper worship can be done without knowing the word of God. Even if one is relying on extra-scriptural words he is still relying on the words of SOMEONE to know Who he is worshiping. I agree with you if you are saying that Bible study without belief is a waste of time. However, WITH belief it is invaluable to growing in our relationship with God. How can one grow without learning?