RE: [asa] some questions on doctrinal differences

In order to tell the counterfeit from the real, one must know the real thing first. Concentrate on that which is real and then tackle the problem of the different counterfeits.

Moorad

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From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu on behalf of WENDEE HOLTCAMP
Sent: Fri 7/20/2007 11:58 AM
To: 'Janice Matchett'; asa@calvin.edu
Subject: RE: [asa] some questions on doctrinal differences

This is an interesting and true reply - thanks. I need the answer to make this exact point, but it's a literary tool and I still nee dto know how many main issues divide the church. J

Wendee

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From: Janice Matchett [mailto:janmatch@earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 10:41 AM
To: WENDEE HOLTCAMP; asa@calvin.edu
Subject: Re: [asa] some questions on doctrinal differences

At 12:18 AM 7/20/2007, WENDEE HOLTCAMP wrote:

I am working on a book proposal and wanted to ask if any of you knew if there is a standard number of the primary doctrinal schisms within Christianity. Obviously there are probably umpteen, but I'm talking about the main issues that divorce the various church denominations.

@ George made some good points that you can use in his post.

I will add that you can make your research and book writing easy if you follow this principle:

There are only two bottom-line world-views from which all of ones religious and political views are derived and from which decisions are then made:

In one (the God-centered biblical world-view), Man is not basically good and God alone is sovereign in everything

In the other (man-centered religion), Man is basically good, and God is not totally sovereign in everything.

What is called "the one true church" (the wheat) will not be found in any one "denomination" or any other temporal organization of men -- (in spite of the fact that two of those organizations claim to have direct apostolic succession as they carry over many of the OT Jewish Synagog traditions / legalistic teachings :)). The true Church (the Bride of Christ) is invisible, CANNOT EVER BE DIVIDED, nor fail, and is comprised of regenerate _individuals_ (some of whom have died), who are/were scattered inside and outside of all sorts of organizations of men (orthodox and unorthodox) all over the face of the earth. Each regenerate individual's level of emotional / spiritual maturity (on-going sanctification) will have a lot to do with which organization he/she chooses to affiliate - including the choice: "none of the above".

The false church (the tares) is visible and is comprised of currently living _UNregenerate individuals_ who are also scattered inside and outside of all sorts of organizations of men. Many of these actually outwardly appear to be better "Christians" than the regenerate because they also know "the rules" and are really good actors.

Only God knows the difference.

As a regenerate individual grows in spiritual maturity - the freedom he has in Christ will become more and more clear to him. This individual will no longer need his "training wheels" -- (dos and don'ts church organizations which have their place for baby Christians of all ages) -- in order "to feel safe". (The emotionally immature are "fearful of many things" and can never be free - they prefer "security" to freedom).

When one half of a population is comprised of fearful children - (like those suffering from BDS) - who have an emotional need to believe man is basically good and the other half of adults who know that man is not basically good -- division is the quite _natural_ result.

~ Janice ... "...the trinitarian curse on the left --[fearful lovers of security over freedom] -- is found on any coin: Liberty, In God We Trust, and E Pluribus Unum. For if the ACLU had their way, you can bet that our coins would say Equality, In Matter and Collectivism We Trust, and E Unum Pluribus. " ~ Gagdad Bob http://onecosmos.blogspot.com/2006_12_10_archive.html <http://onecosmos.blogspot.com/2006_12_10_archive.html>

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Received on Fri Jul 20 14:36:32 2007