Mary has no power over God, but God, in his love for her and his desire to honor her, chooses to show forth his tenderest, most merciful, and most approachable aspect through her.When people say things like this, I always wonder why Dr David Scaer doesn't just materialize out of thin air and punch someone in the throat. In fact, I wonder why I didn't get throat-punched just for quoting it. Scaer's biggest beef with Christianity in general is that everyone seems to have a problem with Jesus. They prefer either Paul or Mary, depending on their tradition.
A Neuhaus quote from the same post:
Unlike decisions in the business world, the Church is respectful of “irregularities” that may be hard to separate from the work of the Holy Spirit.Well yeah. When Scripture is off limits because you have to wait for the tradition to form first, it's really hard to figure out what is the Spirit's work and what isn't.
HT: Wyman.
4 comments:
In case you haven't noticed, we just don't live in a universe where theologians magically appear to physically assault people who probably deserve it.
Believe me, I'm as disappointed as anyone. That was pretty much my only shot at meeting any big names.
Well, we do live in a universe in which St Nicholas punched out an Arian bishop. No news on whether the punch was to the throat, but it certainly gives the lie to the cosy, "ho, ho, ho!" image which "Santa Claus" has so carefully cultivated in more recent years. ;-)
I guess that makes me feel a little better. Thanks, John.
This is partly in response to the BHT discussion.
I think there really is a difference in emphasis in Jesus words and Paul's and I can't pretend otherwise. I think the reason is that Jesus couldn't simply tell the people the gospel. If it were just a matter of telling people, the prophets could have handled the job. Jesus couldn't just tell the people because they wouldn't understand, and wouldn't believe him. Jesus said this many times.
So, especially in his wider ministry to the general public (such as the sermon on the mount), I do think Jesus really did emphasize the second use of the law. I think he pressed home the second use to the rich young man who wanted to know what he must do to inherit the kingdom of heaven. He pounded the point home that they needed the gospel then he then showed* them the gospel and sent the Spirit afterward.
*John 3:14-15
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