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An Orthodox & a Pomergent Converse

29 July 2004, 3 pm | Observation

Part of a conversation between an Eastern Orthodox and a Pomergent:

Karl:  So if we want the truths…, we have to look for them in an “uncontaminated” system.

robbymac:  However, good luck finding an “uncontaminated” source other than the Bible! Mankind and our sinfulness gets in the way too easily—hence the need for discernment.

Karl:  Ah, yes! But you and I already have the Bible and don’t agree.

So there has to be something else, something more than the mere words of Scripture or “discernment” (since I’ll assume that all of us take our faith seriously, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, etc).

We need a holistic interpretation and context for the Bible. And that doesn’t take “luck”—just eyes to see and faith that God is powerful enough to keep his promises to give us what we need in this regard.

Say, the Church, perhaps?

Comments

  1. Doesn’t every denomination thinks it has THE holistic interpretation and context for the Bible (in my opinion)? Theologians from various traditions pokes holes in each others’ arguments.

    It seems like some people find a denomination that fits their world-view, while others fit their world-view to their denomination.

    ∼ πλ · 30 July 2004, 8 am · by Steve Bogner ¬

  2. I agree.

    But you have highlighted a major fork in the road in the journey home with “finding a denomination that fits their world-view” or “fit their world-view to their denomination”.

    One fork is fraught with the danger of pride and stagnation; the other fork encourages humility and growth.

    ∼ πλ · 30 July 2004, 8 am · by Mark ¬

  3. I think that God may call us to different denominations, or different strains within very large and diversified denominations (such as Catholocism), or different congregations within one denomination, as we grow and change in faith. We can learn and grow along the way and we can help others with what we bring to the table. I think that we get most stuck when we get an idea in our minds of what a denomination or congregation should be and then become disenchanted when God changes that thing.

    New word of the day for me - Pomergent. Really?

    Peace,
    Karen

    ∼ πλ · 30 July 2004, 3 pm · by Karen H. ¬

  4. “Pomergent” is not my invention, honest. :)

    ∼ πλ · 30 July 2004, 11 pm · by Mark ¬

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