Thursday, August 19, 2010

"Never put a period where God has put a comma" and other NONSENSE

I was walking past another non-descript, non-denominational, and (like most who have willingly or unwillingly erred from the chair of the Fisherman) non-biblical churches the other day and saw a sign that said "Never put a period where God has put a comma" on the outside of the building. The statement seems benign (please disregard, for the sake of this discussion, the latin meaning) and, in fact, loving. However, upon further inspection, it is nonsensical. I make such a blunt judgement on it because the statement contains a logical fallacy; what is called BEGGING THE QUESTION (or petitio principii, "assuming the initial point").

I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but the questions that it begs are quite obvious.
1) What is a period, as regards revelation?
2) What is a comma, as regards, revelation?
3) Who has authority to decide which is which and where they should be placed?
4) Whom did Jesus say had the authority to make such judgments.

There are even more questions that can be asked, but these are enough to get anyone started. I am unsure what would be the intent of anyone utilizing this statement is. So, I will steer clear of indicting their intentions. It seems to me, though, that the statement is being made with an eye to "progressive revelation"; likely, in order to justify an moral view that is inconsistent with biblical revelation.

I could go into a long rebuttal of this statement, but there is really no need. The fourth question is the only one that is is relevant for professed Christians. Who was appointed to make judgements on Scripture and Tradition (don't forget 2 Tim. 2:2 & 2 Thess. 2:15)? Generally, the Catholic Church and, specifically, St. Peter and the Apostles were given this authority. This, in my mind, is the end of the discussion. Jesus makes it clear, "Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me." This was a statement made to the Apostles in the Gospel of Saint Luke. For anyone who is faithful to Christ, this should end the debate and pray for the grace to be obedient to the Church that Christ himself founded.

"But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth." 1 Tim 3:15

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