Posted on 05/02/2008 2:09:51 PM PDT by Augustinian monk
“Must really frost your cookies that Jews preserved 2/3rd’s of your writings 1500 years before your tradition existed.”
You mean before the Word became flesh? No. It’s a good thing.
I’m sorry. We have the Eucharist. “Do this in remembrance of me.”
I’m sorry. We have the Eucharist. “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Yes I think so, and it is very difficult for me to say that as a Reformer. :) The first question I must face with honesty is whether I think Catholicism is a legitimate Christian faith. Yes or no. I started studying Catholicism seriously here on FR about two and a half years ago and I have come to a conclusion. And it is indeed ironic that while what I have learned has made it much LESS likely that I would ever convert to Catholicism, it nevertheless has made me MORE sure that Catholicism is a fully Christian faith. :)
So, given my Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ, I am then forced to apply my own Reformed beliefs. Those would be that God ORDAINED that Catholics BE Catholics! :) No matter how vociferous my disagreement with their theology is I don't know how to avoid this fact. That is, as of this minute. God can always dispense further sanctifying grace at His leisure. :)
The point of all this is that YES, Catholics and Protestants, in my view, are looking at the same core from different angles.
[continuing:] The one sees images in the diamond - himself, his forebears, saints, etc. - and thus sees that to honor those images is to honor the Light which illuminates them. His emphasis is on the images, the physical. In this case, the physical Apostolic succession by laying on of hands.
The other looks into the diamond and is blinded by Light. He sees no images at all and thus, to him, seeing images in the diamond is to miss the revelation of God altogether. His emphasis is on the Light alone, the Spiritual. In this case, the Spiritual succession, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit by the will of God alone.
Very beautifully put, AG. I think that is fair all around. Reformers definitely focus on the Light alone. We think the Light is the only place our faith comes from.
I submit that it is a matter of perspective – not either/or. For one to be “right” the other doesn’t have to be “wrong.”
I think on some matters that would be true, but on others I would have to disagree. For example, if Mary really truly WAS assumed into Heaven, then that would in no way wreck Reformed theology. However, if men really do determine their own destinies, from GOD'S POV, then Reformed theology evaporates. So, while I think you are very correct to note that differences in perspective can be gotten around if we consider context and intent, I also think that there are some absolutes that cannot be mitigated. AS A BASIC STRUCTURE, I really do believe that absolutes and antithesis are critical to Christianity itself. Just my opinion. :)
And some people don't think God has a sense of humor.
I just look forward to that great and glorious day when we can all gather together around one table and raise our voices and proclaim, "G-17, I-5, O-12!" in one great song of Bingo!
I don't know where you've been playing Bingo, but I think it's rigged; 5 and 12 are under B, 17 is under I.
It's a partial victory, but a victory nonetheless. ;O)
Busted by a knowledgeable Cat'lick
(I have no clue how bingo works. For me it's just a funny idea, like chicken fat. I guess I have to study up.)
Five columns (B-I-N-G-O), each column featuring 15 numbers: b=(1..15) i=(16..30) n=(31..45) g=(46..60) o=(61..75).
Thanks! I can’t wait to tell our pastor!
lol
Catholic, hmmm?
You really shouldn't be talking about the secret sacraments in public.
Is this like the old war movie cliche?
“You’re American, huh? What’s the capital of Tennessee?”
Knowledge of bingo can be our new shibboleth.
I know. It’s like I’m posting missile codes.
I feel so dirty.
LOL.
I’m a convert, HONEST! (And I skipped the RCIA class that covered Bingo. How was I to know?)
Same thing happened to my wife. We won't let her in on the secret until she's a little more advanced in all things Catholic.
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