On Orthodoxy

Well, Jason asked, so here we go.
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It seems to me that "sola scriptura" just doesn't work. The doctrine of "sola scriptura" tells us that scripture is the only infallible source of truth, and rejects Tradition as a valid source of truth. People say that we can trust only the Scriptures as a source of truth, because it is the only source that tells us what the teachings of Jesus were, according to the Apostles. All other Tradition is fabricated by man.

Well, as I look at it, "sola scriptura" is a tradition itself, and it doesn't even follow its own rules, for the idea of "sola scriptura," that the only valid source we have of the history of God's workings and of the teachings of God is scripture alone, isn't in the Bible. Like I said, it is a tradition itself, and one which one can look at and find a time when it emerged (the Reformation), and which doesn't go all the way back to the first century teachings of the apostles.

So, then, which tradition is right? Well, we must look for the true Tradition, the one that does go all the way back, through the centuries, all the way to the First Century AD. As I look at all the different traditions of different groups (orthodoxy, catholics, protestants), it seems to me that some of the doctrines of orthodoxy are the ones that do indeed go all the way back. (Yes, I mean "some"... there are still a few that bother me...maybe more on that later...)
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This is not to say that all non-Orthodox are not Christians. It just seems to me that they are the most correct in their doctrines.

I believe I am a Christian right now, even though I am not Orthodox. However, I believe that a lot of people are Christian(dispensational premillenialists, really charismatic people, really Reformed people,...) who are Christian, but who are wrong in what they believe. I have to ask if I am like that, if what I believe is really the truth. And orthodoxy seems like it may be correct.
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One thing, though, that does really jump out at me is the different viewpoint they have on salvation. Western Christians, when they think about the gospel and salvation, will often focus on the fact that we are sinners, and that God has grace on us in the person of Christ, and sees us as righteous because of what Christ did. That is, out of justification, sanctification, and glorification, they focus on "justification."

Now, as I look at Eastern Christianity, I see their focus on Theosis, of partaking to the divine nature. As I understand it now, they focus a lot more on sanctification and glorification than on justification.

And I think that's cool. I have had a lot of questions about life, death, and Christianity that I find some answers to in the teachings of the Orthodox church.
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Hmm, I suppose I could write more, but I'll just leave it at that for now. Oh, and in case anyone wants to know more about Orthodoxy, I plan to go at least a few times to the orthodox Christian fellowship here in Berkeley. They meet on tuesday evenings, so if on some tuesday (including today) you want to come and check it out, call me or email me.

May God continue to show grace and mercy to us all.

Jehovah Witness Keep Knocking at My Door

So these Jehovah Witness people have kept on coming to my door.

I think I'm too nice to reject them and say go away! So instead, I end up chatting with them over what I believe and how yes, though they have similar ideas as what I know about God, there are differences here and there.

And so maybe now, they want to keep coming, hoping to convert me. Oy!

One of the things they push is that heaven is on Earth - that the Bible says our land will be this or that, etc, etc...But see, for me, it doesn't matter WHERE heaven is. I just know that I will be near God - the minute details are things I don't argue about.

I'm not a minute-detail-debater. In God, I'm assured that things will go according to His plan, and that I will be in heaven with him. I'm not blindly following, and minute details are interesting, yes - like how God created the Earth (but 7 days vs. 7 thousand years - whatever. God can do whatever He wants, right? Though He can certainly do it in 7 days, ha ha ha! Cuz He is all that and an infinity bag of chips...!) and what not.

But yeah. So what do you guys know about Jehovah's Witness???

Stuff

Well, it's been quiet in here for a while... so here's some stuff, just to fill the silence.

I just found this. Now that is an interesting gift idea. (I know that Jason would love this!)

I have recently been enjoying Tom Hinkle's blog. It's a pity, though, that Tom, of the BHT doesn't update so very often.

For those who haven't been reading it, the Real Live Preacher blog just got a face lift! I highly enourage all of you to go check it out.

Checkl out the recent essays at Internet Monk. Good Stuff.

Hmm, what else...? Oh, I was wondering about what you guys know or think about Eastern Orthodoxy. I've been very interested in it of late....