I placed this in quotes due to the fact of at least one book by this title that I have, entitled “ The History of Christian Doctrines “ by Louis Berkhof.
Who can deny that good men view things often from differing perspectives, and at times hold differing ideas as to the truth and its origin? As we all are aware of there is much history within the Church, and often a clear and precise historical trial to follow that will shed light upon many controversies.
Let me point out to the reader what I see as the most important outcome of this thread. I believe if we approach this with an open heart and mind that we will indeed find that Scripture itself often does not decisively spell out many doctrinal positions, neither are any of us islands to ourselves, having beat out on our own doctrinal positions on anvils known only to ourselves as some on this lsit seem to beleive is the case with their own held positions. We all are the product of the influnce of others upon our lives, and the doctrines we hold to are of no exception.
It is my contention that the Church has been, whether individually being keenly aware or cognizant of it or not, unduly influenced by the notions of a few influential key players within the Church. Such influence has been wielded by not only that of mere position but by the ability to wield force, even that of seeing to the banishment, the destruction of all or nearly all of their opponents writings, (much in kind to the removal of posts on discussion lists:wavey: ) torment, and often death to their opposition. Many today within the Church hold to positions that are the product of men and women of the past within the Church that even as we speak, wield influence from their graves.
I cannot but help be reminded of the words of the translators of the King James text when they noted the attitude of some who gave liking to nothing but what they claim is framed by that which is derived by what they see as the product of that which was hammered out on their own anvil apart from the input of all others. In the translators words, “we shall be maligned by self-conceited brethren, who run their own ways, and give liking unto nothing but what is framed by themselves, and hammered on their anvil.”
It would seem apparent to me that a needed step of maturity by all that profess to be the dispensers of truth to a lost world should be that of recognizing the great impact of the notions of others upon our own ideas and conclusions and not to be insulted when such a connection is made by others. It is not hypocrisy of the highest degree to despise and condemn in others that which we do in the regular discourse of our own communication?
Thoughts?
“The History of Christian Doctrines”
Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by Heavenly Pilgrim, Jul 27, 2008.
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I am curious what your post has to do with Berkhof's book?
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http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biorppaton.html
That's the guy.. -
Please don't do that to your poor wife. :smilewinkgrin:
Mrs. Reformed, you have my sympathies. :laugh: -
That doesn't mean they welcomed it. They would be maligned by self-conceited brethren. That is true, and it was. But such malignity and self-conceit is sin. This is not the place for it.
It is somewhat like saying: So you believe 1 + 1 = 3.
Haven't heard anyone say that yet.
But the inference is always there.
If you are going to quote someone, quote him for your good, not the other person's.
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I have had facial hair all our marriage, beard and goe tee, but mostly a goe tee. But I wonder what I would look like with a long patriachial beard!
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My hubby has always had facial hair too. He has the goe tee thingy now. He has a full beard in winter because he works outside. But that foot long hairy thing is just, well.....yukky! -
In XC
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I hold to the doctrine called OSAS. I came to this conclusion without ever reading one sentence printed by Calvin. The only thing I knew about Calvinism at the time was that he believed and taught that people had no choice in salvation.
HP wants to preach that OSAS began and continues with Calvinism. That without Calvin no one would even consider such a thing.
I received my understanding of OSAS from prayer, Greek and Hebrew concordance and scripture. I refered to some commentaries, but never read any commentary that refered to Calvin as the source of OSAS.
You see HP, you like to use Calvinism as a dig to those holding the view of OSAS, but I personally know that one does not need Calvin's writings to come to such a view. So please don't link me to Calvin nor say that he is the cause of everyone's OSAS views.
God Bless! :wavey: -
Gerhard Ebersoehn Active MemberSite Supporter
Steaver, I had my OSAS coming out of freewill! I had to live through radical change. I know both sides from life-experience and absolute assurance 'I am right'! Today it is only OSAS -- OSAS itself, overcame freewill, proved it wrong; yea, let me tell everyone this day, proved it sinful! One CANNOT sort it out for oneself; God in his Mercy shall do it or forget it! The Holy Spirit through the Scriptures speak of the Son in the Body of Christ's Own the Church. Without anyone of these 'factors', one is unable to understand or believe or love, OSAS. O the joy, the peace, the rest, the strength and life: Once Saved, always, Saved! Thank God!
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God Bless! :wavey: -
The Body and the Word
The LORD has given us both the ekklesia, (the called out ones - His body of believers), and His Word, (in written form).
The ekklesia is built upon the the Word(s) of God, it is built by all His servants and proclaimed in full view of all the apostles and prophets.
Christ did leave His Word(s) to guide His ekklesia, and He still has living men empowered by His Spirit. -
Gerhard Ebersoehn Active MemberSite Supporter
dfj, I know what is coming for you after this! Ask me, AD came back heavily on me before; let's wait and see. -
Reasoning Together
-The ekklesia is built upon the the Word(s) of God, it is built by all His servants and proclaimed in full view of all the apostles and prophets.
-Christ did leave His Word(s) to guide His ekklesia, and He still has living men empowered by His Spirit.
I'm not sure which of these statements will be of concern but frankly, I find that most here are really not inclined toward real discussion unless it is of a more intellectual type such as Translations.
Believe me, after many years of debate I just long for a pleasant discussion; even regarding the most controversial of our opinions.
Alas, perhaps there are some who might be willing.
Thanks for you comment Gerhard, may the Lord be ever with you.
Dave Jones -
History
After thinking about our long and arduous struggle to find the truth that all of us feel the Lord would truly have us understand; and after considering how far we have strayed from His Command to truly love one another, I wonder if we can ever really learn to reason together.
I do enjoy a good discussion regarding the Word(s) of God and His Precepts.
For me, the Bible is the mind of God, to be cherished, loved and honored.
The one who truly knew this wrote a Psalm to the LORD he loved. Psalm 119, a testament to the Wisdom of God.
"church doctrine", will never replace the Precepts of God. If it could we would never be so divided -
Gerhard Ebersoehn Active MemberSite Supporter
Don't despair, Doctrine has been given the Church for our exercise in the faith. It is necessary and good for us. Sure it is going to divide - which also is very necessary for the refining of the Church.
Just follow your concordance to the word 'doctrine' and see the splendid results!
I love doctrine - "SOUND doctrine"; but how shall we know whether it is 'sound' or not without testing it? That's what so good - and enjoyable - about 'doctrine'.
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Sure, Christ instructed His Apostles verbally during His earthly ministry and you do in fact make a good argument, one of which being an Orthodox Christian I agree with, that it was Christ’s verbal instructions (Tradition) that jumpstarted the NT Christian Church.
Therefore, the subject matter of my signature is the Bible…the written form of God’s Word, which in fact the Church was responsible for and it was the Church that wrote the Bible. Since it’s generally understood that the NT Christian Church was started at Pentecost, which was before the Apostles began to pen the pages that eventually made up our NT.
In XC
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The Early church