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101 sats \ 3 replies \ @SimpleStacker 7 Oct \ parent \ on: What is the Acts 17 Collective? Why is Peter THiel Speaking About the Antichrist spirituality
I think arguing about who's right based on the outcomes is going in reverse. For example, Protestants can point to all the bad popes who have led the church astray in the past.
Instead, I think the debate would be more well grounded if the arguments were made based on theology. To me, the key things to argue about are 1) sola scriptura and 2) the role of the church and the sacraments in determining a person's salvation.
If I didn't disagree with the Roman church I would be a part of it. Personally, I know far too many Christians that smear the Catholic church is ways that turn my stomach. For one, they are just wrong on many things and it shows me they haven't even spent a few hours to learn for themselves. They have instead listened to things other preachers have said, likely also in ignorance.
Most Christians I know(including myself) know even less about the Eastern churches. I'm not Orthodox either so obviously I have points of disagreement or further learning there.
What I really find distasteful is the ignorance of our own churches failures. The bloodshed and divisions. The scandals. None of us are perfect. I find it appalling that we protestants (myself included) are so ignorant of our own history and division. I truly believe this attitude is the work of our real enemy Satan. I don't want to smooth over the differences but I do want us all to love our brothers and sisters more than our own rightness.
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Its hard for me to judge if things are getting worse or getting better.
I actually tend to feel that the internet has made things better since you can see so many online debates now... and many times you realize the differences, while real, are not the massive gulfs that you might assumed existed.
Most of the time its semantics -- specific definitions involving isolated phrases.
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I think arguing about who's right based on the outcomes is going in reverse.
Yes, in many areas of thought this is a risky way of thinking. Think, the ends justify the means. We should look at the ends but that doesn't mean the means were correct.
debate would be more well grounded if the arguments were made based on theology
Yes, this ^^
I have very little interest in the typical bravado filled "debates" I see on all sides of Christianity. Its not helpful and turns people outside of our faith away. What doesn't turn them away is the truth, honestly, and good faith discussions.
To your specific sola scriptura I have heard many Catholics as well as Orthodox say that for the first 1500 years or so the vast majority of people were either illiterate or had no access to the full canon of Scripture. The church and her liturgy and art were what they had. I think many Catholics will falsely say that Protestants ONLY follow their interpretation of Scripture but this is a straw man as well. All of the protestant church traditions had hierarchy and traditions.
Like I've said, I think we (all) need to seek to better understand one another, church history (the good and bad), and remember Jesus command that we love one another. Doesn't mean we don't disagree but we should do so in good faith and love.
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