VERY confused about ecumenical movement

Jude · Mar 30, 2004

Originally posted by Jude:
... all do not accept it in one and the same sense, but one understands its words in one way, another in another; so that it seems to be capable of as many interpretations as there are interpreters. For Novatian expounds it one way, Sabellius another, Donatus another, Arius, Eunomius, Macedonius, another, Photinus, Apollinaris, Priscillian, another, Iovinian, Pelagius, Celestius, another, lastly, Nestorius another. Therefore, it is very necessary, on account of so great intricacies of such various error, that the rule for the right understanding of the prophets and apostles should be framed in accordance with the standard of Ecclesiastical and Catholic interpretation.
Moreover, in the Catholic Church itself, all possible care must be taken, that we hold that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all. For that is truly and in the strictest sense Catholic
Click to expand...

I think that Vincent of Lerins gave the best answer about determining truth. If some ofyou can get beyond the word 'catholic' and understand it in a universal sense, what he's saying is that the Holy Spirit guides/has guided the Church CORPORATE into certain truths. This is no rugged individualism, but instead a certainty that the Holy Spirit speaks the same to everyone, and that many hear Him, wherever they live, wherever their culture, wherever their church. I believe that Vincent's formula is an excellent one for ecumenical discussions, helping to cast aside individual interpretations/novelties, and to see what the "Spirit is saying to the churches." And there we can discover the 'Catholic' (or if you prefer 'Orthodox') faith. This would of course, merit our study of the early church fathers, something that, frankly, many Protestants have failed to do. Their assumption (shared by Joseph Smith)that the Church quickly corrupted is part of the problem, and why we have so many different 'opinions' and 'denominations' today.

cotton · Mar 30, 2004

Jude;
I still don't see what the problem is with having different opinions and denominations.

Also, IMO I believe the "church fathers" fell away from the Jewish/Hebraic roots of their faith which did lead to ingesting a lot of corruption.

Cotton

Emily · Mar 30, 2004

Jude

I only meant for christians to come together on what is necessary.. Jesus died for their sins..

Im not asking anyone to dump what they have studied and have been convicted about.

VERY confused about ecumenical movement

Jude <img src=/scott3.jpg>

cotton New Member

Emily New Member

Useful Searches

VERY confused about ecumenical movement

Jude <img src=/scott3.jpg>

cotton New Member

Emily New Member