by msd1835 » May 23rd, 2009, 7:37 pm
I understand your point of view...but it is a little contradictory in it's arguement. You say that we (in using Sola Scriptura ) are wrong on the fundamental grounds as we are not linked to tradition. The problem with this is that the very INDIVIDUALS that created the traditions used their own Sola Scriptura and that of their forerunners. This seems to be a very conveniant arguement for someone trying to rationlize a past inherited system that has no clear nor implied connection to scripture. It has the luxary of being right but never having to stand up to scrutiny.
I'll give you an example: I was raised to believe that wine and other like beverages were not to be consumed. As I grew in my spiritual walk I realized that what I was being taught as Biblical truth was not in the Bible at all. When I questioned those who had more knowledge of the Bible than myself, there began a mad scramble to find the rationale. Some people including my family some of which were raised RC, could not give the answers. So I discovered my own answers.
The answer is that indivduals who try to raise us in spiritual matters sometimes create certain rules, regulations, or practices that are helpful if not edifying to meet that goal. This is not a sin; it is wise. Which is why I feel a lot of RC and EO traditions have extreme marrit.
Now I don't suggest that every individual should create their own doctrine, this would be silly. I don't have the theological background nor biblical knowledge to even attempt such things. What I do suggest is that we trust our spirtual leaders in the things that we can prove according to scripture; and if not try to sense the motivation behind it. If no proper explaination can be obtained disregard it as faulty. We as christians are constantly trying defend ourselves against the world; due the fact that when the Church committed atrocities(RC,EO, Puritanism, etc.), individuals sat back and trusted those who were mentally disturbed.
I think that the RC and EO would have a lot easier time if the Bible wasn't so easy to get in the modern world. If that was the case they could just say "we know what is best for you just trust us no matter what!". But things being as they are we can find the truth out in scripture. The Bible says that all that believe in Christ will have everlasting life, it is not required to believe in the Pope, Priest, nor Pastor.
I am not trying to bash your beliefs just ask you(and everyone else) to take a real look at what you believe, and why you believe it. If you are totally committed to what you believe I am not going to convince you otherwise. In fact if I am true to my point YOU MAY BE RIGHT. Everytime you find an arguement proving your point, you strengthen you perspective; or else you discover an error in your logic. I think you trust your belief system very strongly, or else why spend so much time trying to defend it? Who knows one day I might find myself agreeing with you.(I am not joking, I might)
Oh yeah, on the point as to who decides what God wants us to do. God decides; that is why we have scripture in the first place. The rules for government, discipline, community, church, and personal/spiritual relationships are all sitting there waiting for us in scripture. Interpretation of the Bible does not override the literal meanings held within it. Do NOt Murder means Do not Murder.
As far as to whether Lewis would've left the Church of England. Yeh I think he would've. He seems through his writing to be firm in his Biblical beliefs. I think you could say the Church has been ripped apart since then. It only has a thin resemblance to what it was at that time.