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From: poetmark
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  • I'd rather join a service organization than be a part of The Episcopal Church. TEC has completely lost it's theological moorings. Most of the Anglican Communion shuns it and the reason so many splinter churches have started and most Episcopal churches are emptying out is because they have no theology left. Sad

  • I love my fellow Anglicans, to include those in my marginally attended Episcopal Church...however, when will the day come that Presiding Bishop Schori spends 1/100th of the same amount of time she spends talking about "diversity", talking about the abomination of abortion, which has murdered MILLIONS of our Lord's children, our brothers and sisters? Where do Priests of ECUSA have all their pro-life videos here on Youtube? Where is Gene Robinson on the issue? Do tell.

  • You are getting hung up by a poor understanding of church history and of the meaning of words. Episcopal means that a denomination is presided over by Bishops. Just as the word catholic means universal. It does not mean the Catholic Church unless you capatalize it. I'm dreadfully concerned that you do not know this. I certainly must question your religious education.

  • First off this is not a good reason to be part of the tec. We welcome you but if you like steak, I am not going to condemn you for eating it. There are many ways to Christ- not just tec. Secondly how dare they actually treat women like they matter. And how dare they act in a welcoming manner to minorites -Jesus would never do that.... Oh wait yes he did. Oh wait it was the Pharisees that pissed him off not the sinners and tax collectors.

  • I sat for years as one of a handful of traditionalists in a very liberal Episcopal church listening to a supply priest sermonize in support of homosexual marriage. I finally pointed out to him that he has never sermonized so fervently for any of the 10 commandments - and that in his adore for gay marriage he is quite willing to break bread with those who don't even accept the deity of Christ to disparage those of us who do not accept gay marriage.

  • @DancingTillIDie I asked him if you can be an Episcopalian and not believe in gay marriage - he said Yes. But eventually I tired of having my cjharacter disparaged and left for a 1928 BCP Anglican parish.

    It breaks my heart to leave a church my father helped to found 50 years ago. Please stop the inhibitions, law suits, and excommunications. Don't change our liturgy. Stop hating your traditions and traditionalists. I will always love the Episcopal church.

  • at 1:37: "...claim to be Anglican..."

    Does this imply they're not? The other 50 'splinters' are far more Anglican than Kathrine can ever pretend she is.

    at 1:37: "TEC has common life in it's doctrine, discipline, and worship..."

    The only thing the TEC churches have in common is that their doctrine is unbiblical. Don't even think of using that to link to the rest of the Anglican faith. That's insulting. GAFCON and the Global South Convention show just how far TEC has drifted into lala land.

  • Why not? Because it a doctrinal disaster! The question is WHY be a part of that!? The splinter is the correct Christian response to Kathrine (the circus ringleader) and her quest to rid the American province of all orthodox bishops.

  • The Episcopal church in America itself is a splinter group that separated from the the Church of England after the American Revolution. It later reunited under the Anglican Communion. The Church of England is itself a splinter group that broker away from the Roman Catholic Church. Why become part of a splinter group, because the Episcopal Church has turned its back on the word of God, the Anglican Communion, and Church History. And is actually forcing out all faithful christian witness.

  • The answer to your question is that in attempting to ordain women and in allowing women to act out the roles of bishop and priest, the Episcopal Church has given up the Apostolic Succession and lost the validity of her sacraments.

  • Nice video, but it misses the issues within the church. What kind of church allows a Bishop to be in control of Diocese for 25 years when he denies the resurrection and the virgin birth? What kind of church ordains homosexuals? What kind of church has a bishop who mocks the Bible?

    I'm sorry for what has happened to you. But you have run headlong into this apostasy. You will, in the end, be nothing more than a santuary religion for people who do not recognize the authority of scripture.

  • Too many shepherds not enough sheep to go round? Nay, too many wolves in shepherds clothing and not enough mutton!

  • scribd (dot) com/nb812

  • Protestants fracture their institutions. Heresy begets heresy. Schism begets schism. Es muy triste.

  • To invade a church 300 years prior. Manipulating the flock by craft unknown. Presently has set up a group of fleshly oriented people who according to their church have the power to administer to your spirits. Bringing them in and out to the desire that they live by. Equates to homosexual living being promoted not only in the church but also the communications and powers unseen but manifested in flesh in all earth's children of the nondiscerning. This is what this stain of a church represents.

  • I can't blame you for saying that 50heaven, it's painful when mainstream Christians put Anglicans and Episcopalians in the same boat, but I understand, and TEC has succeeded in convincing a few others in other Anglican provinces as well. But you sure are more than right to suspect Anglicans in general since we have such huge problems with TEC. Before you work with Anglicans, make sure they serve our Lord.

  • The Episcopal/Anglican church is a splinter group itself and a nasty one at that. I'll decline.

  • Tango, few conservative Christians even know who Schori is, and few of those who blow the whistle on her denying the resurrection / the divinity of Christ are really all that conservative. I don't think they mean she has no right to do so - the question is whether the Anglican Communion wants a member province who denies these things. That's not exactly a "freedom of speech" issue or "shutting everyone else up."

  • Tango, MaryWaterton's comment is the only one here that was downrated so it doesn't show any more, and you are complaining about "censorship"? I've presented facts about Spong to help people think about TEC's "own merits" with no replies, and you think this is all about someone wanting to shut you up? You are free here Tango to say what you like, and I do hope that you do think about these things.

    People, Episcopalianism in most places is VERY VERY different from Anglicanism, don't confuse them.

  • nice video, nice church. But only the Petrine Office can assure visible unity. Perhaps that is not important, but splintering can only go so far before all you have is splinters.

  • Oh for God's sake. Now we have the 'church lady'---Is it SATAN????? Please-you probably don't have the foggiest idea what Episcopalians believe or even what Anglicanism is. Stick with the Pat Robertson's and John Hagees, and let the thinkers think.

  • one answer: it matters little how your church is "grouped" - just make sure it teaches Christ died for our sins & rose again. A few Episcopal churches still teach this actually, but lots of them are in trouble with the official Org, which is suing churches that want to leave for the buildings & funds they paid for themselves.

  • Thank you for reminding who I am.

  • Apostate? Sorely deceived? That is, if you haven't left for ACNA yet.

  • YES!!! Rule of Spong in HIS diocese did long term damage. Now my litle Church is one step from being a mission. BCP 1928 FOREVER!!!

  • Ah Spong. Newark indeed decreased by 40% during his term. My condolences. I don't know what to say except that Christ will be victorious, don't let the dogs demoralize you. God bless.

  • I guess you don't know of Louis Crew

  • He's a perverted drag queen with the stage name "Quean Lutibelle". He's a member of the executive council and founder of integrity. He spread the rot in a more under the radar way than Spong, but more effectively I imagine. In another 10 years when TEC is MCC, he'll be mainstream.

  • Beautiful music!

    God bless The Church of England!

  • I fully acknowledge the presence of conservatives in the church and their right to be there. However, by and large, Episcopalians are a thinking people sans the nauseatingly obnoxious hell-fire, eternal torture group that is present in other Protestant congregations. They get the most publicity because of their self-righteous, narrow ideologies, and make thinking Christians a laughing-stock. That is all I meant.

  • hmm - "Episcopalians are a thinking people sans the nauseatingly obnoxious hell-fire, eternal torture group that is present in other Protestant congregations." - I'm sorry you encountered some churches like this. I suppose the reason so many conservatives are leaving is they don't want to be "nauseating" to you any more. But people nauseating you shouldn't cause you to turn to silliness like Spong, you should read some theo & hermeneutics, it can be interesting.

  • What's wrong with Spong?

  • Spong hasn't read much hermeneutics, what he misses is even taught in some catechism classes to teenagers (unless he's intentionally missing these things). That's why he isn't in any peer-reviewed journals, it's basically pulp theology. re. his remarks on Galileo, for example, visit the Wikipedia page on Galileo. Loads of straw man args - criticizing positions that no one believes in in the first place. And vitriolic rhetoric / demonizing those who disagree.

  • John Shelby Spong is one of the reasons I am proud to call myself Episcopalian. The only problem is that EVEN in this denomination, the (hard swallow here) conservatives are still are present with their narrow, rigid voices. Why don't all the conservatives just finally become Southern Baptists? Assemby of God? Why not? Do us a favor conservatives, LEAVE US ALONE!!!!!

  • JS Spong is incredibly ignorant of hermeneutics and is a lot less intellectually credible than those he criticizes as being "backwater fundamentalists." He's not published in peer reviewed journals and theologians don't even want to mention him because his scholarship is such crap. If thinking Spong is wrong makes me a fundamentalist than so be it.

  • So we leave you alone by accepting the lousy scholarship of Spong, or what? Why not find a church yourself that's into intellectually credible sources and theology? Go with the Lutherans, the Presbys, the Catholics, or the Baptists, Pentecostalists, Russian or Greek Orthodox, Mennonites - you'll learn something - TEC is pretty insular.

  • mlh40, I'd also prefer to avoid argument. In the Episcopal Church, when Bishop Katherine says, "The resurrection is so NOT important!" I will say, "Yes, it is incredibly important." And then, my friend, we are arguing. When she is in a situation where she is in the minority, and the majority say "it is important," she says - "it's diversity, so I belong here, and have my right to say it's not important". When she is in the majority she says: "don't argue, show respect, get outta here."

  • Remember folks...Spong is not TEC, he is just ONE member. I can counter his views with many conservative Episcopalians. Do NOT fear those whom you disagree with.

  • boomac62, Spong is a bishop in TEC in good standing who says things like people who believe in the resurrection are all nutter fundamentalists. Schori invited him to teach her clergy when she was a diocesan bishop. You DO have to be able to stomach your church keeping a guy like that as a bishop in good standing to stay in TEC. It's not really a matter of fearing him - more, ok, this is just to crazy, a different gospel.

  • I understand Spong is retired and a thorn in the side of many Angliv\cans..as Rowan Williams himself said "... I can't in any way see Bishop Spong's theses as representing a defensible or even an interesting Christian future. .. I want to know whether the Christian past scripture and tradition, really appears to him as empty and sterile as (Spong suggests)."

    I'm not an Episcopalian either, but I do enjoy diversity. TEC can survive him. And he may be right on the doctrine of hell.

    Peace

  • I think we all are fans of diversity, only with a diverse interpretation of what the acceptable boundaries are. Those who seem very "narrow" in some ways, often are going very deep in other ways. TEC's failure to seriously reject Spong means its interpretation of diversity means a church also having bishops who essentially deny Christ. I have no problem with atheists who deny Christ - bishops doing so is something completely different.

    There are still some faithful TEC parishes though.

  • fair enough...makes me glad I'm a Quaker. peace

  • Amen. Well put. Diversity is neutral, sometimes good and sometimes bad (should hospitals allow witchdoctors to treat patients as well as MDs?).

    The dishonest and destructive tactic of theological liberals is to present it as an unqualified virtue.

  • HEY! I can't turn my back on you for 3 days LOL. The question is, what is anyone going to do about it? Well, I'm going to do something about it. Though reading through the Canons I can see how tough it can be when someone is retired. I have questions, I want answers.

  • hey episcopalgreg, good for you. There's freedom of religion in this country, and the leadership of TEC is free to do what they want ... they don't have to expect though that they'll take us where they want to go. I thank God that there are still many faithful Christians in TEC like you.

  • Anglicans believe in the creeds and Scriptures as "the rule and ultimate standard of faith." These are good principles - you should belong to a church which embraces similar ones, be it Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox.

    Unfortunately the top leadership of TEC is speaking out against things like the resurrection and as such it's trying to make TEC itself into a splinter group.

    Really who cares if you are "splinter group" or not.  Follow Christ, this is what is important.

  • " the top leadership of TEC is speaking out against things like the resurrection"

    I'm a bit rusty on that one. Can you point me to a source?

    thx

  • Hoo boy... just google 'spong 12 theses' or 'schori "not mechanism"' for starters. You can also consult standfirm's thread (211 entries so far) documenting TEC heresies. Most recently, they've elected an ordained Zen Buddhist priest as Bishop of North Michigan. Buddhism with its incompatible tenets effectively denies the resurrection.

    See the 'Choose This Day' video posted at anglicandecision for a good intro to the issues.

  • And keep in mind - these are references to statements by TEC leadership themselves. Their own words in their own context. They are responsible for the current exodus of orthodox Anglicans from TEC and the new orthodox Anglican province in America (ACNA) with which the province of Nigeria has recently declared itself to be in communion.

  • I'm going to have to answer this in parts cause I need to get a haircut LOL. Spong is a nut. He was born in the town I live and was rector at my church so I get to see a large photo of him on the wall if I don't avert my eyes.

    He does not speak for TEC and I'm not sure how he can consider himself Christian anymore.

  • Spong is still a bishop in good standing in TEC and his books sell like hotcakes, people say, "oh look a bishop denies the divinity of christ & the resurrection so how could it possibly be true." TEC should have taken care of this. So Spong doesn't "speak for TEC" - BUT - his teachings are tolerated in TEC. I.e., you can, as a bishop, say that people who believe Christ rose from the dead are all morons.

  • I don't know enough about the polity to comment or give opinion on standing. You are right though, he can do a lot of damage but his followers are his followers and if he lost standing it wouldn't matter. It might make it worse.

    It is unfortunate that a lot of church goers overlook reason and in fact that Scripture is #1 even if the detractors don't agree with how some of us interpret.

    Thanks for the citiation.

  • As far as Kevin Thew Forrester goes, elected and ordained are two different things. Democracy is messy and elections have concequenses but please don't say that Forrester is part of the top leadership. He simply isn't. And what you say about incompatible tenets is also true with TEC's own ordination vows. I'm sure we will both be watching this one.

    More later.

  • Actually, Kevin Thew Forrester did not get the consent to be bishop. The diocesan standing committees have until July 19 to change their minds, the bishops have until July 25, but it's not likely to happen. As for John Shelby Spong -- well -- he literally spits in the face of The Nicene Creed. But then, sadly, many Episcopalians probably cross their fingers at one time or another during the service. If you don't believe the Creed, you should leave. I'm certainly not leaving because I do believe.

  • I think as a layperson, if you don't believe the Creed, and don't want to, there's little point. We certainly must have our doors open to people who honestly inquire or are struggling in faith!

    But if you are a teacher, if you don't believe the creeds, yes, there are big problems, and you should get help with faith, or leave.

  • Update: Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on July 27 notified the standing committee of the Diocese of Northern Michigan that the necessary consents to the ordination and consecration of the Rev. Kevin Thew Forrester as bishop were not received within the prescribed time period and therefore his election was "null and void."

  • Darn you are so correct!!!!! Bishop Spong was confronted with a 'gay' candidate for ministery who was serving as sextant in my little Church in Hope, NJ. He asked him to 'keep it in his pants' for ordination. Guy was ordinated and stood up before congregation to say, "I'm gay. This is my Life-Mate and my adopted AIDs children." Half the congregation walked out never to attend again. Spong would retire and Father Bill Potter after destroying an active Church would eventually leave,

  • I tried sending you some links but they didn't come out - I think maybe Youtube rejects posts with links. Look at Schori's statements in the Spring 2007 issue of Parabola mag

  • Wow! More than one account, that's amazing. I didn't realize I was dealing with such a resourceful individual. Please accept my aplogies for any offense I've given...

  • Physician, heal thyself. :) Maybe if you had a normal sex life you wouldn't need to attend a church that obsesses over justifying sexual perversion.

    And if I tried to steal your property and lie to your children, I'd assume you'd have issues as well. It's not always a bad thing to 'have issues'. ;>)

  • Amen, but it's probably too late. Look at the majority of leadership within TEC. They are not merely erring, they need to be witnessed to since they are basically agnostics. TEC has allowed the 'via media' to be carried to absurd extremes by people who lack the integrity to leave their orders when they lose their faith.

  • I'll bet if Ken Lay or Al Capone lived alongside very honest neighbors, they wouldn't like it either. Go figure.

  • 2Co 6:14-17

  • Love the Episcopal Church! the best of both worlds

  • Paganism and atheism?

  • Amen....most sensible post

  • Why should I be a member of the Episcopalian Church, which is itself a splinter from the Anglican Church, which is itself a splinter from the Catholic Church? To quote the presentation: "So which makes more sense? To be a part of yet another splinter or to be a part of..." The Catholic Church?

    Does not the logic of this very presentation actually lead someone to consider the Catholic Church?

  • well...in one way it does except for the fact that the Roman Church has serious flaws in doctrine and theology.

  • I'm episcopalian and this video is tight!

  • I am Episcopalian,have been for 15 years now.I have found more peace and scriptural knowledge her than in any other church.We follow the teaching of God's word and do not send people on guilt trips as some other churches do.I have been formerly Catholic,Baptist,AME Zion,Pentecostal,Seventh Day Adventist,Apostolic.I have now found the church that God intended me to stay in.God bless you all.

  • "I have found more peace and scriptural knowledge here than in any other church."

    So, are you in Dio Pittsburgh, Dio Quincy, or Dio Fort Worth? Or did you move with +Schofield to the Southern Cone?

    Seriously, do you honestly think it is 'scriptural' to studiously avoid feeling guilt, even when you do wrong? Why do you think you can simply assert your church is scriptural, when all evidence is to the contrary? Have you found that that approach works in any other area in life? Please, wake up.

  • I should make myself clearer by stating that not all Episcopal churches(or ministers of)teach the same way,or explain the scriptures in the same manner.I also have possibly done an injustice to some other denominations by generalizing about their teachings since I have not been exposed to ALL!Different ministers may give varied interpretations of the very same texts of the Bible.Please note that I never said that my church teaching was perfect.If I have knowledge of wrong,I don't accept it.

  • What do Pgh, Quincy, etc. have to do with it?

    People should feel guilty when they ARE guilty, and until they are forgiven, not otherwise and no longer.

  • It's official. Lambeth was a complete failure and didn't accomplish anything except for xRoskam's racist slander. GAFCON is the way to go! Yaba-Indaba-Doo!!!

  • All Christian churches are 'splinter' groups off of the Roman Catholic Church formed my Jesus Christ.

    St. Peter = the rock on which He built His Church = Benedict XVI

  • There a lot of splinters. But is that bad? I wish that the Episcopal church and the churches that came from it could come together, the Presbyterian Church did. You have to compromise. Against that you do lose identity and we have lost people at our church. So maybe a NEW Christian way. Based on working together locally, for the same purpose of spreading the Gospel.

    But a variety of Christian churches with the goal of spreading the Gospel is never bad. Is it?

  • Holy Moley! Folk get really fired up, don't we? Anyhow, love and peace. May many blessings ensue. For goodness sake: take a break. Happy days ahead. See you later. Preferably in heaven ;)

  • On all these pages of commentary, almost everything s responded to with negative ratings and responses. That does not reflect very well on the supposed ideology of Christianity, in any branch. It seems like another way to dissassociate with other people by claiming membership to denomination of a subsect, of a religion. More people have been killed over religious discords than anything else in our history, which is the opposite of religion's purpose. What a paradox

  • Actually more people have been killed by atheistic secular regimes. You can't really infer that much from a negative rating, and you are probably reading too much into it. Is a negative rating given because I dislike someone's shirt, or because I consider their teaching harmful? Take the log out of your own eye before you jump to such conclusions.

  • Not true at all, atheists have and always will reamain a minority that has proven rather peaceful juxtaposed to major religious associations. How do you account for the inquisitions? crusades/holy wars? salem witch trials? even 9/11? Millions of lives have been claimed in the name of a deity or through one's supposed, transcended divine will. To re-direct blame or downplay established religion's part in the consistent disruption of peace throughout history is absurd.

  • Were they really the minority in Soviet Russia? How can you even say that? And I reject your division into religious/nonreligious. Not all religions are the same, any more than all Americans are the same. 9/11 and the Crusades were caused by Islamic agression. The Crusades were primarily defensive.

  • I am glad you found a good church, Dedicednu. Hang on to it and be involved. But don't condemn, yes condemn, other denominations. The Episcopal chruches I went to were great to terrible. One did not know I was there until I was almost out the door.

    I loved one Episcopal church I wished I could join but they were too far away. I felt love there. I also loved some of the Baptist churches I went to, they were loving and engaging. So don't condemn.

  • Actually, if I said those churches were going to hell then THAT would be condemning. There is nothing wrong or 'sinful' about generalizing what the rest of the world already knows.

  • So the only way to condemn people is to claim they're going to hell? Yeah, well... I think unsubstantiated assertions like yours could also be classed as condemnation. Why don't you go read a book or something (like the Bible, if you have one) instead of making silly slanderous comments in this combox?

  • I love the Episcopal Church. They are the only church that I've seen that honestly welcomes all people just as Christ would have done. Baptists are too busy condemning and Catholics are too busy indoctrinating to care about Christ. They put politics first. The Episcopal Church put Christ first. It's the only church that allows for dialogue and common sense.

    Despite all the negative ratings from insecure Christians, dsindc hit the nail on the head.

  • But of course you are not trying to indoctrinate anyone... And the Episcopal church is totally non-political... (MDGs?). But I think your biggest howler, given the PB's, Chane's, and Spong's beliefs is that they "put Christ first". How can you "put first" what you believe to be a fictional character? They put property first, as the lawsuits show. They teach falsely for filthy lucres sake. They entrap you in your lifestyle, Dedicednu, so you will continue to pay them to validate your lifestyle.

  • I've noticed you've been on this particular thread for over a year. Do you actually have it bookmarked?

    May I suggest stamp collecting? Or maybe a walk outside? The fresh air might help with the bitterness.

  • Do I take that as an admission you *do* actually pay them to validate your lifestyle?

    It's hard to take your critique seriously that your reading this thread for over a year is somehow wholesome, but my occasional commenting on it is not... Are my arguments that good that you wish not to see them? Maybe you will be my first successful youtube witness encounter. I sow the seed. May God give the increase.

  • CAndiron,your "piety" is showing!

  • CAndiron,I see you make many "generalizations" as I have mistakenly done in the past!In your "theys".I speak for myself,as a Christian first,as a member of the Episcopalian church next.All members of any "church" do not believe the same,reason being that each personal ability to integrate and divide the word differs! And Christ as a "fictional character"? You sound quite bitter,for some reason,quite prejudiced in matters of which you know nothing of!Lawsuits? You'll find many in ALL CHURCHES!

  • the episcopal church is a splinter group itself. about 5 years ago, i switched from baptist to Catholic. the Christian Church had to exist ever since Apostolic era. no protestant or baptist sect has been around that long.

  • I personally do not think there is anything wrong with splinter groups. At some point, all denominations are splinter groups. That is what the reformation was all about.

  • "The Diocese of San Joaquin left the church."

    That's not possible. No diocese can leave the Church.

  • The diocese of San Joaquin is still there but with those who remain Episcopal.

  • I disagree with the CONCEPT, ACCUSATION, or NOTION that the Episcopal Church is falling into so-called "apostasy", that is. Just wanted to clarify that.

  • I disagree totally with the Episcopal Church falling into so-called "apostasy". Most of the people in the Episcopal Church that I've ever met are accepting, inclusive, truly Christ-like people if you ask me. Condemnation and fundamentalism (often under the term "orthodoxy") seems to be prevalent among many Christians and specific denominations in the U.S. today.

    And, shall I say, (even if my opinion may be an unpopular one here)dsindc makes good points, especially about biblical literalism.

  • There wouldn't be so many "splinters" if the Episcopal Church didn't support apostasy like the ordination of women and homosexuality.

  • Interestingly enough, when someone disagrees with you, you go ahead and accuse people of homo-hating and killing--which is pretty immature. Of course Jesus had problems with the religious leaders of the day, but He wasn't out of line because He is God--He would know, wouldn't He? Look at Scripture in context. The Christology may be termed differently, but is no different.

  • Well Mr. Honest, I guess I'd rather be playing at being immature than playing God. Your reasoning is hard to follow. 'Of course Jesus had problems with the religious leaders...'. And why as you imply, is this a given? Jesus had 'problems' with the religious leaders because their religion had become legalistic. It would appear much like you, they had turned their religion into a dead icon.

  • Ex. 21:17-This verse, like Lev. 18:22, which states the immorality of homosexuality, is both a product of its time and a spiritual truth. No one's saying they didn't execute offenders. I think it's pretty blunt that it's wrong to curse your parents and to have sex with someone of your gender. That's the application of the verses today, proving even a "dated" passage is timeless in meaning.

  • You dodge my questions and frankly you're not making sense. Spiritual truths transcend time, they are hardly the product of a particular era. Yes, if you take this translation literally it is pretty "blunt". Getting the green light to take out your kid is well, yep, blunt. So, are you saying that is the application as you put it? I can kill my kid if he gets out of line? You have not answered that question and I don't think you want to.

  • While you're at it, tell me when something is metaphor, or is anything mataphor? When does scripture have to be interpreted in its cultural and historic context? Or does it ever? Do you think some people use religion to feel morally superior - when in fact they're covering up a sort of existential inferiority?

  • Poor Rowan--a pro-life liberal that strives for ecumenism can't even maturely deal with his greatest Christian allies.

  • And would you like to think up for me what is truth, seeing as how you appear to be able to judge what is the correct world view to have? I know without your "help" that God is loving, that's He's merciful--but there has to exist an alternative display of nature to show what good is. And I didn't say "little"--the guy is taller than the Pope. And in any case, Rowan still has to deal with a sterile, alcohol-drenched country with barely any evangelical activity anyway.

  • I answered your questions on biblical literalism, particularly Lev. 18:22 and Ex. 21:17. I have neither "trashed" nor "condemned" no one. I'm not so much for tradition as I am for sharing the love and gospel of Christ in a way applicable to the world today. Because I have beliefs--which are founded in the original outline for Christianity--and you base your philosophy on your mood, I think someone's wrong, wouldn't you say?

  • NO you did NOT answer me. You said this -

    "I think it's pretty blunt that it's wrong to curse your parents and to have sex with someone of your gender. That's the application of the verses today, proving even a "dated" passage is timeless in meaning. "

    ---- So what does this mean? I am trying to make this easy.

  • It means that it was immoral then, punishable by death in that culture and day, and is immoral know, b/c Christ has come and did so to fulfill the law. It still stands even though Jesus sets us free.

  • So are you saying I am to take these passages literally? The 'application' ( a weird word to pick ) is still relevent? i.e. I can kill my kid? You cannot have it both ways. Answer !

  • Yes, we all feel the love. So you're "not so much for tradition". Cryptic once again. Or maybe just confused. I guess my kid gets a pass. Beliefs should be based on scripture, tradition, and reason with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sadly too many of us use what we want for purely self serving reasons. When you use terms like "apostasy", you place yourself in the role of accuser. Be careful. Very careful.

  • While I warmly thank you with endowing me with such romantic attributes like "cryptic," I will logically explain my statement, as I have my others. I'm not a traditionalist. I love the old liturgies, the hymns, prayers, creeds--but I sooner spread the Gospel than than just my way of church worship. I'm not going even say what I think you mean by "be very careful," but the Lord is my shepherd and you should act like He's yours too. God bless.

  • So how do you know the difference in the U. S.?

    Just look for the seal. what do you have to do to join?

    What if you feel called?

  • These idiots think they can steal other people's land to fund their apostasy. They act out of spite, rather than Christian charity. Visit babybluecafe dot blogspot dot com for update on how they are failing.

  • I am Catholic and know many God fearing God loving Episcopalians. I am so tired of Christians in this country...who belong to Churches that are a few years old....bashing everyone. What a narrow vision of God to think you can bash others and you have the truth? Of course, people who bash never truly know the thing they're tearing down....I mean really.

  • The Episcopal Church made me feel closer to God than any other church I've been to.

    P.S. If Episcopalians are lying to us, then the Bible is lying to, since the whole service is made of readings from the BIBLE.

    P.S.S. Slandering TEC or gays isn't very Christian as I remeber!!!

  • I'm still divided over the issue of gay clergy, but I still think the Episcopal Church is wonderful, and I'm tired of all the theo-cons following the herd in yet another string of fashionable rantings and ravings.

  • TEC actually just made a good argument for the Catholic Church in this spot. If you want the original, forget TEC and all its heresies and foofy theospeak and head for Rome. It's not hard, all roads lead there.

  • I believe this to be very true. If the branches have withered and are dying, they must be pruned, that the roots may surive and put forth new growth. The root IS the Catholic church. I can see this, and I'm not even Catholic.

  • Heh heh. I'm not Catholic, still I must give this a hearty AMEN!!! TEC is poisonous anti Christian atheism. Just flee. John Shelby Spong has conquered, indoctrinated, and marinated the minds of TEC leaders (including marky-boy).

  • Probably another mean-sprited critic who's never bothered to read Bishop Spong. How sad. Great video!

  • Have you ever read the 12 theses? I think he endangers people by preaching his atheism and encouraging them to sin. Why do you think it's okay for him to pose before believers as a Christian and take away their hope and turn them towards self-worship?

  • you seem to have some issues. Maybe you should listen more than condemn.

  • excellent!

  • as a liberal episcopalian, i say let them splinter off and call themselves something else

  • You seem to think numbers are all that matter. If that's the case join a CANA congregation, then you'll be part of a 17 million strong group (that's orthodox to boot).

  • Only one issue with all this. Samuel Seabury was made a Bishop by the Bishops of the Church of Scotland, NOT Canterbury. Why are we Anglicans, then?

  • Seabury was consecrated by Scottish Episcopal bishops and was followed by bishops consecrated in the Church of England, so majority of early bishops always were CofE-consecrated. The Scottish Episcopal Church and The Episcopal Church (USA) are now both part of the Anglican Communion.

  • However, your video fails to address any of the root causes of the division or answer any of the issues that are divide even those that haven't formerly left the ECUSA (yet).

  • However, your video fails to address any of the root causes of the division or answer any of the issues that are still divide even those that haven't formerly left the ECUSA (yet).

  • I must admit reading the websites of some of the splinter groups is humorous (No, really, we are the REAL GENUINE thing, just don't confuse with that other splinter group. We are the Anglican Church IN America, not the Anglican Church OF America). It is like something from a Monty Python movie.

  • In all fairness, one might call the Episcopal Church a splinter group of the Roman Catholic Church, and most Greek Orthodox Christians would say that the Roman Catholic Church is a departure from the One True Holy Apostalic Catholic etc etc Church as it was before the West lapsed into heresy and error.

  • To Proathanasius:

    Review the 8th commandment if you are Jewish or Protestant or the 9th if you are Lutheran or Roman Catholic. We'll be waiting for your apology.

  • If you are Jewish or Protestant, take a look at the 8th Commandment. If you are Lutheran or Catholic take a look at the 9th commandment. Then come back here and apologize.

  • If you are Roman Catholic or Lutheran, take a look at the 8th commandment. If you are Jewish or Protestant, take a look at the 9th commandment. We'll be waiting for your apology.