Replies

"MineralMan was holding up the standard of being a Bible scholar, which would mean, frankly, that almost none of us would be able to discuss scripture, because most of us will probably never make it to the level of a scholar.
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Please be courteous enough to include my name if you refer to me in a post.

That is not what I was saying. My point was that this whole discussion turns on a very close interpretation of scripture. Both sides make cogent arguments regarding these issues.

That is why I referred to the need to be a biblical scholar in order to discuss such issues in a meaningful way. Entire books have been written by such scholars, and on both sides of the issue.

It is one thing to say one believes something doctrinal, but quite another to discuss it in any serious way.

Since there is much disagreement regarding the issues being discussed here, it seems to me that it is difficult for the layman to make firm statements about them.

I wouldn't do so, certainly, and prefer to let each person believe whatever he/she wishes regarding Mary, the priesthood, and other such arcane matters.

My point is that it is wrong to condemn another person for their doctrinal positions, however arrived at. One is in danger of error in that case.

MM: "That is not what I was saying. My point was that this whole discussion turns on a very close interpretation of scripture. Both sides make cogent arguments regarding these issues. That is why I referred to the need to be a biblical scholar in order to discuss such issues in a meaningful way. Entire books have been written by such scholars, and on both sides of the issue. It is one thing to say one believes something doctrinal, but quite another to discuss it in any serious way."

The Bible says the opposite: "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so that we might obey it?" In other words the foundations of our faith and behavior are simple enough so that we can all understand and obey. Those details that require knowledge of Hebrew or Greek or an understanding of cultural connotations are those that are on the periphery.

MM: "My point is that it is wrong to condemn another person for their doctrinal positions, however arrived at. One is in danger of error in that case."

I think it's wrong to condemn anyone--that's called judging and if we judge, the Lord will judge us. Recognizing unorthodox doctrine or wrong actions, on the other hand, is our responsibility as Christians.