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To: PAR35
The difference is that with Protestants they can first form their beliefs and then find a church that matches them. Each of these churches profess a belief that it is the Bible that is the sole rule of faith; the church just offers what it believes is the best interpretation. If someone should find themselves at odds with the teaching of a certain church they can move to one that more closely matches their beliefs or start their own. Thus church discipline is no real guide to evangelical life.
72 posted on 12/17/2005 1:15:55 PM PST by Petrosius
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To: Petrosius
The difference is that with Protestants they can first form their beliefs and then find a church that matches them. Each of these churches profess a belief that it is the Bible that is the sole rule of faith; the church just offers what it believes is the best interpretation. If someone should find themselves at odds with the teaching of a certain church they can move to one that more closely matches their beliefs or start their own. Thus church discipline is no real guide to evangelical life.

Most of the dogma in churches are laws of man far removed from the intent of the scriptures. For example there is no prohibition in the Bible for preachers to marry. Now Paul stated HIS personal choice on the matter but he also warned better to marry than burn with lust. If I need advice from clergy involving my marriage I would seek out one who is married so he would have a clue as to what I was saying. That is but one example. Another is things like birth control. No prohibitions in the Bible. It derived from a verse taken out of context where a man was told to produce a child. That was addressed to that man not everybody else. Many persons practice birth control for very good reasons including the health of the mother.

On the other hand Protestant Churches in some sects go overboard even as to prohibit the drinking of wine or some even dancing. Being drunk is a sin as it allows the mind to loose control. But even Paul taught some wine is good for the stomach and it wasn't Welch's grape juice.

Some need the rigidity of authoritarian church leaders overseeing there every waking hour and some do not. I will say this much from what I have seen. Many churches that have the strictest dogma usually have the highest rate of falling away. I've seen it happen to quite a few persons I knew that attended Pentecostal {Charismatic} Churches. The church dogma {laws} become so restricting no one can abide in them and the person gives up. Remember this though if man could follow the law and live it then Jesus would not have had to go to the cross. Christ did what we could not. If a church leader is wrong no matter if he is the president of the Southern Baptist or the Pope I don't follow or submit to the wrong just because he is a church leader. All churches have had their dark ages so to speak. One should attend the church where the Holy Spirit leads them.

74 posted on 12/17/2005 1:51:12 PM PST by cva66snipe
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To: Petrosius
If someone should find themselves at odds with the teaching of a certain church they can move to one that more closely matches their beliefs or start their own.

Come on now. You can do that in the Roman Catholic church as well. Want to speak in tongues? I'll find you a charismatic Catholic church. Don't believe in tongues in the present age? I'll find you one. Latin Mass? That will take some doing, but you can find those if you really look.

Pro contraception? no difficulties. Pro abortion? you'll have to look a little harder, but you can find that. Pro homosexual? Move to Cleveland. Baptism by immersion? By pouring? just shop around. One that follows the teachings of Rome? Depending on geographic location, it might be hard or easy to find. One that follows historic geographic boundaries for the parish? I know of one in this Diocese which still sets out boundaries.

What were you saying about a Protestant being able to shop around?

75 posted on 12/17/2005 2:09:23 PM PST by PAR35
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