[CS-FSLUG] TD: Orthodoxy (was Re: Benny Hinn)

[dmc]

I must share that there is as much to test, as a good
Berean, in the practices and teachings of the Orthodox
church as any other.  As is common to churches it is
led and populated by fallible humans and their fingerprints
all over God's initial "easy yoke and light burden" are
as evident as in other denominations.

There tend to be many many traditions that pass for
Biblical truth, especially rituals and liturgies.  Just
because they are older than some other churches
doesn't make them right -- there were plenty of
Judaizers in the early church, as well as others with
very confused theologies.  Older is not necessarily
truer (more true?).

I am also not terribly happy with either Arminius or
Calvin -- God chose not to include either in His Word
for what I believe are very good reasons.  Jesus specifically
taught us to not obsess over theological minutae yet the
two of them have been used by the enemy to sow seeds
of argument and debate that has wasted thousands of
man-hours better used for the Great Commission and
often engaged in the absence of the Greatest Commandment.

Both also have a way of rendering the work of Christ on
the Cross meaningless -- either because everyone gets to
Heaven anyhow or everyone going to Heaven was predestined.
Or so go the extremes of each and so logically proceeds
the fully tested philosophies of each.

God just refuses to fit inside of man-sized boxes!  ;-)

At the end of the day the Bible is a wonderfully readable
document without the need for complex theologies nor
unteachable theologians.  In my church, college, and seminary
experience I have suffered more than my fill of both!

There is an old country western song (not sure how I ever
heard it since that's not my favorite music) that goes
"I'm not religious, I just love the Lord."  I'll stand with
that good ole boy!

doc

>     I must admit that the Orthodox church really intrigues me. In  
> many ways it seems to have the best claim to Apostolic authority  
> (since it has remained much the same since early church times), its  
> doctrines seem mostly agreeable -- though I have some qualms with  
> them, just as with any denomination... mostly, in this case, with  
> their theology that is more Arminian (though long predating Arminius,  
> of course, it is just easier to refer to it by that) whereas I am  
> most certainly a Calvinist in most ways.
>
>     But, I like the way it operates. It seems to stand firm in its  
> views, but be willing to work ecumenically to some extent. It seems  
> not to waiver much in the face of the world's changing views. And, I  
> appreciate the idea of a traditional liturgy. I always feel like us  
> Protestants have lot something of the mystical side of faith by  
> rejecting the liturgical experience (the Puritans roll over in their  
> graves as I write those words).
>
>     I have a friend who is Orthodox and I always mean to ask her  more 
> on the view from the inside, but haven't. I suppose from the  
> denomination always looks greener from the other side of the fence.  
> While in America, she has been rather impressed with the Lutheran  
> Church (LCMS). :-)


-- 


Blessings ... doc

      /\ /\
?(~~~{ @ @ }  Sent from 
 (      *     Puppy Linux
 (        )
  ~~~~~~~~~  http://bibleseven.com
  / /   / /