The Twelve Doctrines of Christmas

Funny Ann!

 

That was funny.

Of course knowing what they are is not the same as believing in them.

Amill is out the window - so also 5 Pt Calvinism. They were better off voting for 5 solas of the reformation! (No wonder they get stuck on that one!

in Christ,

Bob

 

Thanks for a good laugh. I circulated that among some of my non-virtual friends and they all enjoyed it too.

 

Speaking of the twelve doctrines of Christmas, has anyone heard about the apocryphal "doctrinal messages" of the original "Twelve Days of Christmas"? Partridge in a pear tree represents the Christ Child; two turtle doves represents the Old and New Testaments, etc.

 

No, but if you know them please post them. :thumbsup:

 

1. Partridge in a pear tree: the Christ child.
2. Two turtle doves: the old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens: the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.
4. Four calling birds: the four Gospels.
5. Five golden rings: the Pentateuch.
6. Six geese a-laying: the six days of creation.
7. Seven swans a-swimming: the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. Eight maids a-milking: the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing: the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. Ten lords a-leaping: the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping: the eleven faithful apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming: the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.

According to legend of doubtful authenticity, this fun little Christmas song was used by Catholic families in Elizabethan England as a form of catechism. At the time it was unlawful to practice the Catholic faith in England so they made up code words to represent these theological truths. Whether there is any truth underlying this legend has probably been lost in the mist of time.

 

I find this VERY INTERESTING!

In fact, humourlessly interesting; I cannot see anything 'funny' in it.

No; those believers were much wiser than we could dream.

This as a catechism as you said, is brilliantly original.

Those old folk and young ones didn't have computers; not even books. Most of them couldn't read or write. Yet they knew BY HEART SO MUCH of the Bible it's unbelievable!

Makes me think of the great great works of writing and 'letters' of Christians that shall never be surpassed not with the help of all the computers and other means in the world.

Take one example - one of the 'least' - 'Cruden's'. Has anyone found ONE word 'skipped'? I would like to hear!

I found a few 'misses' in some computerised works, but who has found one in Young's analytical? Who can present ONE 'mistake' or 'falsity' in Youngs? I'll show you a few in 'STRONG'S'!

Take 'Greens', in some places (specific) pre-computers and post-computers....

No! In those old days children knew by heart more of Scripture than most adults of our day; and the reason: ingenious ways of 'LEARNING' like I have learned today.

The Gospel never stops to surprise.