tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post4937268064093675266..comments2024-03-28T17:44:11.289+00:00Comments on Bruce Charlton's Notions: What Christian knowledge is sure enough to 'go to the stake' over?Bruce Charltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09615189090601688535noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-45002901752469701582021-08-07T22:24:29.040+01:002021-08-07T22:24:29.040+01:00@Nova - "It isn't necessary to go it alon...@Nova - "It isn't necessary to go it alone. "<br /><br />It is not *always* necessary; but it *may* be necessary. <br /><br />And that *may* now applies to many, Many more Christians than it did 2 years ago - there are sure lots more since the birdemic who need to go it alone... or else cease being Christian. <br />Bruce Charltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09615189090601688535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-21971931170436074292021-08-07T21:53:37.908+01:002021-08-07T21:53:37.908+01:00One of your finest. One of your finest. Brief Outlineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18153534581115253885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-80452178065112595192021-08-07T20:51:39.892+01:002021-08-07T20:51:39.892+01:00It isn't necessary to go it alone. I'd say...It isn't necessary to go it alone. I'd say that, for example, most of those who frequent this blog are in effect "two or three gathered in my name". My circle of fellow Christians has shrunk considerably since January 2020, but there remain a few where I live with whom I can physically gather to worship our Lord.Stephen Macdonaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13474300559219020772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-84775245272944546822021-08-07T19:22:27.370+01:002021-08-07T19:22:27.370+01:00I understand ted's point and agree with it to ...I understand ted's point and agree with it to a certain extent but would add a couple of things to what Bruce said. Firstly, going it alone does not mean completely alone. There is all sorts of support that comes to the person who sincerely makes an effort. For example, from tradition, from books, from forums like this and, last but not least, from God who always guides those who genuinely seek him to what they need. Going it alone is tough but that's how you grow spiritually. You may make mistakes but if your heart is in the right place and your aspiration true you will find a way through in the end. It's all part of the growing process and the conversion of a spiritual child into a spiritual adult.William Wildbloodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13231219533755925897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-13583414786903422672021-08-07T17:25:03.727+01:002021-08-07T17:25:03.727+01:00@Lucinda - "kinda grim taken at superficial v...@Lucinda - "kinda grim taken at superficial value" - Well, as Pascal said 400 plus years ago - there is no other religion that offers so much, that so many people (at least until recent generations) would more want to be true. Bruce Charltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09615189090601688535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-68288808368466128852021-08-07T17:16:44.225+01:002021-08-07T17:16:44.225+01:00It's funny to me that I find your posts very u...It's funny to me that I find your posts very uplifting. But I guess that's true about Christianity in general, it seems kinda grim taken at superficial value, but underneath is hope, real joy. Or in your words, "help with *clear, explicit discernment*". Good stuff.Lucindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01834799557675879450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-24903642404836033282021-08-07T16:52:55.330+01:002021-08-07T16:52:55.330+01:00@tes. Well, if it is necessary to go it alone, tha...@tes. Well, if it is necessary to go it alone, that is to take personal responsibility for faith; then it is necessary. This is indeed a concern - but that is exactly why the demonic powers have infiltrated, subverted, and assimilated the major Christian church leadership.<br /><br />"does not the Church at least offer something to those who do not have discipline or obedience to God?"<br /><br />Well not 'the' church, for the reasons above - but some individual, specific pastors/ priests and their churches can of course we found and used in a net-beneficial way, may help the individual Christian... <br /><br />But whether this church help will be strong and clear enough for these times; and whether it will 'cover all the bases' (such as all the Litmus Test issues - because even *one* Achilles' heel that an individual fails to discern and repent is nowadays enough to lead to chosen damnation) - I doubt. <br /><br />Because the main 'help' a person Now needs is help with *clear, explicit discernment*, and courage to hold to it; and that area is exactly where the churches are failing most badly. Bruce Charltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09615189090601688535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683970826895755480.post-66495507078196631002021-08-07T14:24:03.160+01:002021-08-07T14:24:03.160+01:00@Bruce, I agree the Christian institutions are cor...@Bruce, I agree the Christian institutions are corrupt and have distorted true faith. My only concern, and it's a big one, is how many people can really go it alone? It takes a lot to go against the grain of culture, and without some structures in place most will fail to remain true Christians. This requires daily spiritual practice (meditation, prayer, contemplation), study and reflection, and to be of service to the world in some way that goes beyond a vocation. I understand most Church going (cultural, nominal) Christians are not doing this, but does not the Church at least offer something to those who do not have discipline or obedience to God? tedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07354048695798015131noreply@blogger.com