tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406961.post7105052828178266532..comments2023-06-07T09:13:41.693-05:00Comments on Episcopal Chaplain On the High Ground: Reflection for 7.8.08Marshall Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02807749717320495495noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406961.post-61336145396794942642008-07-09T12:56:00.000-05:002008-07-09T12:56:00.000-05:00Well, Jon, I imagine a lot of moderns did that as ...Well, Jon, I imagine a lot of moderns did that as well (especially those who attended worship only for the "utilitarian" reasons you cite).<BR/><BR/>I guess, on this one I fit your category of "Protestant:" but, then, you knew that. It is certainly my experience as a chaplain that it is entirely possible for ecclesial communities, including groups within the Church Catholic as you recognize it, to appear and even to attempt to suggest that something within creation can come between the individual and Christ's love. Moreover (and within the Protestant part of my heritage), I simply can't go as far as Gregory the Great, much less Boniface VIII: to say that salvation <I>requires</I> participation in the Church, even the Church Catholic, is to challenge God's omnipotence and the infinite capacity of God's love.<BR/><BR/>But, then, once again I'm sure you expected that.Marshall Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02807749717320495495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406961.post-81807320882767141562008-07-09T11:35:00.000-05:002008-07-09T11:35:00.000-05:00True but they can cut you off from the church, a l...True but they can cut you off from the church, a living, teaching body (which doesn't claim the power to change the apostolic ministry or bless sins against nature - Protestants claim that power) and the true gate built by God as described in John 10.<BR/><BR/>Saying those things don't matter amounts to 'God, if he exists, loves me anyway so I'll stay home on Sunday'.<BR/><BR/>Which of course is what a lot of post-modern people do.<BR/><BR/>(Moderns were utilitarian: going to church is good for society - productive, obedient workers - and for my career and social standing.)Ecgberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06354592772973677609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20406961.post-57407499364817662332008-07-08T11:21:00.000-05:002008-07-08T11:21:00.000-05:00Amen, and amen.Amen, and amen.Curtishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16831815823534934198noreply@blogger.com