Here I Stand
To those who think I'm Roman Catholic/Eastern Orthodox or think I should be Roman Catholic/Eastern Orthodox (or, for Pete's sake, Lutheran or Reformed or whatever else):
1. I'm "home" already - in the sense that I'm a wandering pilgrim just like every other Christian. I don't need to switch labels to be at home.
2. There's no such thing as a Christian who is not in Christ's Church. I am a Christian, yes? Then I'm in the Church. Period. I'm not in some imperfect fellowship with the Church. It's like saying someone is "partially pregnant."
3. I will be ordained as a Baptist minister next month. And yes, I will "really" be ordained. It won't be some fake, pretend exercise. It won't be "invalid" orders. Jesus will be there. Will you party with us?
4. I confess the catholic and orthodox faith as handed down in the Scriptures and summarized in the creeds, and while I always need accountability and correction I don't need some extra certification (submission to a bishop allegedly in "succession" for example) for what I already confess and practice.
5. All sufferers of convertitis get this one thing and get it straight: I am doing just fine practicing "traditional"/"historic"/"apostolic" Christianity without your choice of hierarchy.
6. God help us all. We're sinners, every one.
1. I'm "home" already - in the sense that I'm a wandering pilgrim just like every other Christian. I don't need to switch labels to be at home.
2. There's no such thing as a Christian who is not in Christ's Church. I am a Christian, yes? Then I'm in the Church. Period. I'm not in some imperfect fellowship with the Church. It's like saying someone is "partially pregnant."
3. I will be ordained as a Baptist minister next month. And yes, I will "really" be ordained. It won't be some fake, pretend exercise. It won't be "invalid" orders. Jesus will be there. Will you party with us?
4. I confess the catholic and orthodox faith as handed down in the Scriptures and summarized in the creeds, and while I always need accountability and correction I don't need some extra certification (submission to a bishop allegedly in "succession" for example) for what I already confess and practice.
5. All sufferers of convertitis get this one thing and get it straight: I am doing just fine practicing "traditional"/"historic"/"apostolic" Christianity without your choice of hierarchy.
6. God help us all. We're sinners, every one.
Labels: Ecumenism
Speaking of Eastern Orthodoxy, have you heard of David Bentley Hart? He is so awesome.
Posted by
Jacob |
Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:43:00 AM
I have a question, not as a mean debater, but sincerely wanting an answer. Although you and I probably define and express ecumencism differently, we hope for the same goal (John 17).
How do we go about resolving the serious differences? Baptism of babies, filioque clause dividing East and West, the papacy's claim to ruling the universe, etc?
Posted by
Jacob |
Monday, June 23, 2008 7:59:00 AM
This is an interesting inchoate statement of faith, but I'd like to see these theses defended.
And, on a psychological level, you sound mighty defensive. Troubled conscience?
Posted by
Irenaeus |
Monday, June 30, 2008 9:56:00 PM
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