new church life: jan uary / february 201 4
reflection of the culture that prevailed in the world around it at that time?
It is hard to imagine that any of us is immune to being influenced by
the wider culture’s assumptions and opinions, not to mention our own
inclinations. But we do have at our disposal the means for considering things
more objectively: namely, the doctrines upon which our church was founded.
Can we agree that the most important question in any discussion of
church policy is: what do the Writings have to say on the subject? If we can
agree on that, then we at least have a common ground for resolving conflicts
and possibly holding the organization together.
(WEO)
but do the writings say anything?
The Writings have much to say about the nature and use of the priesthood, and
they also have much to say about the nature of the masculine and the feminine,
and the fact that there are uses appropriate to each. In light of this, how can
it be said that the Writings have little or nothing to say about women in the
priesthood?
For the sake of a comparison, consider that nowhere in the Writings do we
find a direct statement that slavery is wrong. But when we consider the whole
body of teaching about human life – including how essential human freedom
is, and how evil the love of dominion is – the lesson to be drawn from the
doctrines regarding slavery is obvious. It certainly was to the New Churchmen
who became leaders of the anti-slavery movement.
The shortage of explicit statements on a particular subject doesn’t mean
the doctrines of the Church have little or nothing to say about it.
(WEO)
killing jesus
Bill O’Reilly emphasizes that Killing Jesus, the number one best-seller he wrote
with Martin Dugard, is a book of history, not theology. Indeed, it educates
readers about the Roman and religious leaders of the time, along with the
culture, events and all the roiling political tensions, without shedding much
light on the meaning of it all. But millions of readers are finding that this
historical perspective enhances and strengthens their faith, and that’s a positive.
As with their previous best-sellers, Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy, this
book focuses just on historical context – what led to the crucifixion and the
days afterwards. As with any recounting of history, it is not perfect, but it does
give insight into the moral depravity of the Roman Empire and the corruption
among the high priests of the temple. As such, it shows why it was necessary
for God to come down on earth to subdue the hells and make Himself visible
to us, although the book deliberately does not get into this – leaving that to
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