“Conservative activists who are surprised or indignant at the gross lop-sidedness of the whole system are being foolish because they are expecting the devil to be a gentleman. They are expecting him to fight clean, and to avoid every form of fighting dirty. What makes us think he might do that? . . . The only thing that is missing in this farce is our ability to see how funny it is — and how much God doesn’t care that they are cheating. In a battle of accusations and counter-accusations, they will always have the advantage. Let them have it. Devils make better accusers, always, and we are not in this to create right-wing devils. No, we have a better game to play than that” (Rules for Reformers, p. 21).
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Off Topic*: Pastor in Acts 24 Paul relates to Felix** how he was purifying himself in a temple. Why is Paul performing a purification ritual? If Paul is performing a ritual, how can we frown upon Catholic rituals like the Holy Water dish inside the door, etc. If you have time an inclination it is an interesting subject. God Bless t *Off Topic is usually abbreviated OT: on comment boards, it occurred to me that some might think “Old Testament” instead of “Off Topic” (: **Its amazing how much Felix behaves like a money-grubbing U.S. Republican Senator. Felix hits up… Read more »
One of my favorite sand-lot games is: “Whose Presuppositions Work Best”. Game set-up: Everyone (the religious, the atheist, the modernist, the scientist, etc. etc.) acknowledges they hold presuppositions on faith. Game set-up is often very difficult. Game play: Everyone articulates their presuppositions and listens to all other presuppositions. If there is inconsistency in one’s presuppositions, s/he must start over and continue until inconsistencies are eliminated or explained. Everyone’s presuppositions must lead to a worldview that is internally consistent. For example, the Evolutionist doesn’t have to convince the Creationist of anything except that Evolution is internally consistent – and vice versa.… Read more »
Hi timothy!
re Why Paul’s purification — why not?
Jesus said that whilst He was with them they would feast.
But when He is absent — we fast.
Perhaps that Nazarite separation vow from Numbers 6 ultimately points to exactly this situation we (and Paul) are in!
“I am a poor wayfaring stranger in this world below …”
Paul loved the law and how it all pointed to Christ and our situation in Him.
Hi Eric.
Thanks. Although I am not Catholic, I do like to make the sign of the cross at times as a bit of wordless communication with the Almighty.
I am not sure how Paul’s actions gibe with Calvinism.
Apologies in advance if my observation is the pebble that starts the avalanche that brings down the entire edifice of the Reformation. (: