|
[quote:eb8bcac423][i:eb8bcac423]Originally posted by rembrandt[/i:eb8bcac423]
They should also understand that the Reformer's seperation from Rome, as well as the Puritan's seperation from England, [i:eb8bcac423]was so that they could set a godly example for them in the hope that they would eventually repent[/i:eb8bcac423].[/quote:eb8bcac423]
Yeah, really.
[quote:eb8bcac423][i:eb8bcac423]Originally posted by rembrandt[/i:eb8bcac423]
Just because they misunderstand 'true doctrine', doesn't mean that they are not a 'true church'. I think we need to rethink our ideas of 'orthodoxy' and our toleration levels. Rome and the Church of England are definitely part of the Universal Church.[/quote:eb8bcac423]
If you're saying that [i:eb8bcac423]modern[/i:eb8bcac423] Rome is a true church, I would have to disagree with you there. They not only "misunderstand" true doctrine, but grossly mis-practice it as well by all their sinful actions and rituals. While I absolutely agree with you that we need to rethink our notion that one can leave the current church based on the slightest discomfort, I do not think we need to rethink our ideas of orthodoxy. Remaining within a church and acknowledging it as a true church (which I agree that we need to do more) is one thing; but calling it "orthodox" is another. I actually think we grant denominations (i.e. non-Reformed ones) the status of "orthodox" too willingly. I believe we need more tolerance in our view of what is a true church and where we should stay, but regarding our willingness to call churches "orthodox" I think that if anything we need less tolerance.
[quote:eb8bcac423][i:eb8bcac423]Originally posted by rembrandt[/i:eb8bcac423]
If this can be tolerated, then certainly denominations within our own theological camp can be as well.[/quote:eb8bcac423]
Indeed. I assume you're talking about denominations such as the OPC, PCA, RPCNA, EPC, etc. But just for clarification, when I speak of the "large Presbyterian denominations today," I am excluding the PCUSA. They have departed from orthodoxy in my opinion, and it frustrates me that they, being the largest denomination bearing the name "Presbyterian," still label themselves with that name. Before recent years, when you told someone you were a "Presbyterian," that basically clarified your beliefs. But now, thanks to the PCUSA, the term means virtually nothing apart from church government.
In Christ,
|