Stylos is the blog of Jeff Riddle, a Reformed Baptist Pastor in North Garden, Virginia. The title "Stylos" is the Greek word for pillar. In 1 Timothy 3:15 Paul urges his readers to consider "how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar (stylos) and ground of the truth."
Image (left side): Decorative urn with title for the book of Acts in Codex Alexandrinus.
Most Conservative Christians that I know aren't privy to things like this. Their eyes glaze over in boredom when this subject is brought up. I'm not even sure if the conservative men you referenced who are writing books and preaching fervently against postmodernism understand really the mindset of these organizations. The mindset is usually filtered through the seminaries that are supported and backed by churches. It's amazing to me how even with such meddling of the text they are able to promote such good doctrine. Their zeal is commendable even if the texts aren't as strong as our beloved traditional texts. However, in light of this, the truths you shared with us make those men look foolish. I also find that more and more believers are swayed by the modern mindset. I too was almost swept away by such thinking and still have to guard myself. To ignore precepts in the Scriptures like 1 Timothy 3 and the ones you mentioned is to ignore God's wishes. Sometimes people like to attach their disdain to men who promote Biblical Church requirements, but the problem they have isn't with those men but rather God who inspired the Scriptures. If they really believe such things. I have relatives in the United Methodist Church for example, and I lovingly told them to follow the teachings of such an organization is to ignore God's written revelation. To me, if we are going to follow God, then let's do it, if not, let's go do something else. I don't see the point in their modifications, whether it's to Theology or the Texts of Scripture. Atheists even see the foolishness of Christians ignoring their own traditions, which are based upon the Scriptures. Anyone who reads the Bible cannot ignore what is written unless they change the text, and it seems like we are on our way to that if organizations like the one you are showcasing stand.
I do have a question for you regarding your thoughts on women in ministry in our less regulated "wild west" of ideas out there. I have to say that I have been greatly helped by certain women who give their wisdom out on the internet, books, and other areas of life. They aren't officially supported by a local church per se, but they are influential and are very helpful much of the time. Also, there were deaconesses in the Bible, and prophetesses. I certainly would like to know your thoughts on these matters. I have learned a lot from women regarding issues of life, but they weren't in authority like a pastor over me. Thank you for your time.
3 comments:
Most Conservative Christians that I know aren't privy to things like this. Their eyes glaze over in boredom when this subject is brought up. I'm not even sure if the conservative men you referenced who are writing books and preaching fervently against postmodernism understand really the mindset of these organizations. The mindset is usually filtered through the seminaries that are supported and backed by churches. It's amazing to me how even with such meddling of the text they are able to promote such good doctrine. Their zeal is commendable even if the texts aren't as strong as our beloved traditional texts. However, in light of this, the truths you shared with us make those men look foolish. I also find that more and more believers are swayed by the modern mindset. I too was almost swept away by such thinking and still have to guard myself. To ignore precepts in the Scriptures like 1 Timothy 3 and the ones you mentioned is to ignore God's wishes. Sometimes people like to attach their disdain to men who promote Biblical Church requirements, but the problem they have isn't with those men but rather God who inspired the Scriptures. If they really believe such things. I have relatives in the United Methodist Church for example, and I lovingly told them to follow the teachings of such an organization is to ignore God's written revelation. To me, if we are going to follow God, then let's do it, if not, let's go do something else. I don't see the point in their modifications, whether it's to Theology or the Texts of Scripture. Atheists even see the foolishness of Christians ignoring their own traditions, which are based upon the Scriptures. Anyone who reads the Bible cannot ignore what is written unless they change the text, and it seems like we are on our way to that if organizations like the one you are showcasing stand.
I do have a question for you regarding your thoughts on women in ministry in our less regulated "wild west" of ideas out there. I have to say that I have been greatly helped by certain women who give their wisdom out on the internet, books, and other areas of life. They aren't officially supported by a local church per se, but they are influential and are very helpful much of the time. Also, there were deaconesses in the Bible, and prophetesses. I certainly would like to know your thoughts on these matters. I have learned a lot from women regarding issues of life, but they weren't in authority like a pastor over me. Thank you for your time.
Thanks for pointing out this situation.
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