Bill wrote: > The word "heresy" is typically used to a demarcate a > variance away from the formally established beliefs > or teachings of the Church.
The Church? What is that? Do you mean the Roman Catholic Church? Bill wrote: > It is possible, I believe, for one to be a heretic in the eyes > of the Church and not so in God's eyes; however, I also > believe it is Christ who has preserved the Church throughout > the centuries over against attack from the tyrants. Again, by "Church" do you mean the Roman Catholic Church? I have trouble seeing where Christ preserved any "Church." The Scriptures speak of churches that he preserves or takes away. In Revelation, we see an image of Christ in relationship to seven churches. This relationship is tenuous and Christ threatens to remove one church while he commends and encourages another church. Bill wrote: > To stand in opposition to the official teachings of > Orthodoxy, therefore, should not be done or taken > lightly. Where can I find the official teachings of Orthodoxy? Is there a list or handbook somewhere? I'm trying to understand what you have in mind when you speak of "Church" and "Orthodoxy." This sounds like what the Roman Empire created in Roman Catholicism and what Protestant Denominations attempt to perpetuate separately from Roman Catholicism, not what Jesus created. Bill wrote: > if entrance into heaven is predicated upon right and only > right thinking, then I suppose heaven will be a mighty lonely > place. I agree with you here, but right thinking leads to right relationships and loving rightly whereas wrong thinking leads to wrong relationships and not being perfect in love. I would say that not all forms of thinking impact love as much as others, and hence, this leads to your correct statement above. Let's consider the Trinity. Must one believe in the Trinity to be saved? I would say no. What about you? I have known non-Trinitarians who I believe have the spirit of God, walk in love, abide in the teachings of Christ, and are, therefore, saved. What do you think? Is this kind of depature from "orthodoxy" acceptable in your eyes? Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
