[MarkBsnr]

Thanks for the Baptist link. I use the WCF and the two Reformed Catechisms on a regular basis anyway.

Interesting home page:

:::We believe that the Baptists are the original Christians. We did not commence our existence at the reformation, we were reformers before Luther and Calvin were born; we never came from the Church of Rome, for we were never in it, but we have an unbroken line up to the apostles themselves. We have always existed from the days of Christ, and our principles, sometimes veiled and forgotten, like a river which may travel under ground for a little season, have always had honest and holy adherents.:::

Uh huh.

:::I’ve been label a pessimistic Calvinist.:::

Wow. That’s quite a label.

:::I believe the reason the Orthodox tend to be so solid in their beliefs is because they hold a strong synergistic view. The reason Reformers are consistent is because we hold a strong monergistic view. I happen to think that the Orthodox with their minimization of the inspired scripture is the wrong view. Everyone else, including Catholics, are all over the page because they hold to synergistism but cling to parts of monergistism to varying degrees.:::

We’d consider the Orthodox to be so solid because they hold fast to the original teachings of Christ, whereas we have been Protestantized to some degree. We’re a little tainted, I’d say, whereas they are more pure. The current Vicar is attempting to clip off the tumours, as it were. Our perspective.

I appreciate your candor, sir. I am also appreciating the WCF and other confessions and catechisms that I wasn’t very aware of until I started to participate in this forum. They provide food for thought (although I think that I will have to use some theological Tums on occasion). Thank you.

[HarleyD]

:::We believe that the Baptists are the original Christians. ...Uh huh.

Well, you know those wacky Baptists. If the Orthodox can say they're the original Christians, and the Catholics, why not the Baptists? Shoot, there a whole slue of people lining up for that title-including some truly non-Christian groups.

Personally, I like to think of myself as more Orthodox Presbyterian with a few scruples. I'm the only original Harley-that's it! TA-DA! Sorry to disappoint.

We’re a little tainted, I’d say, whereas they are more pure. The current Vicar is attempting to clip off the tumours, as it were. Our perspective.

I would agree with that. I believe the Church of Rome has been drifting towards the eastern view for almost 1500 years. They are becoming far more synergisting in nature.

While I think the Reformation was fought over a number of issues, I think it was inevitable. There were still monergists in the western church but as the Church drifted eastward there was no reconcilation. The Reformers really didn't leave Rome. Rome left them.