In a message dated 7/26/2004 2:55:13 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I know nothing of the Restoration Movement -or- the Stone-Campbell Movement. Calling things by their Biblical Names is what most people attempt to do most of the time, I think. However, you've always got the people who say you can't use this or that word because it either doesn't fit their theology or they're after some control. For instance, the KJV says "Lord" all over the place, but I know a HUGE number of people who say you can't say "Lord" because people have called false gods "Lord" and you are involving false gods instead of YHVH when you say "Lord." There is a very real attempt to control and manipulate and it isn't fair. God is not so stupid that He doesn't understand the heart behind a word.
If we are to call Biblical things Biblical names, are we able to use, then, English translations or are we forced to use transliterations only? i.e., the word GODHEAD? The word, if separated into its two root words is a meaningless term, but together help to define the undefinable. It's unfair to take idioms at face value. The meaning is deeper than that (i.e., beating around the bush).
I believe that calling bible things by bible names is a good idea. I believe that we should allow scripture to define scripture as much as possible. I believe there is value in speaking where the bible speaks. But I do not believe that the silence of the scriptures on any point, in and of itself, proves anything other than the scriptures are silent. In other words, I believe and practice most of the Stone/Campbell hermeneutic. Your point, however, is an important one. If we really want to know what the scriptures have to say, we must delve into the original language, become aware of all considerations that influence the context and look to the Spirit for providential guidance (ICo 2).
But little of this leads to unity. The Restoration Movement, itself, over a period of 150 years plus has divided into at least 26 distinct denomination -- even more than that if you include Max Lucado's associates and the charismatics.
John
I have said it many times over the years and I say it here: it is more often untrue to say "the Bible says thus and so ..." BUT
It always true to say "I believe the Bible says thus and so. "
