“…from my Bible schools days they seem to go from Calvin, to Spurgeon…”

Would that be C.H. Spurgeon? Long ago, my greatgranmother gave me alittle devotional book by him. I still read it every day.

In that regard, I think Luther deduced through scripture that the Pope’s teaching was corrupt. Luther’s conscience was strengthened by his reference to scripture…Am I tracking this right?

Yeah, tracking very nicely. It’s what I love about the Bible. If you approach it humbly, prayerfully, inquisitvely, open to the voice of the Spirit — it speaks. He speaks!

In reading commentaries, studying the works of skilled Biblical scholars, learning about history,language and context , discussing, debating — asking for the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding and motivated by a love for God and for his children — it comes alive.

Much can be deduced — and better yet, applied. Many things suddenly come into focus like never before! I remember the night I accepted Jesus, in January of 1971. I had been attending a Christian club on campus — trying to stir up some atheist trouble — trying to make these people think. 🙂

That night, a very bright and caring youth ministert opened the Bible to me and helped me deduce that there was a loving, intelligent, just and merciful God. And I could know him.

He gave me a small copy of “Good News For Modern Man”. I read the entire New Testament before morning. Had never really read the Bible before. I was captivated.

It was mind-blowing! I furiously underlined and highlighted passages — writing things in the margin like “Yes!’ and “Of course” and “Wow!” I also wrote things, like “i don’t get this” and “What?” — and even “I disagree!”

I have read the BIble now many times over in many different translations — and I still get the same feeling — and write the same things.

“Our Founding Fathers” many or most, perhaps. I think Adams is a prominent exception to this, who later became a one-term president (replaced by Jefferson).

It is difficult to figure out which religious beliefs the Founding Father’s viewed as “dogma” and which they viewed as intrinsic principals to support a democratic, self-governing people.

“All men are created equal…and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights….” Is a spiritual and religious principal…

Somehow, however, the right of the person to own another person as property is maintained by this group of men who “worried about religious dogma”….as well as not championing a woman’s right to vote…or non-property owners to vote.

I make these arguments to redirect the frequent assertion that excluding religious values in the formation of our democracy was a good thing…it probably was in some circumstances; probably wasn’t in others.

Thanks,

I cannot figure out how the whole indulgences thing got started, from a scriptural standpoint.

In that regard, I think Luther deduced through scripture that the Pope’s teaching was corrupt.

Luther’s conscience was strengthened by his reference to scripture…

Am I tracking this right?