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To: SoConPubbie

In Wesley’s day, the Church of England was (and still is, I assume) divided into parishes, and one of the first and strongest criticisms of him was that he was poaching in other parishes when he preached in the fields and in the streets of towns outside his prescribed area (his parish). His response was what I quoted, and stemmed from his disgust at the church’s failure to tend its own flock. Parochialism (protecting one’s turf) for the sake of parochialism is also something the Catholic Church has done and still does. Protecting the flock from false teaching is admirable; however, it’s also incumbent upon the person “in charge” of that parish to actively tend it. That’s what Wesley was so incensed about, and why he went out and preached to whoever would listen.

Did I make sense (even if there’s disagreement)?


22 posted on 05/26/2009 10:12:05 AM PDT by jagusafr ("Bugs, Mr. Rico! Zillions of 'em!" - Robert Heinlein)
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To: jagusafr

No offense taken and I agree with your take on the matter and Wesley’s approach.

Parochalism is a hindrence to the Gospel not a help.


23 posted on 05/26/2009 11:45:44 AM PDT by SoConPubbie
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