If life is the final authority in all matters, then everyone’s is his own authority and nothing can be good or evil, right or wrong in an objective sense. Since my life experience will inevitably be different from yours, you and I could never agree on the truth or falsehood of any given proposition.
paulspassingthoughts said, on February 13, 2014 at 10:34 AM
“GR”R,
Since it is a sunny day and you wish to talk to Argo, I won’t delete your nonsense, unless Argo doesn’t want to talk to you. Your other comment will be deleted per the usual.
paulspassingthoughts said, on February 13, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Argo,
Thanks for the point that CJ suggests that elders will stand in the judgement for believers; of course, that’s ridiculous, but that’s Calvin as well. The Bible claims to interpret itself, and as you know, that’s my position. Certainly, man should use reason to follow God according to his own conscience, and that includes epistemology. However, God help us if their isn’t objective truth.
paulspassingthoughts said, on February 13, 2014 at 11:43 AM
…the Bible as a shadow of the true form that only the gifted can understand–they in essence say that at times. I think I am at least touching on your point.
Anonymous, You have brought up an excellent point, IMO. What is sorely missing today among American Christians is critical thinking, discernment, questions. Leaders (& followers) teach a Christianity that esteems blind followers, sitters who are “taught” to believe without question. This is the cause of mile-wide, inch deep Christianity, IMO. Don’t blame it on the world. If an “authority” treats & teaches people they are dumb sheep they will be dumb sheep.
I have noticed a simplified thinking of Calvinists in particular. It’s either/or thinking for most anything. The thinking in this particular case goes: pewsitters don’t have authority, so by default leaders must be the authority. I have also noticed authority, rule, teacher are words used a lot. Also, over, under, covering, protection, submit are never far from any discussion. There definitely is a pre-occupation of authority, rule, control over other Christians with Calvinists theology. Calvinists believe in Christ alone. So then, why is authority/submission to another individual necessary for anyone who has pledged their allegiance/submission to Christ alone? I encourage everyone to read the gospels to see if Jesus taught this type of “who’s ruling over whom” lifestyle among his disciples.
It is ironic to me, during an unprecedented time of information/access to the Bible, personal study, & free time (an era similar to the Gutenberg press era) that authority is heralded more than ever. We are more than ever without excuse, so wouldn’t personal responsibility be the topic of leaders & you instead? Wouldn’t personal responsibility be discussed most often? Wouldn’t reading the Bible for yourself, prayer, learning discernment, wisdom, following Holy Spirit, be what’s most discussed? Isn’t that the way out of knee-deep faith?
Back to critical thinking. So who were the critical thinkers in New Testament Biblical times? Why isn’t the example of the Bereans, who studied scripture individually before deciding whether what they were told was true or not, be relevant & important now? The example of the Bereans blows your vision of authority over another right out of the water.
Paul, let Anonymous comment. The comments best highlight exactly what is wrong.
Calvinists pastors don’t believe anyone, including themselves, is beyond the need for the Spirit’s illumination to interpret the Scriptures. And Paul, no one is claiming to be a philosopher king. It is only that we ignore ideas that oppose our own to our own peril. I have actually been sharpened in my own focus by interacting with what I regard as your false doctrine.
paulspassingthoughts said, on February 13, 2014 at 12:43 PM
…and I suppose my doctrine is false because I have never burned a “witch” alive like Calvin. I belong to Christ, you belong to your father John Calvin.
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
DELETED
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Argo,
If life is the final authority in all matters, then everyone’s is his own authority and nothing can be good or evil, right or wrong in an objective sense. Since my life experience will inevitably be different from yours, you and I could never agree on the truth or falsehood of any given proposition.
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“GR”R,
Since it is a sunny day and you wish to talk to Argo, I won’t delete your nonsense, unless Argo doesn’t want to talk to you. Your other comment will be deleted per the usual.
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Argo,
Thanks for the point that CJ suggests that elders will stand in the judgement for believers; of course, that’s ridiculous, but that’s Calvin as well. The Bible claims to interpret itself, and as you know, that’s my position. Certainly, man should use reason to follow God according to his own conscience, and that includes epistemology. However, God help us if their isn’t objective truth.
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You would do well to consider and respond to my comments.
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I tremble at thee unction thou philosopher king
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Well, I can’t really see a problem with that clarification in principle. I agree man must be part of the process.
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…and it can be argued that CJ et al would deny that the general populous can know reality–I think I see your point.
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…the Bible as a shadow of the true form that only the gifted can understand–they in essence say that at times. I think I am at least touching on your point.
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Anonymous, You have brought up an excellent point, IMO. What is sorely missing today among American Christians is critical thinking, discernment, questions. Leaders (& followers) teach a Christianity that esteems blind followers, sitters who are “taught” to believe without question. This is the cause of mile-wide, inch deep Christianity, IMO. Don’t blame it on the world. If an “authority” treats & teaches people they are dumb sheep they will be dumb sheep.
I have noticed a simplified thinking of Calvinists in particular. It’s either/or thinking for most anything. The thinking in this particular case goes: pewsitters don’t have authority, so by default leaders must be the authority. I have also noticed authority, rule, teacher are words used a lot. Also, over, under, covering, protection, submit are never far from any discussion. There definitely is a pre-occupation of authority, rule, control over other Christians with Calvinists theology. Calvinists believe in Christ alone. So then, why is authority/submission to another individual necessary for anyone who has pledged their allegiance/submission to Christ alone? I encourage everyone to read the gospels to see if Jesus taught this type of “who’s ruling over whom” lifestyle among his disciples.
It is ironic to me, during an unprecedented time of information/access to the Bible, personal study, & free time (an era similar to the Gutenberg press era) that authority is heralded more than ever. We are more than ever without excuse, so wouldn’t personal responsibility be the topic of leaders & you instead? Wouldn’t personal responsibility be discussed most often? Wouldn’t reading the Bible for yourself, prayer, learning discernment, wisdom, following Holy Spirit, be what’s most discussed? Isn’t that the way out of knee-deep faith?
Back to critical thinking. So who were the critical thinkers in New Testament Biblical times? Why isn’t the example of the Bereans, who studied scripture individually before deciding whether what they were told was true or not, be relevant & important now? The example of the Bereans blows your vision of authority over another right out of the water.
Paul, let Anonymous comment. The comments best highlight exactly what is wrong.
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Would this not be “taking away” from the word wholesale? How can you “take away” from what can’t be understood in the first place?
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Calvinists pastors don’t believe anyone, including themselves, is beyond the need for the Spirit’s illumination to interpret the Scriptures. And Paul, no one is claiming to be a philosopher king. It is only that we ignore ideas that oppose our own to our own peril. I have actually been sharpened in my own focus by interacting with what I regard as your false doctrine.
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“Grace” writer,
Don’t address me. I am posting your comments for others here to read, when I do post them.
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…and I suppose my doctrine is false because I have never burned a “witch” alive like Calvin. I belong to Christ, you belong to your father John Calvin.
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