-
Do Dead Men Bleed?
Illustration – the “Dead” Man Recently, I heard a radio message in which the speaker provided an illustration: whether it is true or not, I do not know. It’s believable, which is all that matters for my purposes. This is the story. I young doctor is working for a large hospital, which includes a facility…
-
2 Thess 2:15 – Comments Answered
Introduction “Reginald de Piperno” has provided a post that appears to be aimed at objecting to my previous post on 2 Thessalonians 2:15, available here. I appreciate that he read my post and took the time to respond. DiscussionAs best I understand, RdP grants 1(a) and seems to grant 1(b) although he wants to define…
-
Catholics vs. Muslims
By now you should be aware that a recent report is out that indicates that there are more Muslims than Catholics. This should Catholics who have been playing the numbers game (1 billion members cannot all be wrong …) a bit of pause. At least one Catholic, however, has pointed out that this comparison is…
-
Premature Exultation – Semi-Augustinianism
David Waltz seems excited by a quotation from R.C. Sproul regarding labeling Roman Catholic doctrine. Waltz writes: “The fact that the Catholic Church maintains that it is impossible to accept the gospel without grace (gratia praeveniens), this separates Her teaching from “all forms of semi-Pelagianism”; instead, embracing “moderate-Augustinianism, or of what might be called Semi-Augustinianism,…
-
Semi-Pelagianism According to Schaff
Occasionally people will complain that the term “semi-pelagianism” gets thrown around too freely. As an antidote, here are some comments from noted historian Philip Schaff: Semi-Pelagianism is a somewhat vague and indefinite attempt at reconciliation, hovering midway between the sharply marked systems of Pelagius and Augustine, taking off the edge of each, and inclining now…
-
Misconceptions about Roman Catholicism: Works Salvation
This post is intended to be part of series on misconceptions about Roman Catholicism. In this post, we address the issue of works salvation. Roman Catholicism, according to the Reformation, teaches works salvation. What we do not mean: 1) We do not mean that Roman Catholicism teaches that man unassisted by grace merits salvation.2) We…
-
Remember this guy?
Do you remember Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf? He was the Iraqi official who reported on the very brief Iraq invasion in terms that were extremely favorable to the Iraqi ruling regime. One example of his lines: “Now even the American command is under siege. We are hitting it from the north, east, south and west. We…
-
Friday Menu: Rotini with Meat Sauce
I recall some years ago visiting a hotel, and encountering a young man wearing a yarmulke. We met in the lobby of the hotel. After we got on the elevator, he asked me for a favor. He asked me if I would unlock the door of his hotel room for him. You see, the hotel…
-
Superstition or Sacramental?
American Papist reports (link), you decide. My own two cents: this is plainly superstition. The Giants’ victory had nothing to do with a scrap of metal in someone’s pocket. I doubt the American Papist would be willing to debate the topic of: “Resolved: that blessed medals are effective for winning football games.” Nevertheless, we have…
-
Charitable Prayers Unwelcome
According to a Reuters article, thoughtfully brought to my attention by the American Papist (link), some Jews are suprised and offended by prayers by Roman Catholics for the “conversion of the Jews.” I’m quite sure that these prayers are meant by many Roman Catholics in a positive way. That is to say, they really sincerely…