Sunday, May 10, 2015

Christianity, Culture and the deconversion of missionaries in China

But the courses of their [missionaries'] missions changed as they were changed. They began to cast doubts on their Christian missions as they developed appreciative understanding of Chinese religions and of the culture they has set out to displace. Traditional missionary mentality had relied on a hemispheric division of the world into light and darkness, the Kingdom of God and the territory of Satan, civilization and barbarism. Yet for these individuals, the growing belief in the worth and self-sufficient of China's own cultural tradition threatened those distinctions that were required for their dedication. [Lian Xi, The Conversion of Missionaries: Liberalism in American Protestant Missions in China, 1907-1932 (University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1997), 11]

The early 20th century was a catastrophe for the Protestant cause, where Liberalism eviscerated the churches and great apostasy abounded. Liberalism had even infected the mission field, and this book by LIAN Xi is an interesting look at the collapse of the missionary enterprise in China from an American missionary perspective.

The missionary enterprise in China combined Western culture and Christianity. While missionaries do not necessarily equate the two early on (which they did later when the Social Gospel infected the missionary enterprise), there was an uncritical acceptance of the superiority of Western culture in the more learned missionaries, which probably stems from the Enlightenment. The notion of progress, linked with scientific advancement, infected much of Western society. While not necessarily coming with a domination complex, the overarching worldview in Western society was one of the supremacy of the Western world with its scientific advances which was linked to the superiority of the Christian faith.

This marriage of Christ and Culture became the curse of the missionary enterprise, because it confused special and common grace. It assumes that a renewed mind and a Christian worldview would necessarily result in a superior culture, which God has nowhere indicated in His Word. It is of course true that a renewed mind and society and a Christian worldview would have some benefits in this life, but nowhere are we promised that such benefits would grant an advantage over all other cultures. Thus confused, missionaries to China are disoriented by the advanced Chinese culture, as they ought to be if they thought they were superior. I am an ethnic Chinese, and I am proud to be part of a culture that has lasted for millennia. The cultural accomplishments of the Chinese people stand as magnificent monuments to the power of the human intellect under the common grace of God, and thus the Enlightenment mentality of the missionaries should be seen as misguided and an insult.

The message that the missionaries ought to have come with (which some do) is the Gospel, which is to say the saving work of Christ for sinners. It is not the "social gospel" or anything of that sort that is of any help. The problem for China, and the problem anywhere for that matter, is not that they are "uncivilized," but that the most magnificent artifices of human intellect and will is totally unable to expiate the sins of men. History is filled with the monuments of what humans can accomplish, and all of that apart from God's saving grace. No matter the greatness of Chinese culture, all of that is dung and worthless before the eyes of a holy God. It is God who gives greatness to cultures and nations, and it is His pleasure to remove and humiliate as He wishes to do so. Babylon in its heyday was the greatest empire in the world, yet God brought her down when He saw fit.

The deconversion of confused missionaries is understandable, for they have lost their way prior to their actual apostasy. The sad thing is that the rest of us have to deal with the consequences of their errors in the mission field, and with the hardened hearts and the syncretism in the many false churches there.

38 comments:

Gregory Gill said...

A nation that is obedient to the bible will be superior to that which is not. The bible tells us a nation that disobeys God's word He will destroy, such a nation is already in the process of degeneration which sin always causes. So how can such a nation be not inferior to one that obeys God's word? But the nation that obey God will enjoy His many blessings Deut. 4:5-8, Deut. 26-30, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Isaiah 49:6, Romans 1:16. In today's world all that obey God's word are His people, the gospel don't just bring individual salvation from sin and God's wrath but also national salvation in economics, politics, crime, in all areas of earthly, physical life when the nations obey His word, and are transformed by the gospel.

Its no wonder that nations comparatively or relatively speaking that are closer in doing things the bible way (such as capitalism) are better off than those that ain't, those that are steep in socialism, etc. And that countries that move away from socialism, etc. and embrace more capitalist principles, etc. becomes better off.

Gregory Gill said...

See also Psalm 86:5, and Psalms 145:18, God is merciful and loving to all that call on Him. So who does He show His mercy, and love to the nation that calls on Him?

Gregory Gill said...

See also Psalm 86:5, and Psalms 145:18, God is merciful and loving to all that call on Him. So how does He show His mercy, and love to the nation that calls on Him?

hanguoxiong said...

Dear Gill,

I am an ethnic Chinese who lives in Singapore. I read about the recent riots in Baltimore involving discrimination against African American. Please explain what is happening, if truly America is obeying the bible more than other countries?

Regards,
David

hanguoxiong said...

Dear Gill,

I asked that question because I realize Daniel has a point when he brought up the danger of confusing the gospel with one's cultural "superiority", be it imagined or real. And I sense that you have committed eisegesis by reading back capitalist vs socialist debates back into Scripture without giving due consideration for the cultural and contextual uniqueness of capitalism and socialism which have developed in the West for centuries. Perhaps, America can learn from Singapore on how to manage racial differences, because though Singapore is not a Christian nation (and Scripture does not warrant that my country be converted to Christianity), by common grace God in his providence has ensured our nation implements laws that are pleasing before his sight to ensure harmony between each race. Of course, Singapore is not a perfect country, as it has its flaws. Indeed, I hope for the development of a more mature democratic process in my country. Finally, let us heed Daniel's warning of the dangers of the social gospel as highlighted in his post.

Regards,
David

Daniel C said...

@Greg,

Oh, by the way, on capitalism, David Hume was an atheist, and Adam Smith was probably a deist. How do you account for that?

Daniel C said...

@David,

America has long ceased being a biblical nation, if it were ever one to begin with (Puritan New England doesn't count because they were before the founding of America)

Daniel C said...

@Greg,

that is the problem: you assert that " a nation ... obedient to the bible will be superior to that which is not." That is manifestly false according to history. Even in the golden age of Israel under Solomon, Israel was never as powerful as the later Assyrian or Babylonian empires. The "converted" empire under Constantine and his successors continued to break down, thus necessitating Augustine's apology in his work De Civitate Dei.

In Europe, the strong Reformed witness in Hungary did not result in a powerful nation. France, while weakened by the Wars of Religion, remained a strong country despite it being an apostate Romanist nation.

Yes, GENERALLY, there are some material benefits of obedience to God's commands. For example, a nation that is sober in obedience to God's command not get drunk is most definitely going to perform better economically and socially than a nation of drunks. But to claim that there is a 1-to-1 correspondence between obedience and material and social blessing is ridiculous. It is not true historically, it is not true even biblically when one actually looks at the whole of the wisdom literature (especially Ecclesiastes and Job). And to claim the blessings and curses of the Mosaic Covenant in Deut. 28-30 is to confuse the Mosaic theocratic economy with the ordinary workings of providence.

This kind of thinking is what results in the deconversion of missionaries to China, who were conditioned to expect a barbarian race without any real culture. Not to mention, Western culture owe much to ancient Greece and Rome, who BTW were pagan cultures

Gregory Gill said...

@hanguoxiong...I'm not living in America, I'm living in St. Kitts of the West Indies. America is living in disobedience to the word of God so she is experiencing the wrath and judgement of God more and more as time rolls on, hence all these confusions in America. America has been given much by God, and much is expected (commanded ie.) of her by God. If you are not for Jesus you are against Him be it individually or collectively (even collectively as a nation). And the nation that don't obey God, God will destroy Isa. 60:12.

Capitalism is a biblical economic concept. The commandments you shall not steal, and don't covet the things of others are absolute biblical private property concepts hence capitalism. Also when God told Israel about His way of taxation it was voluntary, no civil penalty, fine or punishment if you didn't pay your tax plus the kings were commanded not to multiply their gold and silver, money, which is most conductive to maximal economic growth (but forced taxation is the very opposite). In 1 Sam. 8 when Israel wanted to be like the rest nations God let them know they will also suffer like the rest nations with forced taxation, etc.

Countries that have being moving more to capitalism has being getting better to some degree economically including China, and India. So the biblical principles and benefits of capitalism are universal.

If Singapore don't repent it too in God's own time will be destroyed by God, Isa. 60:12, etc. If you are not for God you're against Him, and we can't continue in disobedience to God and not have His wrath and Judgement fall upon us. To have open false religions, legal homosexuality, enforce taxation, and to make it even worst high enforced taxation, etc. is already God's judgement on that nation including on Singapore. And if no national repentance occur it will get worst and worst in God's own time.

The gospel when embrace nationally will change and transform a nation socially for the better in every way.

Gregory Gill said...

@PuritanReformed...The early economists such as Adam Smith, admitted that they got their economics from the bible. As for Hume there are arguments as to his atheism. Unbelievers do superficially seems to gets things right, for example many argue for capitalism with God out of it which is very wrong and destructive because in the end all that is not based on God's word He will destroy, its building your economic political house on sand which can't stand in the end though for a certain time it may bring certain benefits.

>Israel was never as powerful as the later Assyrian or Babylonian empires.

But socially Israel was superior when they were under godly leadership. Israel was not about conquering lands outside the Promise Land.

On Hungary, did the Reformed witness in Hungary made it a better nation socially? Did they employed biblical, capitalist, free market economics? Did they kept out false religions? Did they practice open immigration, etc.? Was their civil system based on the bible? Was their taxation high? Did they have guilds like other Europe nations? All of these questions, and others need to be asked as to why "the strong Reformed witness in Hungary did not result in a powerful nation."

France today is in one very big mess economically, politically, and socially with the Muslims, homosexuals, etc. God's wrath is upon them.

>But to claim that there is a 1-to-1 correspondence between obedience and material and social blessing is ridiculous.

But you have not shown me to be wrong when applied on a nation scale. On an individual scale its different. Many godly individuals in the bible were very poor. But I don't see anywhere in the bible where a nation obeyed God and didn't prosper nationally, and materially.

>This kind of thinking is what results in the deconversion of missionaries to China, who were conditioned to expect a barbarian race without any real culture.

They misunderstood the bible. A nation disobedient to God may accomplish many great things for awhile but the more it accomplish the greater will be its fall if the don't repent. China fell very greatly under communism, God's judgement on it. The higher you climb a tree the harder the fall.

Also read my reply to hanguoxiong.

hanguoxiong said...

Dear Gill,

I saw your response. Perhaps a questions I would like to ask:

What is the gospel to you?

Have you also repented in light of the gospel? "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." I have to apply this to myself as well.

Capitalism has its strengths, but also its weaknesses. I am sure you would agree. What do the Scriptures have to say about this?

If I read you correctly, you mentioned there is legal homosexuality in Singapore. What evidence do you have? The penal code 377a is still enforced, thanks to the providence of God.

Some food for thought.

Regards,
Guo Xiong

Gregory Gill said...
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Gregory Gill said...

@hanguoxiong...The gospel is that Jesus died for the sins of sinners, He was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day according to the scriptures, and that all who believe are justified by God. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.

Let me ask you what is the gospel?

>Have you also repented in light of the gospel?

Yes I have repented, what about you?

>Capitalism has its strengths, but also its weaknesses. I am sure you would agree. What do the Scriptures have to say about this?

I don't know of any weakness of biblical capitalism so tell of them.

>If I read you correctly, you mentioned there is legal homosexuality in Singapore. What evidence do you have? The penal code 377a is still enforced, thanks to the providence of God.

True in the de jure sense but de facto its leagal "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Singapore face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, though the law is generally not enforced." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Singapore

Jenny said...

We are all sinners desperate for Christ's daily grace, there is no superiority, only His mercy.

hanguoxiong said...

Dear Jenny,

Well said, and I fully agree with you. It purely by the free grace of God and His mercy, that I wretched sinner who deserved death am saved from sin and death, because of the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, for on Christ the solid Rock I stand, for all other ground is sinking sand.

David

Gregory Gill said...
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Gregory Gill said...

@Jenny, and hanguoxiong...Christianity is superior to everything else, otherwise why Christianity? Why did Jesus had to come to earth if Christianity is not superior to everything else? Only in Christianity do we have all of the blessings of God. If that's not superiority then I don't know what superiority is.

Daniel C said...

@Greg:

>Capitalism is a biblical economic concept. ...

You are confusing what the Bible teaches, and what is the economic system that best tallies with biblical principles. The Bible does not teach capitalism, but rather it teaches principles that Capitalism holds to.


>The early economists such as Adam Smith, admitted that they got their economics from the bible.

That's not really relevant. What is relevant is that unbelievers CAN and do promote truth and virtue.


>But socially Israel was superior when they were under godly leadership. Israel was not about conquering lands outside the Promise Land.


It's not about conquest but about the strength of a nation. Israel did not have the strength to create an empire like the Assyrians and Babylonians do even during Solomon's time. And economic inequality was worse in Solomon's time than David's time, so I don't see how Israel was "superior socially" then.


[On Hungary and France] You're missing the point. The point is that true religion does not correlate with social and economic prosperity, and neither does false religion with barbarity. On France, I am talking about 19th century France, not modern decadent France.


>A nation disobedient to God may accomplish many great things for awhile but the more it accomplish the greater will be its fall if the don't repent.


All nations eventually fall. Even a nation that began in relative obedience (Israel in Davidic times, Puritan New England) will fall. So just because a nation will fall is totally irrelevant.


>But I don't see anywhere in the bible where a nation obeyed God and didn't prosper nationally, and materially

And I will remind you again: Israel is a theocratic nation; a unique case in history, where there is a works principle superimposed upon the Mosaic Covenant. Therefore, it is illegitimate to deduce from Israel's case to the ordinary providential care of God today for the nations.

Gregory Gill said...

@PuritanReformed...>The Bible does not teach capitalism, but rather it teaches principles that Capitalism holds to.

The bible teaches absolute private ownership of property as far as where our human relations are concerned with eachother. The two commandments you shall not steal (you can't steal something from someone that don't belongs to them), and don't covet the things of others. Capitalism teaches absolute private ownership of property, so how can one logically conclude capitalism is not of the bible? Also see Acts 5:4 which teaches absolute ownership of private property. Once you're talking true private property ownership you're talking capitalism.

>That's not really relevant. What is relevant is that unbelievers CAN and do promote truth and virtue.

Only when what they say lines up with the bible, and that is most rare.

>It's not about conquest but about the strength of a nation. Israel did not have the strength to create an empire like the Assyrians and Babylonians do even during Solomon's time.

Even during Solomon time Israel was socially stronger than the Assyrians and Babylonians empires. Also the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptian, Roman, etc. empires in their early days were very moral (including sexually) and then they became very strong. But after that they became very decadent and so they became very weaken and fell. That's the history of the rise and fall of empires, nations, etc.

>And economic inequality was worse in Solomon's time than David's time, so I don't see how Israel was "superior socially" then.

I'm not surprise, during Solomon time he use force labor to do his works, projects, etc., and he had very high taxation, see 1 Kings 9: 15-17, 1 Kings 12:3-4, 11. Also decadence was very much the thing of Solomon so no wonder "economic inequality was worse in Solomon's time than David's time". and this lead to the split in the nation, the further destruction of the nation because of Solomon sins.

>[On Hungary and France] You're missing the point. The point is that true religion does not correlate with social and economic prosperity, and neither does false religion with barbarity. On France, I am talking about 19th century France, not modern decadent France.

When true religion is practice in its fullness as pertaining to all of life with its capitalist freemarket economics, etc. it can't help but bring "social and economic prosperity", name me an exception? Even ungodly nations the closer they get to doing things the bible way the more they get "social and economic prosperity" for awhile. Look at the "The Human Development Index (HDI)" at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index
The ones that are at the top are freer, and more capitalistic relatively speaking, thus closer to the bible way of doing things comparatively speaking. And those at the bottom are less free, and/or less capitalistic thus further away from the bible's way of doing things.

>All nations eventually fall.

Not if they continue in obedience to God's word. Nations that fall are nations that are moving further, and further away from God's word.

Gregory Gill said...
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Gregory Gill said...

@PuritanReformed...>Israel is a theocratic nation; a unique case in history, where there is a works principle superimposed upon the Mosaic Covenant. Therefore, it is illegitimate to deduce from Israel's case to the ordinary providential care of God today for the nations.

Then my question to you is what is the purpose of government, and where do you get your answer from?

Also "“The source of law is the god of that society.” Consider the following definition of “theocracy”:

[A] form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme ruler….4

Not all theocracies are Christian. Some are Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and some are secular. There is no escaping theocracy. A government’s laws reflect its morality, and the source of that morality (or, more often than not, immorality) is its god. It is never a question of theocracy or no theocracy, but whose theocracy. The American people, by way of their elected officials, are the source of the Constitutional Republic’s laws. Therefore, the Constitutional Republic’s god is WE THE PEOPLE.

People recoil at the idea of a theocracy’s morality being forced upon them, but because all governments are theocracies, someone’s morality is always being enforced. This is an inevitability of government. The only question is which god, theocracy, laws, and morality will we choose to live under?

The rejection of one god leads inescapably to the choice of another god. If a person, group, court, etc. establishes himself as the final arbiter of right and wrong, then he/they have assumed the attributes of a god. Thus, he/they are theocratic…. Democracy can become theocratic if absolute power is given to the people. …vox populi, vox dei, “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” Those who promote a particular worldview and want to see it implemented socially, educationally, politically, and judicially have elevated the majority to the status of gods….

One assumes the mantle of deity when he sets himself up as the ultimate authority. It’s the attributes of deity that makes someone god-like. In the eighteenth century, the French revolutionaries declared “reason” to be the goddess of their new state religion. Nineteenth century France was spoken of as “goddess France” by patriotic figures like Victor Hugo and Charles Maurras. Hegel, the philosophical patron saint of communism, wrote that “the State is the Divine Idea as it exists on earth…. We must therefore worship the State as the manifestation of the Divine on earth…. The State is the march of God through the world.”5 - by Ted R. Weiland, http://www.missiontoisrael.org/biblelaw-constitutionalism-pt3.php

Daniel C said...

@Greg:

>The bible teaches absolute private ownership of property as far as where our human relations are concerned with each other. The two commandments you shall not steal (you can't steal something from someone that don't belongs to them), and don't covet the things of others


I repeat myself one last time: You continue to confuse biblical principles which Capitalism holds to (i.e. private ownership etc.), and Capitalism itself. If you refuse to see the difference, then there is nothing more I can say to you.


>Also the Assyrians, Babylonians, Egyptian, Roman, etc. empires in their early days were very moral (including sexually) and then they became very strong. But after that they became very decadent and so they became very weaken and fell.


That's absolutely irrelevant. Morality is part of the Natural Law and thus part of General Revelation. Just like the laws of gravity, they are not dependent on special revelation.


>When true religion is practice in its fullness as pertaining to all of life with its capitalist freemarket economics, etc. ...

Again, absolutely irrelevant. You continue to confuse biblical principles with capitalism, AND now also confuse natural law which is part of GENERAL REVELATION with Special Revelation.


>There is no escaping theocracy

On the contrary, there have been no Christian theocracy since the breakdown of Christendom. You confuse theocracy with obedience to the general equity of the moral law. This ties in with your confusion of General Revelation with Special Revelation as well.

Maria Tatham said...

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I appreciate the insight you offered. God bless you!
Maria

Gregory Gill said...

@PuritanReformed...>I repeat myself one last time: You continue to confuse biblical principles which Capitalism holds to (i.e. private ownership etc.), and Capitalism itself. If you refuse to see the difference, then there is nothing more I can say to you.

There is only one system that holds to the "biblical principles which Capitalism holds to (i.e. private ownership etc.)" that is capitalism itself only, and which is the essence and basis of capitalism only, and contain in capitalism only and alone. Hence if you are talking true private property then logically you're automatically talking capitalism only.

>That's absolutely irrelevant. Morality is part of the Natural Law and thus part of General Revelation. Just like the laws of gravity, they are not dependent on special revelation.

But that morality of the socalled Natural Law is perfectly, and most clearly stated in God's word. If following the imperfect brought them such prosperity, then how much more prosperity following the perfect will bring nationally? You'll find these empires, nations, etc. when they were and are on their decline, is when they also have higher taxes, less respect for private property, they have welfare programs (Rome was full of it), they devalued their money, had more government regulations, forced slavery, etc. all of which are contrary to capitalism which is of the bible.

>Again, absolutely irrelevant. You continue to confuse biblical principles with capitalism, AND now also confuse natural law which is part of GENERAL REVELATION with Special Revelation.

"GENERAL REVELATION" is about God as the creator, and of His glory nothing more, and man suppresses that information according to Romans 1. Thus man learns nothing from "GENERAL REVELATION".
See also my comments above.

>On the contrary, there have been no Christian theocracy since the breakdown of Christendom.

All governments are theocracies in one form or another.
See also my comments above.

Daniel C said...

@Greg:

you still refuse to actually interact with what I say.

>All governments are theocracies in one form or another

If you seriously believe that, you're crazy.

Until you can begin to interact with what I actually say instead of playing the game of ipse dixit, I have nothing more to say to you.

Daniel C said...

@Maria,

you're welcome

Gregory Gill said...
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Gregory Gill said...
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Gregory Gill said...

@PuritanReformed...>If you seriously believe that, you're crazy.

But you have not shown me to be wrong.

Also "“The source of law is the god of that society.” Consider the following definition of “theocracy”:

[A] form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme ruler….4

Not all theocracies are Christian. Some are Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and some are secular. There is no escaping theocracy. A government’s laws reflect its morality, and the source of that morality (or, more often than not, immorality) is its god. It is never a question of theocracy or no theocracy, but whose theocracy. The American people, by way of their elected officials, are the source of the Constitutional Republic’s laws. Therefore, the Constitutional Republic’s god is WE THE PEOPLE.

People recoil at the idea of a theocracy’s morality being forced upon them, but because all governments are theocracies, someone’s morality is always being enforced. This is an inevitability of government. The only question is which god, theocracy, laws, and morality will we choose to live under?

The rejection of one god leads inescapably to the choice of another god. If a person, group, court, etc. establishes himself as the final arbiter of right and wrong, then he/they have assumed the attributes of a god. Thus, he/they are theocratic…. Democracy can become theocratic if absolute power is given to the people. …vox populi, vox dei, “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” Those who promote a particular worldview and want to see it implemented socially, educationally, politically, and judicially have elevated the majority to the status of gods….

One assumes the mantle of deity when he sets himself up as the ultimate authority. It’s the attributes of deity that makes someone god-like. In the eighteenth century, the French revolutionaries declared “reason” to be the goddess of their new state religion. Nineteenth century France was spoken of as “goddess France” by patriotic figures like Victor Hugo and Charles Maurras. Hegel, the philosophical patron saint of communism, wrote that “the State is the Divine Idea as it exists on earth…. We must therefore worship the State as the manifestation of the Divine on earth…. The State is the march of God through the world.”5 - by Ted R. Weiland, http://www.missiontoisrael.org/biblelaw-constitutionalism-pt3.php

>Until you can begin to interact with what I actually say instead of playing the game of ipse dixit, I have nothing more to say to you.

Its really the other way around and you know it.

Let me strengthen a point I previously made. True private property is capitalism, and capitalism is true private property. They both are indistinguishable, and inseparable. So when you mention one you're automatically mentioning the other.

By the way what is the purpose of government, and from where do you get your answer from?

Gregory Gill said...
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hanguoxiong said...

Dear Gill,

I would like to ask you a question. Do you believe that your position, as you had outlined in your earlier comments, is beyond critique and that it is absolutely correct?

Regards,
David

Gregory Gill said...

@hanguoxiong...> Do you believe that your position, as you had outlined in your earlier comments, is beyond critique.

Only the words of the Prophets and Apostles of Christ were inspired of God, and such offices have ceased with the completion of the bible, and the dying off of them in the first century. Only to the extent that my words are inline with the bible are they beyond critique. When I find that I'm wrong according to the bible I change to be inline with the bible its a life long growing process. Until I'm shown to be wrong according to the bible I'll always hold to my views as biblical. I'm sure that I have views that are wrong but until I'm shown from the bible of their wrongness I'll continue to hold to all of my views as biblical. The bible says to prove all things and hold steadfast to that which is good. In a certain sense I'm not perfect and God is continually correcting my wrong views according to His word. He has done it in the past, and is still continuing to do so. Only when I read into Heaven will I have all of my views 100% corrected by God. That's just the nature of things.

>and that it is absolutely correct?

Only that which I say that is in accordance with the bible is "absolutely correct". All the rest are wrong but in Heaven God will correct them all. Until then I'm learning and thus am continually correcting my wrong views, and growing in the truth of God's word.

All that I've said here in answer to your question also as well pertains to all of my views posted here in all of my comments.

Gregory Gill said...
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Gregory Gill said...
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Gregory Gill said...

@hanguoxiong..."Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." Acts 17:11 - American Standard Version (ASV).

"but test everything; hold fast what is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21 - English Standard Version (ESV).

Gregory Gill said...

"Every system of laws is an establishment of religion. Every legal system represents an establishment of religion.
-R.J. Rushdoony

"There is no freedom from religion. Every social construct is a form of religion. The only way to apparently have freedom from religion is to have anarchy and even then you end up with worshipping self.

"There is absolute truth and there is an absolute standard by which we are to live and govern our lives. The truth is not oppressive, it is in all actuality true freedom, because we were created in the image of God. His moral character dictates the best way for those who bear His image to live.

"He has been gracious to us in revealing Himself to us in His written word. Some may continue to suppress the truth in their unrighteousness, but God says that we are ALL without excuse.

"I pray you find peace with the only One who is able to save and heal and restore. The King of kings Jesus Christ.

"With love I say what I say. I dont know you but you are my brother through who we are Gods image bearers."

The above is a comment by Jason Sanchez, at: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1757151161177948&set=a.1550669631826103.1073741829.100006492429461&type=1&permPage=1

Gregory Gill said...

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." - Proverbs 14:34 English Standard Version (ESV)

Daniel C said...

@Greg:

that you quote Rushdoony only proves you are crazy.

This thread is closed