The gates of Hades will not overpower it.

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FIDO95
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10:41p, 10/5/26
AG


I finally finished the interview with Theo Von and Bishop Barron. It was a great conversation from start to finish and if you like both men, it will not disappointment. One of the fascinating points of the conversation focus on the Churches role in battling evil in the world. Bishop Barron brought up:

"18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." -Matt 16:18

Bishop Barron lamented on how most of his life he viewed that verse as evil will not prevail of the church (that is also how I have interpreted it). But now he thinks that may not be correct. "Gates" do not attack but are rather the weak point in a cities defenses. So now he looks at this verse not as the Church being victorious in it's defense from evil but rather the church being victorious in it's attack against evil. As such, the church should be on the "march against the dark powers". Theo responds, "yeah you know, sometimes it seems like the church doesn't have the balls". The good Bishop doesn't even skip a beat, "yeah, that's been a problem".
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TresPuertas
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11:16p, 10/5/26
AG
I've seen this in my time and tend to agree with it.

My old church (UMC) decided to adopt a gentle philosophy and decided not to stand up to sin and speak the truth of the gospel because it was afraid to offend.

this opened the gates and let evil in and now the church, much like other denominations, is being used as a skin suit for all sorts of devious behavior.
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UTExan
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In reply to TresPuertas • 3:54p, 10/6/26
TresPuertas said:
I've seen this in my time and tend to agree with it.

My old church (UMC) decided to adopt a gentle philosophy and decided not to stand up to sin and speak the truth of the gospel because it was afraid to offend.

this opened the gates and let evil in and now the church, much like other denominations, is being used as a skin suit for all sorts of devious behavior.


John Wesley was not afraid to call sin for what it was. He would be ashamed of much of the UMC today, I am afraid.
“If you’re going to have crime it should at least be organized crime”
-Havelock Vetinari
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TresPuertas
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In reply to UTExan • 8:53p, 10/6/26
AG
UTExan said:
TresPuertas said:
I've seen this in my time and tend to agree with it.

My old church (UMC) decided to adopt a gentle philosophy and decided not to stand up to sin and speak the truth of the gospel because it was afraid to offend.

this opened the gates and let evil in and now the church, much like other denominations, is being used as a skin suit for all sorts of devious behavior.


John Wesley was not afraid to call sin for what it was. He would be ashamed of much of the UMC today, I am afraid.


It's been a tough road for me because the church was truly my home and a relationship i didn't go into lightly. I found a place that started as a solid foundation based on the wesleyan philosophy and steadfast dedication to the scriptures.

and by the system of appointments that the UMC operates under, the rot started setting in with progressive clergy.

After about 2 years of putting up with some of the crap and continuing to go it all culminated in full on progressivism with Covid and the summer of love. the instagram account was posting book club readings of white fragility, some of the pastors marching with BLM, and when the time came to make a decision. they took the easy way and stayed with the progressive UMC. In the past i would bring up my concerns with the pastor and he would recommend me a book to read, only to later find out that the author is now running as a pro choice pro gay marriage democrat for senate in missouri. I said my peace to the head pastor and he basically told me to hit the bricks.

and while it may seem easy, i've never felt so betrayed in my life. I married my wife there, I sent my kids to school there, I baptized them there, and I eulogized family there.

To this day I still have trouble "trusting" a church.

The gates don't need to be torn down when they're swung wide open
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FIDO95
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In reply to TresPuertas • 6:43a, 10/7/26
AG
I'm sorry about your loos of community. There is a reason God gave you that cross to bear. Your job is to discover a way to glorify God in carrying it.

Your description reminded me of a recent interview with Malcom Guite and Matt Fradd. Guite lamented, "you don't feel you belong because you don't remember. You were robbed by a previous generation". However, you recall a time and a story that was better. Tell that tale and become the rejected stone that becomes the cornerstone of something better. Peace be with you.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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