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Search results

  1. H

    The distinct persons of the Trinity

    It’s the Latin “persona” that refer to a mask. But most of the theology was done in Greek. Hypostasis doesn’t mean a mask. It’s a term that you might translate as “entity,” although I think it’s pretty clear that it took on a new meaning in the context of the Trinity. Whether “roles” (i.e...
  2. H

    Sexual Orientation: Nature or Nurture?

    There are signs that a lot of younger millennials are saying that they have at least some attraction to both genders (https://www.out.com/news-opinion/2016/3/11/less-50-teens-identify-straight-says-new-study) and that some who consider themselves LGBTQ are avoiding any of the traditional labels...
  3. H

    What is Jesus' role in the church?

    Trying to speak for the PCUSA. I think our goal is to be followers of Jesus. Most preaches follow the lectionary, and of the 3 readings, the Gospel is probably picked the most commonly. Sermons are usually a combination of exegesis and looking at how to put Jesus' teachings into practice, with a...
  4. H

    What is Jesus' role in the church?

    The OP asks about theology. Did you intend to focus on that, or more broadly Christian life? I can tell you that the mainline tradition's theology is entirely based on the NT, with a focus on what Jesus said about himself or what his actions showed. That upsets many others, who see the focus of...
  5. H

    Not many identify the name of Jesus with forgiveness

    Mennosota hasn’t given an argument for his position, but let me remind you where it comes from. Luther had exactly the problem we describe here. He could never believe he was forgiven. One of the most common late medieval positions was that we should make a reasonable effort, and God would then...
  6. H

    Not many identify the name of Jesus with forgiveness

    Yes, you’ve identified a big deal. This site doesn’t have enough members for this to be so visible, but at a larger site, it seems like half the people think they’re going to be damned because they can’t stop thinking impure thoughts. (In many cases I doubt that these are sins at all, but they...
  7. H

    Children on death row.

    The reason there's a separate justice system for minors is that children's decision-making capabilities aren't fully formed. Even at 18. I don't think we always take advantage of that difference to treat children and youth in ways that will help them develop. But the distinction still make...
  8. H

    Sexual Orientation: Nature or Nurture?

    I've been following this issue for years, and there are things that are really hard to know. I keep pointing out that among those with same-sex attraction, there are more who also feel at least some attraction to members of the other sex as well. One interesting number I haven't often seen...
  9. H

    Sexual Orientation: Nature or Nurture?

    If it's every person, you've got an unusual sample. But it's true that homosexual children are more likely to have experienced abuse. To the extent that cause can be determined, it appears that it goes the other way. That is non-gender conforming kids are more likely to be abused...
  10. H

    Sexual Orientation: Nature or Nurture?

    A lot of work has been done. It doesn't seem like there's any one cause. Here's the summary from the Wikipedia article. As far as I can tell, this is a reasonable summary of current opinion: "Although scientists favor biological models for the cause of sexual orientation,[3] they do not believe...
  11. H

    Church has to stop giving glasses to homeless

    No. It's illegal because many professions have convinced the government that they should have a monopoly. This has been going on for a long time. It has nothing to do with liberal, conservative, or any other current political issue. In some cases (I don't know about opticians) it's a matter of...
  12. H

    What do you think?

    I think his proposed resolution is a bit oversimplified. I don't think we can really take all the varying facts and perspectives and just accept them all equally. But overall it's reasonable.
  13. H

    Talking Donkey

    The OT before about kings is not "actual recorded events." I refer you to any recent book on the archaeology of Israel not written by someone with a pre-commitment to Biblical inerrancy.
  14. H

    Talking Donkey

    In the posting I quoted and this one, you seem to be saying that it's OK to ignore astronomy and history if it contradicts what you want to believe.
  15. H

    Talking Donkey

    Why isn't this post-modernism?
  16. H

    Talking Donkey

    In areas where we have more or better information, sure. There are lots of traditional beliefs that have turned out to be wrong. Start with the earth being the center of the universe. It seems odd that we would know more about the history of ancient Israel than those living in the 1st Cent, but...
  17. H

    Talking Donkey

    Sure. The question isn't whether he could, but whether he did. The best judgement of current archaeologists is that that portion of the OT isn't historical. Mark and Paul, on the other hand were written in a time when people who had seen Jesus were still alive. Matthew, Luke and John, maybe or...
  18. H

    Traditional Theology vs Biblical Theology

    Our concept of holy war didn't include killing everyone.
  19. H

    Traditional Theology vs Biblical Theology

    I generally accept the idea that the Bible is inspired, but just what that means depends upon the part of the Bible involved. Is it right to say that Jesus' teaching is inspired? That may actually be too weak, since he represented God directly. The term probably applies best to the prophets...
  20. H

    Traditional Theology vs Biblical Theology

    I understand the attraction of an infallible Scripture. But the fact that you want it to be infallible doesn't mean that it is. All it takes is to read it, to appreciate that it expresses a variety of viewpoints, and includes many ancient ideas that we don't and shouldn't currently accept. (The...
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