14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Do you not believe that the Holy Spirit can guide any individual into truth though reading and studying, and memorizing Scripture?
Are Calvinists, like Catholics, all hung up on formal education in universities and seminaries as qualifications to understand Scripture and to have the mind of Christ?
Does studying Scripture 16 hours a day REALLY make one less prone to error or more prone to being correct?
I'd rather listen to the non-scholar who lives the word than some *scholar* somewhere whose *education* is supposed to wow us.
Certainly.
Are Calvinists, like Catholics, all hung up on formal education in universities and seminaries as qualifications to understand Scripture and to have the mind of Christ?
While it is certainly not necessary to go to a university or a seminary to understand scripture, if you are intending to take on the awesome responsibility of leading a flock, I think it is important that you spend as much time and energy as possible to study and learn as much as possible. A degree does attest to the fact that you have at least put in a few dedicated years into your profession in order to educate yourself. It is not necessary, but clearly a commitment to learning and studying is necessary.
Does studying Scripture 16 hours a day REALLY make one less prone to error or more prone to being correct?
There was a time when everyone worked 12 to 16 hours a day at their jobs. If your job is to teach scripture and theology to others, a commitment to working on that endeavor as much as the people in your congregation work at their jobs is not too much to ask, is it?
I'd rather listen to the non-scholar who lives the word than some *scholar* somewhere whose *education* is supposed to wow us.
There are scholars who live the word. They are not only living the word, but they have studied it dilligently. Are you suggesting that everyone who has a degree in Theology is somehow suspect? You quoted Strong's lexicon earlier. Do you have any idea how much time and energy he put into that project so that you could quote him?
Exactly. But isn't it interesting how they post I am one who relies not only on the scripture and the Holy Spirit but also the wisdom of those .
So iIt shows how they listen to 'man' MORE because God CLEARLY says in His Word....
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to ALL without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
How's that for obedience? They look to others, more specifically, IMO, 'CERTAIN OTHERS' who scratch the 'elect' ear. Or did they overlook James 1:5 - because it says *ALL*?
How's this for attitude towards you.....But you were the one who claimed that all you needed to understand everything is the Bible and the Holy Spirit and Obviously whatever you believe cannot be in error, if, in fact what you say is true.....Are you an expert in ancient languages?
YET, we read I am one who relies ...also the wisdom of those who have diligently and faithfully studied the scriptures 16 hours a day.
Besides seeing massive confusion here; it appears, metmom, IF you are NOT going to say someone is *elect* you will be challenged.