Mostly tongue in cheek. I think its safe to say I'll be sticking with the Protestant side of things. I went to some Catholic cathedrals over seas and some here in the states and they sort of gave me the eebee jeebies. Especially the ones with dead bodies under glass. *shudder*
I thought the dead bodies in the sanctuary was more of a Greek Orthodox thing, but the real issue with Roman Catholicism (and the Orthodox churches too) is their denial of justification by faith alone and their denial of Scripture alone as the infallible rule of faith and practice.
I'm not sure what a Reformed Baptist church is but it sounds interesting. I don't know if I can get around that Original church thing though as it sounds like a rather outlandish claim to make especially these days.
Which Reformed Baptists are making that claim? Are you confusing Reformed Baptists with the Landmarkists?
Luther has always impressed me. It takes some serious brass to stand up to an organization like the Church in his day.
What really should be your question is this: "Was Luther a stalwart defender of the Gospel, or was he a fool at best and a heretic at worst?" Luther's stand impresses me first and foremost because he loved the Gospel and was willing to defend it at all costs. I only mention this because your reaction against the Catholic church wasn't with reference to the Gospel.
I think, if I remember correctly, I was able to get around four out of five points of Calvinism. I'd have to look at them again to tell you which ones but most Baptists fall in there somewhere whether they are able to vocalize it or not.
Well, actually, most would not categorize the majority of Baptists today as Calvinists (though the further back in history you go the more Calvinist Baptists you see). Some have said that all Baptists are "one-point Calvinists" (eternal security, which is actually only one part of perseverance of the saints). But what is a one-point Calvinist except a four-point Arminian?
You'll find all sorts of resources on Calvinism here on this site, by the way <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
What the heck IS a synod anyway?
In some denominations, it's a level of church government that ovcersees a group of churches. (I'll lay off the issue of where it's found in the Bible for now, seeing as I could spark a debate over ecclesiology...)
What are some questions I need to answer to decide what my theology is? I can tell you right now I'm a Inspired/Inerrant Scripture person.
I think you answered your own question <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> What does the Bible teach about God, man, salvation, etc.? Not that one has to start from scratch, but one does have to remember that Scripture alone is our infallible rule for faith and practice. Are you a new to theology? I kind of get that impression.
