Featured Yes, 12 Disciples were men, but women respected and found empty tomb . . . is this enough so women can be preachers, too?

[Multicolored Lemur]

However, we do believe God inspired the writings of Paul. Not all of his writings were inspired though. Paul mentioned a previous letter to the Corinthian church that we don’t have.

But this was decided upon by a Council. Which is going to be a lot like the United States Congress or the UK parliament in which there’s a lot of pressure to issue a “split the difference” decision which has “something for everyone.”

Maybe with some happy exceptions to this overall trend.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

And the Corinthians lived in southern Greece.

Since we’re getting into all this, we might as well learn some world geography.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

Synod of Hippo - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Also called the Council of Hippo. In 393 AD, this council decided —

the books of the Bible,

and that priests couldn’t get married.

* Hippo Regius was a city in north Africa in what is now the nation of Algeria​

​

* Hippo was also the home of Augustine​

 

[Scooter]

But this was decided upon by a Council.

And who made up these councils? Preachers, pastors, elders, bishops. Godly men who sought God's will and direction. It wasn't made up of atheists and agnostics using human logic and feelings. I'm confident that the God who created everything out of nothing was able to use Godly men to preserve His word.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

I’ve never been married. But I don’t think important decisions within a marriage are a case of “someone has to make a decision.”

For example, if it’s decision of whether to relocate for the sake of a higher-paying job or a job promotion, well, healthy couples have probably discussed this before in the abstract. And will probably take a day or two to discuss it again, in the specifics.

And healthy couples develop a feel for how much something matters to each other.

—————

PS Opening a thread on healthy marriages might be good idea.

Good advice. I'm not married but my girlfriend live like a married couple. We're actually quite traditional. I like to think I'm taking care of her and maybe she like to play into that role a bit She has a good job so she is able to take care of herself financially.

Of course, to have that type of relationship nowadays takes her having a lot of respect for me and every bit of that is earned!

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Fewer in U.S. Now See Bible as Literal Word of God

Coinciding with a general decline in religiosity in the U.S., a record-low 20% of Americans now say they believe the Bible is literally true.

news.gallup.com

“The majority of Christians (58%) say the Bible is the inspired word of God but not everything in it is to be taken literally, while 25% say it should be interpreted literally . . ”

———

This is amongst Christians. Maybe because they know people are people, and people make mistakes.

And I take it that you’re not super impressed with the above Gallup poll which shows most actual Christians believe the Bible is inspired but not literal?

I am actually impressed. Shows me 75% of Christians accept that not everything in the Bible should be taken literally. Back in the day, we use to call strict Bible literalists, Fundies (Fundamentalists for short). Then again, I was one at that time, had the KJV with me and all. No offense to anyone that views the Bible as being completely literal message applying in our day and time. Just highlighting the fact Lemur posted about.

 

[AgnosticBoy]

Paul mentioned a previous letter to the Corinthian church that we don’t have.

Hmm?

Please elaborate. Where? Passage?

If true, then this kinda supports my thinking that the Bible canon is not only incomplete, but should've never ended at Revelation. But then again, that doesn't mean we add in all the revelation folks like Joseph Smith either. That's really a challenge for Christianity - knowing who or what book is really inspired.

 

[Scooter]

1 Cor.5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

I hold the opposite opinion than you. I believe this verse confirms the canon of scripture. God ensured we have the exact writings He intended for us to have. Obviously, Paul’s previous letter was not inspired by God, and therefore not included in the canon of scriptures. I believe God worked through the early church councils to preserve His word. John, the last apostle, closed the canon of scripture with his Revelation of Jesus Christ. There could not possibly be any inspired writing after this. Revelations is the culmination, the conclusion of God’s message to mankind.

It is not surprising that nonbelievers do not believe the authenticity of the Bible. They are called nonbelievers for a reason.

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

Of course, to have that type of relationship nowadays takes her having a lot of respect for me and every bit of that is earned!

I like this part.

And I’m sure you turn it around and give her many good chances to earn your respect, too!

 

[Multicolored Lemur]

And who made up these councils? Preachers, pastors, elders, bishops. Godly men who sought God's will and direction.

Okay, let’s do it.

This week there was a news item about some former mega-church leader with a track record of sexual abuse. The guy is co-hosting events with Jim Bakker or something like that.

Why don’t I feel positive when I hear the phrase “Godly men” ? ! ?