quote:

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The modern protestant position is much different from the traditional reformed position.

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Riggs,

Doesn't this in your opinion stand as a severe negative aspect of Protestantism, given that the matter is so fundamental to Christian existence?

Riggs:

could you please explain your reasoning where the doctrine of man's free will is fundamental to Protestantism.

I disagree with this entirely, and I'm a protestant (mostly).

Personally, I think it a pox on neo-protestantism in evangelical contemporary America to say that Communion (Eucharist, whatever) is merely a rememberance ceremony of Christ: very rude and arrogant, imo. Just as our physical bodies need food and wine for sustanance, so does our spiritual existence. We must partake of our Lord and Savior's body and blood for sustaining our spiritual life and vitality. Otherwise, we will turn on ourselves and "eat" of ourselves.

I separate spiritual and physical existence whereas Catholics tend to mix and equate the two. I believe the spiritual to be reality whereas the physical is subserviant to the spiritual.

vt

Red,

Where it took the RCC over 1000 years to come into what I consider to be major problems, we mucked it up in a little over 100. Yes this speaks poorly of certain things within the protestant church. This does not mean that the orriginal suppositions put forth by the reformers were inadequate. It does mean that the system by which that doctrine is insured is lacking in some way.

SDG,
Riggs

VT,

I did not intend any to believe that I thought what was said to be indicative of all protestantism, but, unfortunately, to a large portion of it.

This was what I see as being fundamental to the liberal Pelagian and Arian doctrines which have come into a position of great importance through men such as Charles Finney. I am not indicting all of protestantism in this (I am protestant) but am generalizing. The liberal theology puts man, and our supposed needs, above Christ and the church. Love has become so eleveated that if you mention justice or any other aspect of God's character you are usually looked down upon and given the usual 'God loves me and would never do anything to go against my will' type of response.

I hope I described my position clearly to you when I explained that I do believe there is a spiritual feeding by grace being imparted to us in the consuming of the bread and wine. I do believe this very strongly. Those who see it as merely symbolic do injustice to God IMO.

I think you misunderstood my post, but if not, please help me to fully understand the divergence of opinion.

SDG,
Riggs

[This message has been edited by Riggs (edited 1/12/2006 12:13a).]

Riggs:

Thanks for the clarification! I did not understand where you were coming from when you stated that the most important modern doctrine is man's free will. Free will issues raise a red flag for me. I agree with your follow up!

Thanks!

vt