@fmf saidI very much doubt Jesus was aiming his message specifically at self-appointed and self-governing ecclesiastical intellectuals. The lessons and parables Jesus spoke looked to be aimed at everyone regardless of status, wealth, or intellectual level.
In the teachings attributed to Jesus, did he ever instruct people to leave the definition of how his teachings ought to be understood to self-appointed and self-governing ecclesiastical "intellectuals"? If so, where?
Regarding your statement: "How his teachings ought to be understood" This is simply an unnecessary complication. The teachings of Jesus are not difficult to understand.
31 Aug 23
@mchill saidThis is interesting.
I very much doubt Jesus was aiming his message specifically at self-appointed and self-governing ecclesiastical intellectuals. The lessons and parables Jesus spoke looked to be aimed at everyone regardless of status, wealth, or intellectual level.
Would you therefore agree that the intellectualization of Jesus's teachings, in so far as it makes his teachings too complicated for ordinary people to understand or to answer questions about, are surplus to requirements [or perhaps even extra-Biblical] in so far as they relate to following Jesus and being a Christian?
@fmf saidI wouldn't know how to accurately respond to your post.
This is interesting.
Would you therefore agree that the intellectualization of Jesus's teachings, in so far as it makes his teachings too complicated for ordinary people to understand or to answer questions about, are surplus to requirements [or perhaps even extra-Biblical] in so far as they relate to following Jesus and being a Christian?
I do know that the "intellectualization of Jesus's teachings" seems a like rather silly exercise, since that is not what they were designed for.
31 Aug 23
@fmf saidWhat's great about this is that a Catholic might not disagree:
In the teachings attributed to Jesus, did he ever instruct people to leave the definition of how his teachings ought to be understood to self-appointed and self-governing ecclesiastical "intellectuals"? If so, where?
He appointed Peter - on this rock I build my Church...
So the Catholic hierarchy is not self-appointed.
It is also not self-governing, according to Catholics, I imagine, as they are very seriously below Christ...
And I would further state, as an Orthodox Christian, that the understanding of building the church on St. Peter does lend validity to his position as the first Bishop of Rome ... But, we are open to the idea that it cannot be self-appointed and self-governing, and that at some point there is an overstepping of boundaries and a corruption of the office... Not destroying the seat, but distorting its role...
And also distorting the idea that the Bishop's role... For instance, we conceptualize the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among equals. This can be lived out by understanding the importance of the councils in determining church doctrine, and viewing the Patriarch as incapable of proclaiming new doctrines and such, which is something that Popes have done when overstepping the boundaries inw hat they should be doing...
Very fun and complicated topic.
31 Aug 23
@philokalia saidIn the teachings attributed to Jesus, did he ever instruct people to leave the definition of how his teachings ought to be understood to theologians? If so, where?
What's great about this is that a Catholic might not disagree:
He appointed Peter - on this rock I build my Church...
So the Catholic hierarchy is not self-appointed.
It is also not self-governing, according to Catholics, I imagine, as they are very seriously below Christ...
And I would further state, as an Orthodox Christian, that the understanding ...[text shortened]... when overstepping the boundaries inw hat they should be doing...
Very fun and complicated topic.
31 Aug 23
1 edit
@fmf saidThat's a great question.
In the teachings attributed to Jesus, did he ever instruct people to leave the definition of how his teachings ought to be understood to theologians? If so, where?
I asked Bing for an answer:
I’m not sure if Jesus ever instructed people to leave the definition of how his teachings ought to be understood to theologians. However, Christian theology is the study of Christian belief and practice, and it concentrates primarily upon the texts of the Old Testament and of the New Testament, as well as on Christian tradition 1. Theologians use biblical exegesis, rational analysis, and argument to better understand Christian tenets 1.
Do you think that's a good response?
31 Aug 23
@philokalia saidAnd the above is as much of your post as I read.
That's a great question.
I asked Bing for an answer:
31 Aug 23
@philokalia saidI was beginning to wonder if you've learned anything from the other thread about how this person interacts with others, especially Christians.
I am very satisfied with what I have already written, thank you!
31 Aug 23
@suzianne saidIn the teachings attributed to Jesus, did he ever instruct people to leave the definition of how his teachings ought to be understood to theologians?
I was beginning to wonder if you've learned anything from the other thread about how this person interacts with others, especially Christians.
@suzianne saidSuzianne, I interact with the people that I disagree with far better than you interact with the people that you disagree with. And I do not point this out to upset you. You read people very badly, most of all yourself.
I was beginning to wonder if you've learned anything from the other thread about how this person interacts with others, especially Christians.