John Smithson wrote:
>>... a conclusion about the truth imported via this evidence
>>(read "written word") cannot be arrived at apart from
>>consultation with others
John Smithson wrote:
>I have no idea why you dispute this or what evil
>you see in what I said. What is it that you fear
>in admitting to the need for the larger Community?
The idea that we are dependent upon other men rather than upon the Spirit of
Truth to understand what the Spirit of Truth inspired to be written is
dangerous ground.
The opposite to relational "truth" is "isolational" truth -- me, God, the Bible and that's it. No books, no counsel, no church, no teachers, preachers, evangelists, apostles, or ----------- uh, PROPHETS, David. Get the drift? Today, I read a passage, "understand" what it says and experience serious growth. Tomorrow, I read that same passage, see it a little differently and grow the more. Relational truth is that which comes to me as a result of Community Involvement, whether with the Spirit, the Assembly, a teacher or the books he might write AND as a result of where I am in the Presense, at the time. When I change my mind about things spiritual, as I have while on this forum, it does not mean I was wrong. Before the "change," my thinking suited me well for theSpirit's workings. After the "change," I have been given an increased opportunity for growth.
It is your statement that conclusions cannot be reached
apart from consultation with others that is alarming. If you simply say
that consultation with others is helpful, that is fine, but to say it is
necessary crosses a line whereby faith becomes placed not just in Jesus
Christ and the Spirit of Truth, but in the arm of the flesh, in teachers
within our community. Those who do such invariably get led into error. God
does not stand for it. He will actually send deception in such situations
and break up that community of believers.
Could not be more off point. Incredibly wrong, my friend. First, you seem to think that being "led into error" is something to fear. Secondly, you seem to forget that it is the Triune God, if you will, who ordained Expressed Community in its many forms. Truth is not correct teaching, for the sake of this discussion. Truth is anything that increases my sense of spirituality, my maturity level. The arrival of truth is relational in terms of "community." The effect of truth is relational in terms of continued and even increased apiritual stature. Truth, as I use it, is a perception based on where I am in the Presense (alla "relational').
Peace be with you.
David Miller.
