However, in addressing the subject of the title of this article, in which Romish events call Protestantism's reaction and significance to thought, one must not--yea cannot--ignore the symbolism inherently brought into bearing by the great commentators of Protestantism: Matthew Henry, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Albert Barnes, Adam Clarke, Marvin Vincent (Vincent's Word Studies), John Darby, John Wesley, who certainly have left their indelible marks on eschatological doctrine. So have the persecution and writings of John Bunyan ("Pilgrim's Progress," etc.), the record of Foxe's "Book of Martyrs," and the blot of the Spanish Inquisition. Keeping verses 17:1 and 18:4 of the Apocalypse in view, the factors mattering to non-Catholic protesters, whose allegiance is not toward Rome, are related to the actions that the symbology stands for.
The question is, how could this Baptist religionist relinquish his binding to the dearly-paid-for autonomy of the local churches, local bodies of The Christ, to even think of extending tendrils toward a re-association with his catholicized nemesis?
If this is offensive to the FR community, it is not a fantasy or machination of mine. It is a factor that must be taken into account by the segment holding to the Greater Roman Catechism in dealing with the theme "Why the Pope's Resignation Matters to Protestants" when subjected to examination by a Baptist pastor. I am not surprised if you took offense to my comments, but they were not made with the idea of attacking your personal beliefs.
I hope I am making some kind of sense in apologizing that I may have wounded your spirit, but without apologizing for my arguments.
It will not always be this way.
"It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race -- till we see Christ."
[Esther K. Rusthoi, 1941 (c) Renewal 1969 Singspiration, Inc.]
“The question is, how could this Baptist religionist relinquish his binding to the dearly-paid-for autonomy of the local churches, local bodies of The Christ, to even think of extending tendrils toward a re-association with his catholicized nemesis?”
This thread wasn’t started by a Catholic. It might be better to enquire further about what this person thinks about the tendrils and article that was posted.
I take it this Baptist belongs to a group that is fairly liberal, but I am not an expert. If he belonged to a conservative group, I would expect any of the false ecumanism would be left out, and he would concentrate on the leftist humanistic political particulars which conservative Catholic and Baptist Christians both should work against. This Catholic thanks God for the Southern Baptists.
“If this is offensive to the FR community, it is not a fantasy or machination of mine.’
Just like my observation that those who express the belief that the Catholic Church is the whore of babylon on FR never claim to belong to particular group of Christians or Creed that I recall. And that there are reasons for this.
“I am not surprised if you took offense to my comments, but they were not made with the idea of attacking your personal beliefs.”
I don’t think you believe you think I am a liberal, and I am telling you I don’t think you are either. But when another Freeper states a belief that the Catholic Church is the whore of babylon, I reckon it is fair to point out what I have observed of those on FR who make this claim, considering I am Catholic.
“I hope I am making some kind of sense in apologizing that I may have wounded your spirit, but without apologizing for my arguments.”
In my opinion there is a difference between stating what is considered grave flaws in another’s faith and claiming that the other is the whore of babylon. I understand if you disagree. Certainly no nonCatholic Christians have disputed you on this thread, but I think that probably goes more to my point.
As far as spirits go, I think that shows Christian charity on your part. I haven’t observed that from others who expressed the belief that the Catholic Church is the whore of babylon on FR that I can recall. But rest assured my spirit isn’t dependant on what happens on FR. Not to say FR isn’t awesome.
Freegards