The Crippling Effects of Christian Dogma - Mindless Parroting of Apologetics

[Gottservant]

I think the council of the Holy Spirit, is really the answer to this one. Jesus is more of an advocate of the Church, as an external authority; the Holy Spirit is more of an advocate of the Church, as an internal authority. But you already have a sense of what the Holy Spirit would say, when you ask "do we need to pray [...] for our comrades [fellow believers]?" - I think pray and pray again!

 

[Brother Del]

For those in this thread who like to read, may I suggest Biblical Theology by John Owen. In Book 6 Owen gives a very adept and easily understandable explanation for the origin and proliferation of evil dogmas and doctrines of demons that have plagued the Church since its inception.

 

[St. SteVen]

For those in this thread who like to read, may I suggest Biblical Theology by John Owen. In Book 6 Owen gives a very adept and easily understandable explanation for the origin and proliferation of evil dogmas and doctrines of demons that have plagued the Church since its inception.

Thanks.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[Randy Kluth]

But seriously, I see this problem all too frequently on the forum. Parroting mindless dogma.
And claiming it is what God says, when the poster knows full well that it is a matter of their OWN personal opinion. (sigh)

What is the cure to this crippling malady? Do we need to pray for spiritual healing for our comrades?
When will they wake up and realize we are ONE body under the headship of Christ?

Well, there's certainly some truth in what you say. But I fell into serious doubt about God's word to my mind many years ago--still do to some degree. And I asked God, "How am I to know what your voice is, and what is simply my mind assuming it is God speaking?"

Doubt is the nature of our existence since the Fall. We've lost a measure of connection with Divine revelation. We don't always know when God is speaking and whether what we are doing is aligned properly with God.

I had to get out of my doubt--can't live there. I have to have some certainty, and not just doubt my own existence as some of the philosophers have. So, I came to the conclusion that God is always speaking--I just don't always hear Him. What He is saying reliably is what His holiness is, what my conscience says is His love and righteousness. That I can be certain of.

But the world is full of people at all levels of this question. We can't ignore people because we are all given different gifts. Neither can I be so naive as to simply accept all that people claim is godly or God's voice.

By experience we can know God's voice by obeying Him in our conscience. We don't have to trust what our pastors or elders say. We can sort through all of the voices, good or bad, and determine how much is of God and how much isn't of God.

Doctrine itself is not to be neglected. It is designed to keep us on track. But what that doctrine is, and how it is to be applied is a matter for our own spiritual development and choie to be obedient or not.

 

[St. SteVen]

I came to the conclusion that God is always speaking--I just don't always hear Him.

Well said. Thanks.

 

[Brother Del]

And I asked God, "How am I to know what your voice is, and what is simply my mind assuming it is God speaking?"

We don't always know when God is speaking and whether what we are doing is aligned properly with God.

So, I came to the conclusion that God is always speaking - I just don't always hear Him. What He is saying reliably is what His holiness is, what my conscience says is His love and righteousness. That I can be certain of.

By experience we can know God's voice by obeying Him in our conscience. We don't have to trust what our pastors or elders say. We can sort through all of the voices, good or bad, and determine how much is of God and how much isn't of God.

Well said.

I had a passing prayerful thought the other evening, "How good it would be if You still spoke today"

Within my spirit I immediately heard the words, "Better still, if you would only listen".

I love my Father.
And am so grateful for the Spirit of Christ within.

Imagine if you will, the worlds greatest Dad teaching His blind, deaf and lame son how to ride a bicycle.

You now know, minus a few meaningless details, the story of my life.

 

[Randy Kluth]

Well said.

I had a passing prayerful thought the other evening, "How good it would be if You still spoke today"

Within my spirit I immediately heard the words, "Better still, if you would only listen".

I love my Father.
And am so grateful for the Spirit of Christ within.

Imagine if you will, the worlds greatest Dad teaching His blind, deaf and lame son how to ride a bicycle.

You now know, minus a few meaningless details, the story of my life.

Actually, I think you hear God more than most! ;) And you've certainly learned the gulf that lies between your Father and yourself. I recognize that for myself, as well. God bless!

 

[lforrest]

What were we taught?
- Believers = saved
- Unbelievers = lost

Better not question ANYTHING, or you are toast!
Seriously?

/

Are questions evidence of unbelief? I don't really think so. Or rather unbelief reveals itself in the assumptions behind our questions.

There are plenty of legitimate questions we can have about doctrines, and yet we believe in the truthfulness of his word.

There is a lot of arrogance in believing we have all the answers. It can lead someone to lash out in pride when an answer is not forthcoming. There have also been millions of hours of collective effort spent meditating on the word, to try and answer questions of apparent incongruities.

 

[Brother Del]

Actually, I think you hear God more than most! ;) And you've certainly learned the gulf that lies between your Father and yourself. I recognize that for myself, as well. God bless!

God bless you too Brother,
with every spiritual blessing,
may He protect and perfect you,
to the Glory of His Son.

Much love.

 

[St. SteVen]

 

[quietthinker]

The Crippling Effects of Mindless Parroting​

....insures a discounted policy and quick returns on stupidity.