The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum "Pop" Theology

Well there are many things that could be mentioned here and a host of them already have. What I hate to see is the Pop Theology infiltrating the seminaries as we all know where it goes from there.... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bif.gif" alt="" />

This may not be popular with many but what about the "anti-pop"-theology. They seem to be missing the boat as well, just as many in current trends of doing church. The ones who are smug, removed and distant that lauds on how things were done in yesterday years.

Christianity is a balancing act whereby we strive to reach the middle tension. Yet, man is sinful and will tend to go to extremes. Once we reached one extreme, we head back toward another.

I hadn't thought about that, but I agree!

Pilgrim

Thank you for the information. What is this "barthianism" heresy and what is its link to transubstantiation?

catholicsoldier

Many good examples have been given.
But something that is beginning to bug me is something that I have noticed fairly recently.
Recently I have noticed that some Christians are anti-label pop theology. (Hmmm, couldn't think of another name to give it).
What I mean by that is some object to using words like 'Trinity', not because they don't believe in the Trinity. But because the Bible doesn't use the term 'Trinity' and because of that they believe we shouldn't use it.
I used the word 'Trinity', but I could use a number of words that portray a particular meaning. All of which they would be reject out right simply because these words are not found in the Bible.
I have tried to explain why some of these words such as 'Trinity' were formed, but I might as well bang my head against a wall. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Banghead.gif" alt="" />

The thing that bugs me is what I call "Jesus is my boyfriend" choruses. Not only are they devoid of doctrine, they are so familiar that I believe they trample on God's glory and holiness.

I thought you were going to say that "anti-label" pop theology denies the use of words like *Reformed* or *Evangelical*, etc. I heard that one in a minister's meeting this morning. The one minister said, "I don't like labels, just call me God's child." Ok, so from now on I won't give anybody labels that might distinguish them. I'll just call all of my 6 children, Dan's child, regardless of their unique individual characteristics. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Banghead.gif" alt="" />

SDG,
Dan

"Barthianism" is from Karl Barth, a German theologian (1886-1968) who popularized "neo-Orthodoxy"; an attempt to hold a position which was between Liberalism, which denied the supernatural, and Protestant orthodoxy; therefore "neo-Orthodoxy". He is probably most well known for his use of the "dialectic" Theological Method, which for most of us results in our heads spinning. Barth held to such things as the Bible is not THE Word of God, but rather it BECOMES the Word of God (aka: Crisis Theology). He believed in election, but totally redefined it, as he did nearly every other doctrine, so that he could say that there are the "elect-elect" and the "elect-reject". All men were elected to salvation; some simply don't realize it or acknowledge it. Yet he would also speak of punishment, etc.... ! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes2.gif" alt="" />

You might benefit from visiting some of the following links:

The Bible alone is the Word of God
Center For Barth Studies
mwt_themes_750_barth
Hans Kung on Karl Barth by Robert Curtis

Barth had nothing to do with transubstantiation. I simply picked a couple of items which the College was teaching which were diametrically opposed to the "traditional" teachings of the RCC and from which went many men who became priests, etc. Hans Kung would be another good example of a Roman Catholic theologian who has departed from the "traditions" and who holds to neo-Orthodoxy (aka: Existentialism).

In His Grace,

Hey Dan,


Wouldn't "God's child" be a label?

Thid deffinitely bugs me as well. I went through it for a while. I would try to find "better" ways of saying things so as to appeal more widely to people. It didn't work and so I went back to the way it should be.

Dan

Words like "Reformed" or "evangelical" can be added to that list as well.

Tom

I am not Dan, but you are correct about that.
The people that I am talking about wouldn't be opposed to a label that is found in the Bible.
Is "God's child" a label that is used in the Bible?

Anyway, I think the whole matter is rather silly.

Tom

Ecumenical non-denominationalism, i.e., "we're all children of God, and that's the only thing that matters."

Sectarian non-denominationalism, i.e., "unless you are a member of an independent local Bible church (preferably mine), you worship in the synagogue of Satan."

Jesus was a radical progressive, i.e., He would be a liberal Democrat were He a U.S. citizen.

God is with America, i.e., He approves of everything the Republican party does.

Pilgrim Sounds like some unsound doctrine to me. (being a little more forward, sounds like a pack of lies from the pit of hell) That is why I am thankful for the many denominations that comprise the Church, (I'm at odds with RCC in this) :argue: I often hear it said that denominations aren't necessary, that we're all brothers and sisters in Christ, but I offer this defense: Denominations are formed because a consortium of believers formed a consensus on correct doctrine and had it officialized by a confession, or a statement of faith. The board can then insist that all pastors and teachers falling under their authority teach only the agreed upon confession and nothing to the contrary. This is an effective tool used to keep the Church safe from cults and heresies such as the one you mentioned that was taught to Catholic, I hope only briefly. No one can control what everyone believes, but we have an element of control over what is taught. You are no doubt aware that we don't see ourselves as a denomination, I use the term just to humor you :hugs: but, by golly, we're all on the same page, (or try to be, lol) Perhaps some of these examples of "pop theology" are Satan's more subtle attempts to lead us astray, having failed at more overt strategies. Just means that we must remain vigilant. catholicsoldier

Catholicsoldier,

Have you read any articles on that page I sent you about Catholicism?