what? Wow. Start a war, why don’t you. I have a question, though, where in Paul’s letters does he say he or Peter, or Apollos, or the Apostles were given the authority to forgive sin? Oh, and why we’re discussing theology, why hasn’t anyone since Paul ever killed anyone in church like he did Ananias and his wife Saphira? Just thought I would try and make you all understand the ways of God are Higher than ours and to keep in mind we who love theology are probably all Children of the Most High God.
Peter is given that authority (to forgive sins) by Christ Himself in the Gospels, which is why the emblem of the Pope is the two keys (gold for heaven and silver for earth).
I think the problem with relying too heavily on literally conforming one’s Christian life to the Epistles is that many of the accounts of things done by Paul or others relate to particular things that happened under particular circumstances, and were not meant to establish general policies or indicate any underlying doctrine. Thank goodness - I’m not sure killing people in church would be a real missionary draw, so to speak!
I’m not saying that Protestants don’t love God, by the way. It always amazes me to see how many people pass through life without ever giving God a second thought, and you’re right, people who do love to think about Him are certainly blessed. I can’t imagine, personally, never thinking about God, but it seems as if many people nowadays can. Although I think deep down inside, they know something’s missing.
I heard it said once that the problem with theology is that we can know everything except the most important things. I leave the mechanics of salvation it the hands of the most high God, and His Son Jesus Christ.
I have to admit though, that I thoroughly enjoy the sparring with the protestants on here. A bit of a guilty pleasure.