One can definitely see a gargantuan leap in logic from point three to point four. What does the first three statements about Peter have to do with the Popes in Rome being in control of the church, even if the first three were true? Yet a decision by a council in 1870 makes a dogma of the church from a Traditional belief and teaching.
A look at the Reformed shows a totally different picture. Though both Rome and Calvin appeal to reason, Rome's comes gradually through the Tradition of the Church. Calvin outright based his doctrine on Reason.
The doctrine of Election bears this out. Calvin reasoned that if God chose some to be saved from before the creation of the world, he obviously then also predestined others to damnation9. God is God and man is futile to argue with him. Since then the Christian is obviously saved, because God has determined it in some arbitrary manner, what is there to be concerned about? Well, the Christian must still lead a life to prove that he belongs. God may have predestined some to be saved, but that person still needs to lead a Christ-like life, else he proves that he is not chosen. Thus man has the power to coöperate in his salvation. Now to me this seems to be diametrically opposed: God has already determined whether you are saved or damned (by divine foreknowledge), but you can help out in your salvation. The foolishness of man is plainly at work.
The Mission activities of these branches also reflect the view of the Gospel of each branch. Win Arn and his Church Growth Movement show a disregard for the Means of Grace and the power of the Gospel. Not only must man decide how the Gospel brings in souls (by all means possible), but that no one church has a corner on the truth:
It is essential to remember that while Christians base their actions on God's truth, the truth which the Bible reveals is not fully exemplified in any empiracle church....The One Way is never what any given church does. Its rituals, customs, hymns, and doctrines are all man-made and imperfect.10
Church Growth even claims a kindred spirit with Pentecostalism! Rome's Mission activity was to conquer souls for the Pope, again by all means possible. Today we hear discussed the merits of Columbus. Columbus merely did his duty as a good Catholic--convert for the Pope; if they don't convert, kill them! Either by the sword or the Spirit are men converted in these two views--the Gospel has no power for conversion.
Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to John L. Hoh, Jr.'s Lutheranism topic, please visit the Discussions page.