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To: Arguendo
Yes and no. All of the questions presuppose that reformed Christianity (Calvinist) is the only proper interpretation of the Bible. While I can agree with the statement on its surface, it carries with it concepts of faith alone and total depravity. Many orthodox Christians do not agree with these concepts.

While certainly I agree that one cannot earn one's way into heaven, faith alone is not enough. At the Last Judgment, what will Jesus ask us and judge us on? Not on whether we believed, but whether we acted (fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, visited the sick and those in prison).

That said, faith is totally necessary. One cannot even know Jesus to start the good works without faith.

It's not a matter of faith versus works; it's both working together. I'm sure you are familiar with the Book of James.

32 posted on 03/10/2009 3:03:47 PM PDT by Martin Tell (ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it)
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To: Martin Tell

Agreed, but that doesn’t conflict with any of the principles listed. Works are important, but you obviously can’t earn your way into heaven through works.

I’m a Calvinist, but I think Catholics could also agree with all of these points. I think you’d start to find disagreement in some “emergent” churches (and is part of the reason I have a problem with these churches), and more serious disagreement in the old mainline denominations.


34 posted on 03/10/2009 3:17:08 PM PDT by Arguendo
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