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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Lowest Common Denominator | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 649 | ||
Lowest Common Denominator? Let me know what you know about or feel about seeking the Lowest Common Denominator when dealing with Faith and-or Bible issues. By this I mean instead of trying to find answers by trying to force every single 'jot and tittle' into your theology, including 'large prime numbers,' how about finding a simpler approach. I understand you cannot just lop off remainders and round off important matters, but sometimes the simple answer is the answer. Another point is that the larger the common denominator, the more fractions (factions) there are. I am pretty certain that Jesus would prefer us to be one, as He is One. I am also pretty certain that neither your belief nor mine is perfectly tuned to Truth. | ||||||
2 | Lowest Common Denominator | Bible general Archive 1 | Brent Douglass | 663 | ||
This is a difficult question to answer because it's hard to determine exactly what you're suggesting and what prompted the suggestion. Is this a reaction or response to something that was said on the list, or simply a general suggestion that we should not take the Bible too literally or too seriously in judging the merit of theological "truths"? If this is a reaction to someone dismissing a biblically orthodox view based on their interpretations, I would agree that we should practice humility in recognizing our fallibility (as well as that of Calvin, Luther, Arminius, Wesley, etc.). However, if you're suggesting that (in the name of tolerance and good will) we ignore contrary arguments or retreat from using Biblical texts to test someone's theological claims, I think you're way off base. When (you or) I find that my (or my most respected theologian's) understanding disagrees with God, I need to have the humility to acknowledge that He is infallible (and therefore correct) and that we are fallible (and therefore wrong). Likewise, if you and I agree to usurp the authority of Scripture and place our own sensibilities over those of the Scriptures, we have rejected the only authoritative source by which to test doctrine. We become "like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind" and simply go after the doctrines that "tickle our ears" most. This is anathema to the discovery of Truth; this would be futile and foolish. | ||||||
3 | Lowest Common Denominator | Bible general Archive 1 | Brent Douglass | 664 | ||
On this same topic, I also noticed after finishing my message that you were quoting from John 17:17-20 "that they may be one" as the reasoning behind looking for the "Lowest Common Denominator". This passage also clearly sets God's word as the means by which we, as Christians, are set apart ("sanctified") to be separate from the world but united to each other in the same kind of agreement that the Father and the Son share. I assume that you meant to include the complete and final authority of Scripture within your view of this agreed-upon "lowest common denominator". If not, the unity of his people for which our Lord so yearned (and yearns) is simply mocked and twisted rather than pursued. With the Scriptures as our starting place, we have a basis upon which to pursue the commonly held faith that binds all mature Christians (and any truly "Christian" congregation or denomination)in unified faith. This agreement often proves elusive, but it is surely Biblical and desirable to pursue it. | ||||||
4 | Lowest Common Denominator | Bible general Archive 1 | forrest | 3335 | ||
I am relatively new to the forum and find it rather difficult to follow and to see where meaningful comment is being made. I did however, stumble across this message and your profile. I am similarly Wesleyan and I know the truth of God can withstand sincere questions, however, be careful with the "central" and "non-central" distinction concerning tenets of the faith. Unless the distiction is clearly part of scripture we must trust that God has revealed only what is important. Application becomes an issue, but not at issue is the importance of the Word. God has revealed deeply in little items which may not seem "central." 2 Tim 3:16 refers to "all scripture." My understanding is laid out elsewhere in this forum. Stay obedient and submissive to God and His Word. forrest |
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