Replies

Propositions, (Get me my hammer! Which way to the chapel door?

Baptism is an efficacious grafting into the Body of Christ.
The Church is visible, sho' 'nuff.
However there a members of the Church in REALLY crappy standing (term of art, no?) and their connection to the Church is virtually imperceptible (like my typing skills).
The distinction between 'Christian' and "member of the Church" is not a real distinction.
Heretics (those who embrace error with a sufficient degree of knowledge that the CHurch teaches otherwise, a sufficient degree of knowledge of the Church's grounds to claim authority, and a ditto of intent) are members of the Church in really awful standing.Heretics and those who cling to error with varying degrees of intent and culpability, harm themselves and other members of the body of Christ, and, especially, their misbelief hinders to the point of prevention theosis.
To the extent that actions, internal or external, are directly attributable to demonic control, and to the extent that that control is the partially or wholly the result of some sin of the person being controlled, they are not culpable.
But in the immediately preceding point and in those dealing with awareness and willfulness of misblelief cases are difficult to determine.
In any event, Truth, and the desire and ability to embrace Him are the gift of God.

Oops, I just remembered an appointment elsewhere ..... See ya. Gotta go.

IN closing, I'd just like to say

DOE SNOT

” * Baptism is an efficacious grafting into the Body of Christ.
* The Church is visible, sho’ ‘nuff.
* However there a members of the Church in REALLY crappy standing (term of art, no?) and their connection to the Church is virtually imperceptible (like my typing skills).
* The distinction between ‘Christian’ and “member of the Church” is not a real distinction.
* Heretics (those who embrace error with a sufficient degree of knowledge that the CHurch teaches otherwise, a sufficient degree of knowledge of the Church’s grounds to claim authority, and a ditto of intent) are members of the Church in really awful standing.Heretics and those who cling to error with varying degrees of intent and culpability, harm themselves and other members of the body of Christ, and, especially, their misbelief hinders to the point of prevention theosis.
* To the extent that actions, internal or external, are directly attributable to demonic control, and to the extent that that control is the partially or wholly the result of some sin of the person being controlled, they are not culpable.
* But in the immediately preceding point and in those dealing with awareness and willfulness of misblelief cases are difficult to determine.
* In any event, Truth, and the desire and ability to embrace Him are the gift of God.”

1. sometimes

2 yes

3. yes

4. yes there is, at least historically

5. Depends on the heresy

6. no

7. The heretic’s problem, not that of The Church

8. Absolutely

So...?