Theology—beneficial or source of endless debating?

My thoughts, 1st of all, is that you are narrowly using the word "theology." It is not normally a "cuss word." Theology is looking at the doctrines of the Bible in an organized, teachable manner. Arguing over theology was discouraged by Paul if it did not produce fruit.

Paul argued theology with the Jewish People in order to win them to Christ. If they were not open, he brushed the dust off his feet. Paul argued theology with fellow Christians, to get them to avoid error. Again, if there was no response, Paul rejected them, not necessarily as unbelievers, but as incorrigible until such time as they humbled themselves and repented.

Therefore, theology is essential. You have to be careful how you use the term. I understand how you're using it. I would just be careful not to dismiss ministries that may be different than your own. All are needed if they are done in the right spirit and show fruits of success.

Theology should never be preached. It has done more damage than good.
It traps you into a thought process which in many cases hides the truth.

Take for instance replacement theology where the church replaces Israel. Calvin in his end yrs embraced this.
Full of anti-Semitism and corruption of the word of GOD.
If God all throughout the bible is a redeemer then why did he replace Israel...to hard for him to redeem?
Not according to revelation.
God said he would never forsake Israel. If he replaced Israel hes a liar.
Jesus said he would never forsake us...should we be concerned.

There are many more theological thoughts that are preached from the pulpit today. Dangerously blasphemous.
I started a thread not to long ago on this and stated the bible teaches by anology not theology.
All scripture is inspired. We were given the Holy Spirit as our teacher and CHRIST as our example.

Romans 9:6-8
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.


Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


What does this say? In your words.

Is that so? If you really think so, why don't you name a specific doctrine in Catholic theology that you think is irreconcilable with the NT.

Nah, you love endless debating, that's not my thing. I know already you've got you're incorrectly interpreted scriptures ready to go. If I thought you were sincere and really wanted to learn something then yeah, maybe. But you're not, you just want someone to debate with.

Nah, you love endless debating, that's not my thing.

And you've never met another believer who does likewise?

Very interesting question. I'll check back in tomorrow on it. Thanks for bringing it up

It's intriguing to me when I reach a crossroads and am dissatisfied/disconcerted with something and then someone brings up a thread on the topic.

The "dusty tome" version of Theology hasn't ever been very useful to me but my own "homegrown" pursuits are exhausting me tremendously as well lately and I think it's probably the Lord that's been pointing some things out on that front.

Well, suit yourself. You were the one who brought Catholicism into this thread, saying "Yeah, Catholics can't live without their theology",

Basically it says the same as ...by grace you are saved through faith.
Do you agree with replacement theolgy?

If you find the writings of Luther and Calvin, or some such person, more convincing, you will most likely be an Evangelical/Protestant Christian.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." - Mark 12:30 KJV

Catholics believe the Catholic Church was founded not by any mere man but by God Himself (i.e. Jesus) and had St. Peter as the First Pope (See Mat 16:18-19 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_popes#1st_century) and thus we see no reason to leave the Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Catholics believe all kinds of un-Biblical nonsense. Some of it is blaspemous, and some of it is mandated by papal decree.

Why make such an illogical erroneous assumption? One need only know what is in the Bible.
If one does compare this to Catholicism, anyone in their right mind would choose the former.

Disagree. You may not agree, but the Papacy is based on the Lord's Promise in Mat 16:18-19 [see: http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/apologetics/PeterRockKeysPrimacyRome.htm and the Wiki link given earlier]. Go back in history and you will see none but Jesus Christ Himself founded the Catholic Church.

Suffice to say that, 100s of Millions of Catholic Christians from around the world have read the Holy Bible and disagree with you.

Disagree. You may not agree, but the Papacy is based on the Lord's Promise in Mat 16:18-19 [see: http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/apologetics/PeterRockKeysPrimacyRome.htm and the Wiki link given earlier]. Go back in history and you will see none but Jesus Christ Himself founded the Catholic Church.

St. Ignatius of Antioch (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_of_Antioch) was a personal disciple of the Apostle John himself. He mentions that the Church of that time was the Catholic Church.

He wrote: "Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful to baptize or give communion without the consent of the bishop. On the other hand, whatever has his approval is pleasing to God. Thus, whatever is done will be safe and valid." as is mentioned in the link.



Suffice to say that, 100s of Millions of Catholic Christians from around the world have read the Holy Bible and disagree with you.

In Christ,
Xavier.