Paul in 1 Cor 12, discusses at length the matter of spiritual gifts as demonstrations and manifestations of the Spirit of God. This topic is the main focus of modern churches. They relish in their supposed ability to use these spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit eg speak in tongues, work miracles, prophesy, cast out devils, to preach and teach and to heal the sick. Paul does acknowledge that it is a good thing to be desired but he suggests a more excellent way.
It has been also proven by independent observers and commentators that there are many times these activities are a sham eg speaking in tongues were proven to be just babbling nonsense, the healings were a set up, the prophesies proved to be wrong etc etc. Yet the churches persist in their claims that they have these powers. Commentators have mentioned that if in fact 500,000,000 Christians had these gifts then there would be no need for hospitals.
Jesus condemned those who believed that working miracles and casting out devils etc, was good works [Matt 7:22-23]. Paul here is doing the same thing by telling the Saints in Christ of the Corinthian church, that faith without good works is nothing more than just a clanging symbal and that there is a more excellent way, details are given in 1 Cor 13. A more excellent way for what? A more excellent way to show that you have the Spirit of Christ.
Brotherly love, charity and demonstrations of charity is a more excellent way, to show that Christ lives in someone. Brotherly love and good works trumps faith.
The questions are, if it is clear from the teachings of Christ, Paul, Peter, James and John that good works and righteousness are greater qualities then faith, then why do many churches
1. place more emphasis on faith
2. refer to good works as legalistic, or Pharisaical and other derogatory terms?
3. continue to boast of their Holy Spirit gifts.
@rajk999 saidOnly a very few denominations speak in tongues and practice faith healing.
Paul in 1 Cor 12, discusses at length the matter of spiritual gifts as demonstrations and manifestations of the Spirit of God. This topic is the main focus of modern churches. They relish in their supposed ability to use these spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit eg speak in tongues, work miracles, prophesy, cast out devils, to preach and teach and to heal the sick. Paul does a ...[text shortened]... listic, or Pharisaical and other derogatory terms?
3. continue to boast of their Holy Spirit gifts.
As a rule Baptists do not, Church of Christ does not, Lutherans do not, Catholics do not, as I said only a few do.
@eladar saidI used a figure for about 500,000,000 of these types of Christians as a ballpark. Pentecostals alone exceed 300,000,000. There are other groups that have similar practices.
Only a very few denominations speak in tongues and practice faith healing.
As a rule Baptists do not, Church of Christ does not, Lutherans do not, Catholics do not, as I said only a few do.
What do you make of the other issues?
@rajk999 saidWhat fraction of all Christians is that?
I used a figure for about 500,000,000 of these types of Christians as a ballpark. Pentecostals alone exceed 300,000,000. There are other groups that have similar practices.
What do you make of the other issues?
I do not believe in that stuff. I am from the other denomination branch.