tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19795707.post8284553145699250018..comments2024-03-22T16:09:48.895-04:00Comments on Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: The Fans Speak OutJames Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16136781934797867593noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19795707.post-86749224447227454922013-01-12T22:43:19.144-05:002013-01-12T22:43:19.144-05:00Brigitte,
Thanks so much for the lengthy reply an...Brigitte,<br /><br />Thanks so much for the lengthy reply and kind words. <br /><br />James Swanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16136781934797867593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19795707.post-9136471918292302142013-01-12T13:07:55.689-05:002013-01-12T13:07:55.689-05:00James does meticulous research and gives reasonabl...James does meticulous research and gives reasonable, intelligent answers. He has had endless, saintly patience showing amateur "apologists" the way, so to speak, but it does not seem to take with some of them.<br /><br />Luther teaches a thoroughly biblical theology which centers in Jesus Christ the Son of God and also of Mary, according to his human nature. In him alone is our redemption, and this is THE GOOD NEWS. This is the good news that captured our hearts, and Christ is the Lord whom we follow. I assume this is the message that has also captured James. <br /><br />Luther has brought this message into the bright light and many of us would be glad to kiss his feet for that. He towers so far above all other theologians, it is not funny. Many Roman Catholics know that he was a deeply spiritual and profound man, along with courageous and honest. Many Roman Catholics also trust in Jesus Christ alone. The church's ministrations are only there to teach and reinforce this faith. Baptism now saves us because in it we are assured that God has indeed saved and redeemed us also. It is entirely for our own benefit. <br /><br /> Luther also had an astonishingly long career and wrote an astounding amount of material, over 100 large library volumes. His opinion was sought and all kinds of issues, including those not in his line of expertise. Every word he said was practically written down by someone. As James Swan points out, and demonstrates untiringly, context always matters when you are being fair, honest and scholarly. Picking out some sentences and holding them up for all to deride, is not just and right. -- I am sure I said something at breakfast today, that could not stand this kind of scrutiny and taking out of context.<br /><br />When Luther's thoughts, sermons, documents are analyzed it takes some seriousness and not just the looking for sensational, supposed "messes". (I didn't know what the issue was when I commented in the thread highlighted here. Maybe I should not have commented.) <br /><br />The very corrupt Roman Catholic church of Luther's day refused to listen to its critics. Everyone was expected to toe the line, no matter how much the poor people were exploited, no matter how money-grabbing and selfish the bishops. The church had become a joke to more secular minded people. Has anyone been watching the Borgias and read some Machiavelli? There is some context.<br /><br />It was the pastoral heart of Luther and the zeal for what is right and true which moved Luther's heart. But the "church" excommunicated him and dealt with him unfairly decade after decade without much change. Plently of important and fair-minded current Catholics have seen this and bemoaned it. <br /><br />Some of the critics, now, may have a second thought and pause, and consider what injustices they are perpetrating themselves. As Jesus said, we will be accountable for every word.<br /><br />Nevertheless, I have severe problems with Calvin, as far as I have read him and this is no joke to me. I have also spent ages looking for signs of regeneration with me and only landed in distress. Whenever we are looking to add something to <br />Christ work, even the evidence of a changed life, we are in severe danger of pride or despair. But Roman Catholics know that we need to keep coming back to church and need to receive again forgiveness, availing ourselves of the means of grace and reassurance. <br /><br />While I like and admire James and gladly translate for him (though he is very generous in mentioning my contributions; they have been truly minor), I have to say for his Reformed confession, I have not seen it come into conflict here. This is speaking specifically of James. <br /><br />Brigittehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10259491144770243688noreply@blogger.com