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But let us say in an open thread something positive about the BVM and her intercession and it seems that half the time we'll end up being told that it's all so Rome can make money and control us and because we hate sex. What do you think that's about?

God planned for us to have these types of discussions simply so that we can distinguish the truth from untruth. We are to search things out.

I get into these discussions because it bothers me that people don't carefully read what is written in front of them. There is ABSOLUTELY nothing more valuable to God than His word. The longest Psalms in scripture (119) is devoted entirely to the word of God. Our Lord Jesus was the WORD incarnate. And until I became a Calvinist I couldn't figure out half of the things the scriptures were talking about simply because I was reading the scriptures the WRONG way. I appreciate people telling me where I'm wrong because I would like to take an honest look at it, compare it to scripture and see if I'm wrong.

Each of us are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, not hugs and kisses. People are free to ignore me-many do. But I would caution people that they need to take a real honest look at what the scriptures are saying in light of their own theological viewpoint.

Funny, I thought ps 119 was about the law. There's either a word like "law" or "commandment" or a figurative synonym like "word" in every verse.

But the nub of the problem, of course, is that while you and I agree, pretty much about "feelings", and hugs and kisses, pretty much, we disagree fundamentally about the place of the Bible in establishing doctrine. We find in the Bible a basis for our opinion, and you do for yours. And if we're going to talk about a "great gulf", that's where I think it is.

To some, the behavior of the Bereans evidently seems like a clear-cut proof of Sola Scriptura. I just don't see it. What I CAN see is that IF one posits Sola Scriptura, THEN one can see the Bereans that way. (and if one doesn't, one doesn't.) And, of course, I think I TOOK a "real, honest", and protracted (more than 22 years) look at Scripture, and became a Catholic.

I don't think the wild accusations I have seen on either side contribute to a process of searching things out any more than fancy type-faces and perseveration, so if you are right about God's plan, I think these behaviors work against it.

God planned for us to have these types of discussions simply so that we can distinguish the truth from untruth. We are to search things out. I get into these discussions because it bothers me that people don't carefully read what is written in front of them. There is ABSOLUTELY nothing more valuable to God than His word. The longest Psalms in scripture (119) is devoted entirely to the word of God. Our Lord Jesus was the WORD incarnate.

Amen, Harley!

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word...
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee...
I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word...
My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word...
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word." -- Psalm 119:9,11,16-17,25,42