Originally posted by rwingettIt is interesting that you would bring this up as there is a renewed interest in how competing groups shaped the church as we know it today and what might have happened if the gnostic gospels had entered the canon. I'm hoping to learn more.
Which christian sect is the best? I would have to say the Gnostics. Why, you may ask? Because the Gnostic branch of christianity died out many hundreds of years ago. They no longer exist. A branch of christianity that is no longer practiced is far and away the best. Having said that, I've always been a little partial to the Marcionites as well. For the ver ...[text shortened]... orm has more to do with politics than with theology. It could have turned out very differently.
Originally posted by chancremechanicGoing into a complete Biblical backing for the sacrament of reconciliation would take far too much space and effort (and would be going somewhat off-topic), so I'll just post a few links instead:
You are right about the verse in James, but it says "confess sins to each other"...I've never had a Priest confess his sins to me...
...and, a Priest cannot 'forgive' one of their sins, unless the person transgressed the Priest....only Jesus can forgive impersonal sins....in my opinion
not saying you're wrong...just saying that Catholicis ...[text shortened]... youth...and even today....prayer and forgiveness are intensly personal to me and my redeemer...
http://www.catholicexchange.com/clibrary/document.asp?document_id=582&category_id=56&main_cat_id=42
http://www.catholic.com/library/Forgiveness_of_Sins.asp
http://www.catholic.com/library/Confession.asp
As a lapsed Catholic, you should have no trouble going through them.
When I wrote the last part of my post, the person I had in mind is much older than I am. IME, the people who least want to be in a police station are those who have something to hide. The people who least want to take a medical check up are those afraid of what they might find out. I'm not saying this applies to your case wrt reconciliation, but my experience suggests that most Catholics who reject the sacrament usually have non-theological reasons driving them (even if they won't admit it).
Originally posted by rwingettIf we assume a priori that the Christian God exists, then the fact that Gnosticism died out would be the surest indication that it cannot be the "true" branch simply because, if it were, God would never allow it to die out.
Which christian sect is the best? I would have to say the Gnostics. Why, you may ask? Because the Gnostic branch of christianity died out many hundreds of years ago. They no longer exist. A branch of christianity that is no longer practiced is far and away the best. Having said that, I've always been a little partial to the Marcionites as well. For the ver ...[text shortened]... orm has more to do with politics than with theology. It could have turned out very differently.
Originally posted by lucifershammerThat's a mighty big assumption. One I do not care to make.
If we assume a priori that the Christian God exists, then the fact that Gnosticism died out would be the surest indication that it [b]cannot be the "true" branch simply because, if it were, God would never allow it to die out.[/b]
And how do you know he wouldn't let it die out? How could you possibly presume to know that? If there is a christian god, then perhaps he's just letting Gnosticism lie dormant for the time being.
Originally posted by lucifershammerThats some reasoning you've got there, does it apply to letting his only 'son' die too?
If we assume a priori that the Christian God exists, then the fact that Gnosticism died out would be the surest indication that it [b]cannot be the "true" branch simply because, if it were, God would never allow it to die out.[/b]
Another analogy I just compared would be to assume that cacy I mean coca cola is and always will be thee best soft drink? No?
In order to form an immaculate member of a flock of sheep one must, above all, be a sheep.
some old dead guy
Originally posted by darvlayTher is no such this as best it matters if you have a relationship with God, made availible though Christ. Any Church that gives Jesus the athority, and that you don't need to work your way to Heaven.
I'm curious to know the truth. Let's hear it.
And no replies saying, "Tra-la-la, we are all God's children and we are equal in his glorious eyes." Bull-honkey! If that were true then Man would have no problem unifying the church under one big pan-Christian authority. This is a debate.
Why is one particular sect of Christianity God's ...[text shortened]... e the one true faith is completely delusional and is in need of psychoanalysis.
Any comments?
I will initially comment on the first post.
I believe, coming from a Mennonite tradition then converting to Lutheranism, that if you are not a member of the cult of Epona*, you are wrong and will most assuredly burn in the fiery hot place.
Just kidding.
I enjoy being Lutheran, but I am not sure if its theology is more correct than any other denomination, as my experience is rather limited. I do agree with the Lutheran teachings more than those of the Mennonites. I do, however, have problems with some Mennonite, a lot of Mormon, some Roman Catholic, and some non-denominational theology. As well as self proclaimed pastors.
On a side note, I believe the bible is infallible; I think it is the translation and interpretation that is fallible. I was brought up believing either the bible is true, or, as darvlay would say, bull-honkey.
On a further side note, I think that churches are generally filled with the same types of people, and most churches have a similar theology. Therefore I think it is more what you believe and what you do rather than your church’s doctrine.
If I had my choice I would have been born a Jew and converted to Christianity.
*Celtic goddess of horses and mules and asses.
I believe that Jesus is the only way, and that you dont have to confess your sins to a priest, I think Joseph Smith liked to play pranks, So instead of following Joseph Smith, or anyone else, just follow Jesus,
And do what Paul said, "Instead of following ppl, (who may be wrong btw) just read the Bible, Live the Bible, And live for Jesus
Ben