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Dueling Scriptures
"Answer a fool
after a fool lest you be a fool;
Answer not a fool after a fool lest you be a fool."
For centuries a raised
cross symbolized the followers of Jesus, but no more. Today, it seems to
be either a leather bound book, whether
Bible or Catechism. "The Bible says" has become the rallying
cry. Those Onward Christian Soldiers now march with the Word of Jesus
rather than the Cross of Jesus going on before. And, when I proclaim
this, I am not just whistling Dixie, brother. I used to be among the
throngs who invoke the mantra, :The Bible clearly says..." or
"God wrote it, I believe it, that says it!"
How
Can This Be?
However, this
collection of writings has been used to maintain political power and
wealth, justify wars and slavery, and otherwise been used to manipulate
the mind of humanity. Those with a private agenda have wielded it as a
weapon in the persecution of minorities and enemies alike. Yet, it has
been used by others to confront such persecution and empower the weak
and outcast in their fight for justice. In fact, it is not uncommon for
apposing armies to march into battle with the Bible going on before them
for support.
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What's
the difference, you ask?
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It's all very subtle,
like that ol' serpent, the Devil -- like the difference between obeying
God to be saved or because we are already saved -- like between Christ
and the antichrist.
A single scripture in
Proverbs proclaims "Answer a fool after a fool lest you be a
fool" then goes on to contradict itself with "Answer not a
fool after a fool lest you be a fool." This I shall declare my
banner for this continuing column on Dueling Scriptures as we explore
the use and abuse of the Holy Book.
Am
I Crazy or What?
Watch this column as I
create a new perspective in the tradition VS sola scriptura debate:
Neither. Neither do I believe the Bible is the literal inerrant word of
God, nor that the traditions built thereof are necessarily in the Spirit
and example of Jesus. Am I crazy? Am I a heretic? Yes, by choice.
However, am I wrong? Follow along and decide for yourself. But, be sure
to cross yourself often and wear garlic to protect yourself as I show
just how far Christianity has strayed from that which was begun by
Jesus
the Christ.
Scripture
Clearly Says
(not yet live)
Liberating
the Gospels
(not yet live)
The Forum
(not yet live)
houghfw@aol.com
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