A Protestant Minister's Unusual Sermon on Reformation Sunday

Patrick Madrid ^ | 10/26/2009 | Patrick Madrid

[Patrick Madrid]

A few years ago, I slipped into the back of a large Methodist church in the area to hear a sermon delivered by the pastor which had been advertised for several days on the marquee on the lawn in front of the handsome Neo-Gothic stone edifice. I really wanted to hear what he had to say on that particular Sunday.

The occasion of this sermon was what Protestants celebrate as "Reformation Sunday," in remembrance of the sad, tragic rebellion against the Catholic Church. Of course, that's my take on what Reformation Sunday symbolizes. The pastor whose sermon I heard that day had a much different view. . . .

[Cronos]

Ratzinger became part of a German anti-aircraft unit in 1943 and stayed for two years until, along with much of the German army, he deserted back to his home in 1945 in the face of the oncoming Russian army.

Check the history books. not the random websites by those who pray to Z

[Cronos]

simple english: retiring at 60 in Germany was not “retiring on time” but “early retirment”. J. Ratzinger’s father retired early. He retired when the police force (of which he was a part) was put under SS administration (by this time the SS was taking over much of the admin, as per internal Nazi politic maneouvering). It that simple enough?

[Chesterbelloc]

Thanks for filling out the story of this part of Ratzinger’s past. The euthanasia murder of his 14 year Down’s syndrome cousin is heartbreaking. One small drop of heartbreak in what was an ocean of heartbreak at the time. I have a 10 year old son who had a brain bleed as an infant that still affects him in profound ways and I have no doubt that he would have been targeted by the Nazi’s for elimination.

The whole Nazi Youth thing without any explanation of the times and circumstances got quite a bit of play in some of the more rabid secular press at the time that Ratzinger became Pope. It was a perfect example of what Chesterton wrote: “The whole truth is generally the ally of virtue; a half-truth is always the ally of some vice.”

[Cronos]

you can’t argue with facts against the sola I crowd — for them it’s their own interpretation of The Bible, history, facts, logic, etc. that counts, nothing else.

[Cronos]

Standard debate with a Sola I crowd:

Christian: The FACTS show that steel is a metal. Here are the proofs.

Sola I crowd: "LOL Of course it does not. Here are some website links of steel producers (hastily put together random links from ufo-fanatics who believe steel is a form of blue-cheese and just needs some paprika to soften). To anyone with third grade reading skills, this PROVES that steel is not a metal. Lol!!"

[Cronos]

I don't believe in aliens. Perhaps you do

Aha, the personal remark. Plus, also very demonstrative of Sola Interpretura, making their own beliefs.

[Cronos]

I've asked you to show me the history book, not Wikipedia

Hey, Wikipedia is good for an initial reference, but it shows you the truth of the saying "A little knowledge is dangerous" -- and that's true of Sola Scriptura,Sola Interpretura folks -- they read only parts and bits and pieces of the Bible and then interpret it any way they want to. Wikipedia is good, but you can't pick and choose and you need to read more references for details. Ditto for Sola I's interpretation of the Bible -- they do NOT understand that it is meant to be read in it's entirety, and not just to be Paulician

[Cronos]

Lol. Roman Catholics on these threads are the ones who break the rules by making personal comments about other FReepers. They can't seem to abide by the rules unless an "infallible" "alter Christus" tells them to do something. Which accounts for the increase in homosexuality

Lol! People break Doc's rules. They can't abide by Doc's rule. No wonder there is an increase in homosexuality.

Logical? NO! Sola Interpretura? YES!

[Dr. Eckleburg]

"We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff." -- Papal Bull, Unam Sanctam, by Pope Boniface VIII, 1302.

"The most Holy Roman Church firmly believes, professes and preaches that none of those existing outside the Catholic Church, not only pagans, but also Jews and heretics and schismatics, can have a share in life eternal; but that they will go into the eternal fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels, unless before death they are joined with Her; and that so important is the unity of this ecclesiastical body that only those remaining within this unity can profit by the sacraments of the Church unto salvation, and they alone can receive an eternal recompense for their fasts, their almsgivings, their other works of Christian piety and the duties of a Christian soldier. No one, let his almsgiving be as great as it may, no one, even if he pour out his blood for the Name of Christ, can be saved, unless he remain within the bosom and the unity of the Catholic Church." -- Papal Bull, Cantate Domino, by Pope Eugene IV, 1441.

Semper Reformanda.

[Cronos]

Good idea. Cronos, if you use "Dr." in your screen name, does that allow you to continuously post lies about the Church without consequence for your soul?

That's a good idea. Perhaps Doctor of the little group down the road? As I have no chance and nowhere near as much knowledge or devoutness as a read Doctor of The Church, I might as well form my own sola Interpretura cell and call it the Heckling Saloon Presbyluthcalvinistoreformatted Unitariuniversalist Third National General temple to Z!


And call myself Doctor.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Lol. According to you Wikipedia doesn't count. And who are you? Someone who has offered NO proof of his ludicrous claims.

Ratzinger's father was a member of the SS after the SS absorbed German police forces into it.

Prove your claims or we'll be forced to conclude you're making things up...again.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

According to the RCC catechism Mary assists Christ in his work of salvation on the cross.

No matter how many times you deny it, the words are written in black and white, and as written, they condemn anyone who believes such a lie.

[Titanites]

Lol. According to you Wikipedia doesn't count. And who are you? Someone who has offered NO proof of his ludicrous claims.

So all you have is Wikipedia? What about the history books you lectured me about? Besides, the Wikipedia link does not state that all members joined the SS.

Ratzinger's father was a member of the SS after the SS absorbed German police forces into it.

So you say, again. Repeating it does not make it true.

Prove your claims or we'll be forced to conclude you're making things up...again.

You are the one who started, with the claim that he was a member of the SS. We're still waiting on your proof or we'll have to conclude you're making things up.

[Cronos]

Sola I logic --

Sola I: "Eagles are penguins."
non-SI: "Err.. no, they aren't."

SI: "Prove it"

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Where’s your proof?

[Cronos]

Besides, the Wikipedia link does not state that all members joined the SS

Furthermore and more specifically, there is no proof that J. Ratzginer Sr. was a member of the SS, which is what Dr E claimed. I would find it extremely strange that after 60 years, one wouldn't find that supposed proof, considering how meticulous the Germans were with their records

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Lol. "Personal remark?" I guess I can understand you forgetting your own comments so easily. I try to.

You wrote to me: "...then day after another person (like the doc or another calvinite) says Jesus was actually an alien."

Got that, Cronos? You accused me of believing in aliens.

Now I know why people refuse to post to you.

[Cronos]

Where’s your proof?

J. Ratzinger's autobiography. Read it.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

You are the one who started, with the claim that he was a member of the SS.

And I gave you proof.

It's your turn to disprove that proof or prove your own assertion.

Obviously the task is too difficult.

[Cronos]

Dr E: You wrote to me: "...then day after another person (like the doc or another calvinite) says Jesus was actually an alien."

Got that, Cronos? You accused me of believing in aliens.

Did you read that? It says the day after, another person (LIKE...) says.... --> that's not an accusation, nor an inference, except what you've made. There are other calvinites LIKE (synonym = similar to) you, correct?

I said that some calvinite similar to you could say anything.

At no point did I say that YOU say that -- I am not a sola interpretura person who jumps to my own interpretation of sentences.