Here's another excerpt from 'The Pilgrim Church' by E.H. Broadbent, from chapter one, starting on page 16 of the online book:
Amidst the confusion of conflicting parties there were true teachers, able and eloquent in directing souls in the way of salvation. One, whose name is unknown, writing in the second century to an inquirer named Diognetus,[14] sets himself to answer the questions asked as to the mode of worshipping God among the Christians, the reason of their faith and devotion towards God and love to one another, why they neither worshipped the gods of the Greeks nor followed the Jewish religion, and
why this new practice of piety had only so late entered into the world.
He writes "Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language", living in such places "as the lot of each of them has determined, and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if
foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers.... They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives ... they are reviled and bless".
Then, speaking of God, he says, He, "who is almighty, the Creator of all things, ... has sent from heaven, and placed among men, Him who is the truth, and the holy and
incomprehensible Word, and has firmly established Him in their hearts. He did not, as one might have imagined, send to men any ... angel, or ruler, ... but the very Creator and Fashioner of all things--by whom He made the heavens--by whom He enclosed the sea within its proper bounds"--whom the stars obey. "This messenger He sent to them.... As a king sends his son, who is also a king, so sent He Him; as God He sent Him; as to men He sent Him; as a Saviour He sent Him." Not as judging us
He sent Him, though "He will yet send Him to judge us, and who shall endure His appearing?" As to the delay in sending the Saviour, God has always been the same, but waited in His long-suffering. He had "formed in His mind a great and unspeakable conception, which He communicated to His Son alone." As long as He concealed His own wise counsel He appeared to neglect us, but this was to make it manifest that of ourselves we cannot enter into the kingdom of God. But when the appointed time had
come, "He Himself took on Him the burden of our iniquities, He gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the Holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than His righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet
exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! that the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors!"
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Finally getting somewhere in reading 'The Pilgrim Church'
I've had a copy of 'The Pilgrim Church' (by E.H. Broadbent) since last Christmas, but until this week I only got a few chapters into it, even though the subject is very interesting to me. I am now about 2 thirds through it and I think it's an amazing perspective on church history which everyone interested in the subject should read, even if they don't agree with the doctrinal and theological perspective of the author. The book is very well documented, and gives many quotes and stories of men, and some women, who were great influences in the churches throughout the centuries in different regions, mainly Europe.
In reading the different thoughts of the men described and quoted, I see that I am most in agreement with the oldest forms of Baptists and those the author refers to as 'the Brethren', as opposed to the mainline protestant denominations. Also, the modern Baptists have only surface resemblance to those earlier believers and congregations. That is why when I first started blogging I hesitated to call myself 'protestant' because technically the Baptist beliefs and denominations did not come out from Roman Catholicism, though some of the people who became Baptists came out of it; the Baptist beliefs came from groups that existed at different times parallel to Roman Catholicism, and also the beliefs come straight from Scripture and not as remnants of Roman Catholic practices, as some protestant practices are. I use the term 'protestant' out of convenience only.
It's very interesting to see how similar the perspective of the author is to mine, in that he recognizes believers in all denominations, also seeing their strengths and weaknesses as groups. Also in that churches should not be united with the state and have temporal power; and should allow freedom of conscience for all believers, and encourage forebearance among believers toward each other's differences in doctrine if the doctrines are not against the truth of scripture.
More to come....
In reading the different thoughts of the men described and quoted, I see that I am most in agreement with the oldest forms of Baptists and those the author refers to as 'the Brethren', as opposed to the mainline protestant denominations. Also, the modern Baptists have only surface resemblance to those earlier believers and congregations. That is why when I first started blogging I hesitated to call myself 'protestant' because technically the Baptist beliefs and denominations did not come out from Roman Catholicism, though some of the people who became Baptists came out of it; the Baptist beliefs came from groups that existed at different times parallel to Roman Catholicism, and also the beliefs come straight from Scripture and not as remnants of Roman Catholic practices, as some protestant practices are. I use the term 'protestant' out of convenience only.
It's very interesting to see how similar the perspective of the author is to mine, in that he recognizes believers in all denominations, also seeing their strengths and weaknesses as groups. Also in that churches should not be united with the state and have temporal power; and should allow freedom of conscience for all believers, and encourage forebearance among believers toward each other's differences in doctrine if the doctrines are not against the truth of scripture.
More to come....
Friday, September 24, 2010
Isaiah 55
1 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
3 Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.
4 Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
5 Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the LORD your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you.”
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the LORD,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “ For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
12 “ For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the LORD for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
3 Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.
4 Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
5 Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the LORD your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you.”
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the LORD,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “ For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
12 “ For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the LORD for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Pilgrim Church by E.H. Broadbent: Chapter One: The Synagogue System
Now that 'The Pilgrim Church' is available to read online, I'm going to continue my objective to post some parts of the book for discussion. To read it yourself, go to the link and scroll down to E.H. Broadbent to choose how you want to read it. Following is another excerpt from Chapter One:
The Synagogue
From Pentecost there was a rapid spread of the Gospel. The many Jews who heard it at the feast at Jerusalem when it was first preached, carried the news to the various countries of their dispersion. Although it is only of the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul that the NewTestament gives any detailed record, the other Apostles also travelled extensively, preaching and founding churches over wide areas. All who
believed were witnesses for Christ, "they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8. 4). The practice of founding churches where any, however few, believed, gave permanence to the work, and as each church was taught from the first its direct dependence on the Holy Spirit and responsibility to Christ, it became a centre for propagating the Word of Life. To the newly-founded church of the Thessalonians it was said, "from you sounded out the word of the
Lord" (1 Thess. 1. 8). Although each church was independent of any organization or association of churches, yet intimate connection with other churches was maintained, a connection continually refreshed by frequent visits of brethren ministering the Word (Acts 15. 36). The meetings being held in private houses, or in any rooms that could be obtained, or in the open air, no special buildings were required.[1] This drawing of all the members into the service, this mobility and unorganised unity, permitting variety which only emphasised the bond of a common life in Christ and indwelling of the same Holy Spirit, fitted the churches to survive persecution and to carry out their commission of bringing to the whole world the message of salvation.
The first preaching of the Gospel was by Jews and to Jews, and in it frequent use was made of the synagogues. The synagogue system is the simple and effectual means by which the national sense and religious unity of the Jewish people have been preserved throughout the centuries of their dispersion among the nations. The centre of the synagogue is the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and the power of Scripture and synagogue is shown in the fact that the Jewish Diaspora has neither been crushed by the nations nor absorbed into them. The chief objects of the synagogue were the reading of Scripture, the teaching of its precepts, and prayer; and its beginnings go back to ancient times. In the seventy-fourth Psalm is the complaint: "Thine enemies roar in the midst of Thy congregations ...hey have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land" (Psa. 74. 4, 8). On the return from the captivity it is said that Ezra further organised the synagogues, and the later dispersion of the Jews added to their importance. When the Temple, the Jewish centre, was destroyed by the Romans, the synagogues, widely distributed as they were, proved to be an
indestructible bond, surviving all the persecutions that followed. In the centre of each synagogue is the ark in which the Scriptures are kept, and beside it is the desk from which they are read. An attempt under Barcochebas (A.D. 135), which was one of many efforts made to deliver Judaea from the Roman yoke and seemed for a short time to promise some success, failed as did all others, and only brought terrible retribution on the Jews. But though force failed to free them, the gathering of the people round the Scriptures as their centre preserved them from extinction.
The likeness and connection between the synagogues and the churches is apparent. Jesus made Himself the centre of each of the churches dispersed throughout the world, saying, "where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18. 20), and He gave the Scriptures for their unchanging guidance. For this reason it has proved impossible to extinguish the churches; when in one place they have been destroyed they have appeared again in others.
The Synagogue
From Pentecost there was a rapid spread of the Gospel. The many Jews who heard it at the feast at Jerusalem when it was first preached, carried the news to the various countries of their dispersion. Although it is only of the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul that the NewTestament gives any detailed record, the other Apostles also travelled extensively, preaching and founding churches over wide areas. All who
believed were witnesses for Christ, "they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8. 4). The practice of founding churches where any, however few, believed, gave permanence to the work, and as each church was taught from the first its direct dependence on the Holy Spirit and responsibility to Christ, it became a centre for propagating the Word of Life. To the newly-founded church of the Thessalonians it was said, "from you sounded out the word of the
Lord" (1 Thess. 1. 8). Although each church was independent of any organization or association of churches, yet intimate connection with other churches was maintained, a connection continually refreshed by frequent visits of brethren ministering the Word (Acts 15. 36). The meetings being held in private houses, or in any rooms that could be obtained, or in the open air, no special buildings were required.[1] This drawing of all the members into the service, this mobility and unorganised unity, permitting variety which only emphasised the bond of a common life in Christ and indwelling of the same Holy Spirit, fitted the churches to survive persecution and to carry out their commission of bringing to the whole world the message of salvation.
The first preaching of the Gospel was by Jews and to Jews, and in it frequent use was made of the synagogues. The synagogue system is the simple and effectual means by which the national sense and religious unity of the Jewish people have been preserved throughout the centuries of their dispersion among the nations. The centre of the synagogue is the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and the power of Scripture and synagogue is shown in the fact that the Jewish Diaspora has neither been crushed by the nations nor absorbed into them. The chief objects of the synagogue were the reading of Scripture, the teaching of its precepts, and prayer; and its beginnings go back to ancient times. In the seventy-fourth Psalm is the complaint: "Thine enemies roar in the midst of Thy congregations ...hey have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land" (Psa. 74. 4, 8). On the return from the captivity it is said that Ezra further organised the synagogues, and the later dispersion of the Jews added to their importance. When the Temple, the Jewish centre, was destroyed by the Romans, the synagogues, widely distributed as they were, proved to be an
indestructible bond, surviving all the persecutions that followed. In the centre of each synagogue is the ark in which the Scriptures are kept, and beside it is the desk from which they are read. An attempt under Barcochebas (A.D. 135), which was one of many efforts made to deliver Judaea from the Roman yoke and seemed for a short time to promise some success, failed as did all others, and only brought terrible retribution on the Jews. But though force failed to free them, the gathering of the people round the Scriptures as their centre preserved them from extinction.
The likeness and connection between the synagogues and the churches is apparent. Jesus made Himself the centre of each of the churches dispersed throughout the world, saying, "where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18. 20), and He gave the Scriptures for their unchanging guidance. For this reason it has proved impossible to extinguish the churches; when in one place they have been destroyed they have appeared again in others.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Reading Merton's 'The Seven Storey Mountain'
Actually I just finished the introduction to this edition of 'The Seven Storey Mountain' by Thomas Merton. From the introduction it sounds like, since this is Merton's first book and it was written very early in his life right after his conversion to the Roman Catholic Church, that it may not be enough to read this book to find out who he was and where he was going. However, the book quickly became a bestseller when it first appeared in 1948, and has been constantly a good seller since then, so it will certainly be interesting from a human perspective and as a conversion story. More to come....
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Choosing to See: A New Book by Mary Beth Chapman
I just read on facebook that Mary Beth Chapman's new book, Choosing to See, is now at #13 on the New York Times bestseller list. I went and read the reviews on Amazon and it sounds really good. Here is the description on Amazon:
From Publishers Weekly
Chapman, wife to singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, tells the story of her life and loss in this tender memoir. Chapman discloses how unsuited she is to be the public figure spouse to a charismatic and outgoing husband. Marrying him totally upset her orderly mental image of a quiet life in the suburbs with a 9 to 5 working husband. Instead, she discovered that God gave her a life she didn't expect that has taken her places she didn't want to go. As Chapman tells it, fame, travel, and adoption of children took this quiet woman out of her comfort zone more times than she cares to remember. In 2008, the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter, Maria, led to still more inner heartache. The Chapmans' story is harrowing and deeply sorrowful, yet the author finds a way to communicate their hope, faith, and love for a faithful God in every moment by grace-infused moment.
Product Description
I've told my kids for years that God doesn't make mistakes," writes Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Grammy award winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. "Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?" Covering her courtship and marriage to Steven Curtis Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, Mary Beth's story is our story--wondering where God is when the worst happens. In Choosing to SEE, she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story--both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on.
Here's one of the customer reviews:
I pre-ordered this book since I grew up listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music, and my husband & I have an interest in adoption. Honestly, I am an avid reader, and have read LOTS of Christian books, both fiction & non-fiction, and, honestly, after a while they kind of all seem to sound the same. I found this book to be very refreshing and honest. Humbly and frankly addressing topics that are often 'taboo' in Christian circles, such as depression, not 'having it all together', doubts, anxiety, etc. was a change, for one. While reading the book, I felt like I was meeting someone like me, almost like talking to a friend, instead of someone leading a perfect life trying to tell me how to make mine perfect as well, following their method. I would highly recommend reading this book.
Sounds like my kind of book, as a quiet person myself, who often feels overwhelmed and inadequate for my tasks. After I read it I'll add my own review as well.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Psalm 19
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hallowed Be Thy Name
In thinking about prayer and specifically The Lord's Prayer, the second line of the prayer "Hallowed by Thy Name" reminded me of the different names of God which are so amazing and beautiful. Here is a page that gives many of the scriptural names of God, and following is a portion of that page.
THE NAMES OF GOD
OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD
ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1
meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6
meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4
a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13
meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1
meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35
meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26
meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6
meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14
meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15
meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24
meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3
meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6
meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14
meaning "The most high God
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13
meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1
meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"
EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31
meaning "The everlasting God"
THE NAMES OF GOD
OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD
ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1
meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6
meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4
a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13
meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1
meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35
meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26
meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6
meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14
meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15
meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24
meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3
meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6
meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14
meaning "The most high God
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13
meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1
meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"
EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31
meaning "The everlasting God"
Friday, September 10, 2010
A Question About Scripture and the Church
Here's a question prompted by the difference between the Catholic and protestant ways of looking at scripture.
Are we to judge Scripture by what our church teaches, or are we to judge what our church teaches by Scripture?
Are we to judge Scripture by what our church teaches, or are we to judge what our church teaches by Scripture?
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Evangeliku: Mary, the Disciple of Christ
On Evangeliku, the blog of Dr. Joe Mizzi, who also runs the website 'Just for Catholics' there is a new post up called 'Mary, the Disciple of Christ'. This post is very interesting, because Dr. Mizzi, a physician and former Catholic, quotes from St. Augustine, who says some things that I have been saying recently about Mary, though I have never read these things from Augustine before. One of these things is that:
“Mary is holy, Mary is blessed, but the Church is something better than the Virgin Mary. Why? Because Mary is part of the Church, a holy member, a quite exceptional member, the supremely wonderful member, but still a member of the whole body. That being so, it follows that the body is something greater than the member. The Lord is the head, and the whole Christ is head and body. How shall I put it? We have a divine head, we have God as our head.”
UPDATE: Another thought about Mary that I've mentioned, and which I've also seen in quotes from the Church Fathers, is that Mary represents Israel giving birth to her own Savior. Mary is called 'woman' several times by Jesus, and the last time is when Jesus gives Mary away to the beloved disciple at the cross. Scripture says that from that day on John took Mary into his own home. The woman in prophecy always refers to Israel or the people of God. I believe Mary represents Israel here as well. Disciples of Christ will love Israel as our Mother from whom comes the Savior, and welcome her into our home looking forward to the time when she will be one with us as the Bride of Christ. I was thinking about this story and this occurred to me as a very meaningful interpretation. It helps me to see more who Mary is, not so I can exalt her, but so I can love and welcome her and all Israel as part of the Body of Christ, one with us under our Head. A few of the Fathers taught that Mary had slipped into doubt for a time before Christ died, along with the brothers of Christ who did not yet believe. I believe this fits with the way Israel as a whole has been in unbelief for a time, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, but then 'all Israel will be saved.'(Romans 11:26)
“Mary is holy, Mary is blessed, but the Church is something better than the Virgin Mary. Why? Because Mary is part of the Church, a holy member, a quite exceptional member, the supremely wonderful member, but still a member of the whole body. That being so, it follows that the body is something greater than the member. The Lord is the head, and the whole Christ is head and body. How shall I put it? We have a divine head, we have God as our head.”
UPDATE: Another thought about Mary that I've mentioned, and which I've also seen in quotes from the Church Fathers, is that Mary represents Israel giving birth to her own Savior. Mary is called 'woman' several times by Jesus, and the last time is when Jesus gives Mary away to the beloved disciple at the cross. Scripture says that from that day on John took Mary into his own home. The woman in prophecy always refers to Israel or the people of God. I believe Mary represents Israel here as well. Disciples of Christ will love Israel as our Mother from whom comes the Savior, and welcome her into our home looking forward to the time when she will be one with us as the Bride of Christ. I was thinking about this story and this occurred to me as a very meaningful interpretation. It helps me to see more who Mary is, not so I can exalt her, but so I can love and welcome her and all Israel as part of the Body of Christ, one with us under our Head. A few of the Fathers taught that Mary had slipped into doubt for a time before Christ died, along with the brothers of Christ who did not yet believe. I believe this fits with the way Israel as a whole has been in unbelief for a time, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, but then 'all Israel will be saved.'(Romans 11:26)
Prayer: Jesus teaches His disciples to pray: part one
Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
This is the prayer given by the Lord Jesus Himself to His disciples to teach them how to pray.
The first thing I see is that we are to pray secretly, simply, and without vain repetitions of words. We are praying to be heard by our Father and no one else. We are saying only what really needs to be said, and not repeating phrases as if that is what will make God listen to us.
The second thing I see is that we are to pray to our Father in heaven. He is the one who can hear our prayers, being omnipresent, omniscient, and all-powerful. God is the only one in heaven who is able to hear our prayers because human beings cannot hear and distinguish millions of simultaneous and continuous prayers.
The third thing I see is that the Father's name is to be hallowed or set apart in our hearts as the one to pray to, and as the only one who is our God and helper and provider, as scripture repeats many times in various places.
More later...
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
This is the prayer given by the Lord Jesus Himself to His disciples to teach them how to pray.
The first thing I see is that we are to pray secretly, simply, and without vain repetitions of words. We are praying to be heard by our Father and no one else. We are saying only what really needs to be said, and not repeating phrases as if that is what will make God listen to us.
The second thing I see is that we are to pray to our Father in heaven. He is the one who can hear our prayers, being omnipresent, omniscient, and all-powerful. God is the only one in heaven who is able to hear our prayers because human beings cannot hear and distinguish millions of simultaneous and continuous prayers.
The third thing I see is that the Father's name is to be hallowed or set apart in our hearts as the one to pray to, and as the only one who is our God and helper and provider, as scripture repeats many times in various places.
More later...
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Prayer Challenge
Over on Visits to Candyland, Leo, who is Catholic, has challenged the other Catholics there to pray a novena of Hail Marys 'for my conversion' in hopes that I will convert to Catholicism. Here is his challenge:
Elena, I have a challenge and a request for you, Christine and John. This thought came to me last week and again at Mass this morning and so I offer it to you.
Would you each be willing to join me in a simple 9 day novena? Let's say one simple Hail Mary each day for 9 consecutive days for the sake of Jennie's conversion. This would put the whole thing in our Blessed Mother's hands and give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to witness to the role of His spouse. It would also witness to the effect of even one simple Hail Mary prayer. Are you game?
I didn't know how or if I should respond to this, so I prayed about it for a while. The first thing that came to mind was Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18, especially the passage which says "Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God." After praying and thinking some more, and talking to my husband about it, I decided I shouldn't challenge them to pray to Mary while I pray to God, since I don't want to encourage people to do that. Also Elijah didn't ask the Israelite people to pray to Baal, but only to watch while the prophets called on Baal. I finally decided to challenge them to pray to the Father about whom they should pray to in heaven, while reading scriptures about prayer, and to be willing to submit to whatever the Father shows them in His word. Leo accepted my challenge, though he said he will do the novena to Mary as well. I don't know if the others are accepting my challenge, though 2 have accepted Leo's.
Here is my challenge:
Leo,
I've been praying about what you've said here, and if I should say anything about it. I'm asking that you don't pray to Mary for me, not because I think it will hurt or affect me, but for your own sake and the others. If you want to pray for me, please pray to the Father in heaven.
I would like to request instead of your challenge, that you accept mine. I will pray to the Father that He would open your eyes to see that He is the only one in heaven that we should pray to, as Jesus taught us to pray. I ask that you would pray the same thing, that the Father would show you whom you should pray to in heaven, and that you will be willing to submit to Him in whatever He shows you in His word. Would you accept this challenge, to pray this for 9 days in faith that God will give wisdom?
And here's another note I added later after praying and thinking about this some more:
Leo, our hearts can deceive us, so I'm asking that we search God's word about prayer as we pray, and ask that God would open our eyes by the Holy Spirit's guidance through His word. I'm going to do a search on prayer and pray and praying, etc.
So we're praying that the Father would show us whom we should pray to in heaven, and that we will submit to whatever He shows us in His word.
By the way, last night I remembered the passage that says our hearts can deceive us, and added three words to my request: 'in His word'.
Jeremiah 17:
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I'm going to post some of the passages I find as I search the scriptures about prayer. If nothing else, I'll learn some more good things about prayer. I hope everyone does.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: In a discussion at Called to Communion
Here's a post by John Bugay that links to a discussion at 'Called to Communion' about some new scholarship on the structure of the early church at Rome.
Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: In a discussion at Called to Communion
Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: In a discussion at Called to Communion
Friday, September 03, 2010
Thoughts of Francis Turretin: How Many Popes Does it Take to Deny the Immaculate Conception?
ANOTHER UPDATE: I'm opening comments here now, since everybody seems to be scared of TurretinFan and won't go over there. But please read all the links here if you want to comment.
Thoughts of Francis Turretin: How Many Popes Does it Take to Deny the Immaculate Conception?
I'm going to try something new, since I'm not a patristic scholar. If anyone wants to comment, please do so over at TurretinFan's blog. I may open comments here later on.
UPDATE: Here are two more articles which Jason Engwer linked to in the comments of TurretinFan's post on the debate on the Immaculate Conception:
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2006/09/some-early-sources-on-sinlessness-of.html
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2006/09/some-later-sources-on-sinlessness-of.html
Thoughts of Francis Turretin: How Many Popes Does it Take to Deny the Immaculate Conception?
I'm going to try something new, since I'm not a patristic scholar. If anyone wants to comment, please do so over at TurretinFan's blog. I may open comments here later on.
UPDATE: Here are two more articles which Jason Engwer linked to in the comments of TurretinFan's post on the debate on the Immaculate Conception:
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2006/09/some-early-sources-on-sinlessness-of.html
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2006/09/some-later-sources-on-sinlessness-of.html
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