One need not like his terminology, but since he explained his meaning in the same sentence, there should be no doubt that he was referring to the subjectivism/relativism that is characteristic of our age, and within it, of much of the Anglican Communion of which he was, at the time, a part. In other words, truth is not whatever we make it, but a given that should be the starting point of all our efforts to understand the workings, both of the universe and of life in God.
Thank you for the explanation. I am still puzzled. I don’t see the metaphorical relationship between “subjectivism/relativism” and the money (or valuable consideration) changing hands that is an essential part of simony.
I agree, Micha. As I said, “one need not like his terminology.” Perhaps he meant it as a play on words with “buy” in the preceding dialogue, in the sense of “dealing in spiritual goods.” We are fortunate that he included an explanation.
I just wanted to thank God for the wonderful works he is doing in the lives of converts like yourselves. I am sure that he will continue to show you the way to accomplish his will in your lives and help others to learn from your experience of his guidance.
That’s why there is the adjective word ‘intellectual’, he never meant it simony per se. Yes, a play of words, and it has something to do with subjectivism. A lot of Christians nowadays, not only the protestants, believe they can ‘buy’ their salvation through their own understanding of Christ, through their intellect.
“A lot of Christians nowadays, not only the protestants, believe they can ‘buy’ their salvation through their own understanding of Christ, through their intellect.”
Attempting to understand intellectually what should be taken in faith and lived in moral union with God is a common misunderstanding of Christianity based on rationalistic philosophy. It may, in fact, be a species of Gnosticism.
Welcome home, my two brothers and sister in the Lord.
Welcome home, Brittany and Tyler!
Hey buddy! Welcome to the dark side!
One need not like his terminology, but since he explained his meaning in the same sentence, there should be no doubt that he was referring to the subjectivism/relativism that is characteristic of our age, and within it, of much of the Anglican Communion of which he was, at the time, a part. In other words, truth is not whatever we make it, but a given that should be the starting point of all our efforts to understand the workings, both of the universe and of life in God.
Thank you for the explanation. I am still puzzled. I don’t see the metaphorical relationship between “subjectivism/relativism” and the money (or valuable consideration) changing hands that is an essential part of simony.
I agree, Micha. As I said, “one need not like his terminology.” Perhaps he meant it as a play on words with “buy” in the preceding dialogue, in the sense of “dealing in spiritual goods.” We are fortunate that he included an explanation.
I just wanted to thank God for the wonderful works he is doing in the lives of converts like yourselves. I am sure that he will continue to show you the way to accomplish his will in your lives and help others to learn from your experience of his guidance.
That was so much fun to read. It was a very nice way to hear about the Church and its truth and teachings.
Steeples splashing into the skies… Cool!!! Welcome home brother! Ah the Cross: that otherworldly grinder that produces so much fruit!
Come on guys, of course it is a play on words from the sections’ opening dialogue and the paragraphs concluding sentence. I thought it clever.
That’s why there is the adjective word ‘intellectual’, he never meant it simony per se. Yes, a play of words, and it has something to do with subjectivism. A lot of Christians nowadays, not only the protestants, believe they can ‘buy’ their salvation through their own understanding of Christ, through their intellect.
“A lot of Christians nowadays, not only the protestants, believe they can ‘buy’ their salvation through their own understanding of Christ, through their intellect.”
Attempting to understand intellectually what should be taken in faith and lived in moral union with God is a common misunderstanding of Christianity based on rationalistic philosophy. It may, in fact, be a species of Gnosticism.
Such a beautiful testimony. I was welling up while reading it. Welcome home Tyler and Brittany!