Lance wrote: > As to the supposed contradiction: It has to do with > the expression 'believes in'. None of us, as JD has > said, relies on those teachings as finally determinative > for our 'faith' in God through Christ.
When a concept seems to be contrary to a favorite teaching, it is not given the time of day. I would say that this makes the teaching determinative for your faith, wouldn't you? For example, if I teach holiness, JD can't hear it because it cuts across the doctrines of men concerning grace which he believes in. Concerning his statement that not one person on TruthTalk believes in the "doctrines of men," JD has written: "I speak of personal motivation and, no, I do not allow a difference of opinion on this issue. I have been led by the Spirit into this statement and cannot, therefore, be wrong." It seems to me then that it would be fruitless for me to argue that a lurking atheist might possibly believe a doctrine of man. JD would embrace his statement as authoritative and determinative and not accept any further arguments to the contrary. So, no, I'm not sure I get your point. Perhaps it is a matter of degree that you wish to argue. It just seems to me that any of us who allow any doctrine to shape our acceptance or rejection of Scripture are falling into the problem that Jesus warned us about. Another example: JD strongly believes that a person should have hermeneutic principles by which to interpret Scripture. Furthermore, one of his hermeneutics is to read passages only in very narrow and specific contexts and not to interpret anything beyond that. From my perspective, that is very legalistic, but from his perspective, it is proper exegesis. Nevertheless, it gives him a convenient way in which to dismiss Scripture that might point him to a truth that he is blind about. Another hermeneutic he has is the silence of Scripture. He employs this often, not willing to hear that which is not specifically taught and commanded in Scripture. This is another legalistic trend, but again, he does not recognize it as such. So you say that none of you "believe in" any doctrine of men, but clearly such doctrines of men shape and fashion everything about you, how the Scriptures are studied, what you do with street preachers and prophets, what you do with claims of revelation, how you walk in holiness, etc. It could very well be that this idea that nobody on TruthTalk believes in the doctrines of men is one of the greatest deceptions ever posted on TruthTalk! 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.
