tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post6456875941984334386..comments2023-05-03T06:04:41.057-05:00Comments on Cumberland Island: FamiliolatryAdrian C. Keisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12601165797762278028noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post-36436372040457713172007-05-11T07:07:00.000-05:002007-05-11T07:07:00.000-05:00I believe that when you have children one day, and...I believe that when you have children one day, and understand firsthand, the battle that rages for their souls in our society today, you may not be as cynical about the teachings of building a strong family. I also grew up in a strong family, but see every day the ways in which my children could very easily be sucked into the world's mindset, philosophies, and general apathy were it not for our battle to keep their hearts. After all, I am given the job of being a guard of the home. The word "keeper" references a military mindset, and if that inference is given, do you not think that God knows that many battles will indeed be fought on the homefront? Be thankful for strong men teaching strong values for our families. Our country is built on them!Mikala B. Heykoophttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05505653194100434486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post-25463422757108788292007-04-10T20:36:00.000-05:002007-04-10T20:36:00.000-05:00Adrian,I am not surprised that you do not agree wi...Adrian,<BR/><BR/>I am not surprised that you do not agree with all of the essay- :) our culture is so sadly ridden with such depleted doctrines of the church, as is clear when we find it equated with mere human institutions.<BR/><BR/>But thanks for reading and for your thoughts!MMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14169520137196027425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post-7277845369533922572007-04-10T20:34:00.000-05:002007-04-10T20:34:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.MMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14169520137196027425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post-90631237216070069442007-04-09T11:08:00.000-05:002007-04-09T11:08:00.000-05:00Reply to Mary. Thank you for your congratulations....Reply to Mary. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for your congratulations. <BR/><BR/>Very interesting essay you have there. I've read a good bit of it. I'm not sure I agree with everything in it. <BR/><BR/>For one thing, you never distinguish between the visible and the invisible Church. Why should you? Because they are not the same, and because there is a difference between what ought to be, and what is. The visible church is not made up of perfect people; indeed, there are unbelievers in her midst. Even the invisible church on earth is not made up of perfect people. Theologically, I think you have to distinguish between them because you appear to be arguing on the basis of what ought to be. The problem is that what ought to be is not what we have to deal with: we must deal with reality. The presence of sinners in churches (the only type of human beings to populate the visible church on earth) indicates that through sin there can be abuse of authority. It happens all the time. I know of at least one family that attended a church that decided to appoint a pastor who preached heresy. The father of the family decided to leave the church and attend a different one where such was not the case. My point is that all three visible authority structures on earth: family, church, and civil, are all made up of sinners. Therefore, not a single one of them can be trusted with absolute authority. Only God speaking to us through His Word by the illumination of the Spirit can be trusted absolutely (and should be trusted). <BR/><BR/>I argue for a balance of these three structures; it appears such a balance is a delicate one. <BR/><BR/>One thing that would actually strengthen your case is the eschatological view. Of those three structures, the invisible church will be the only one to survive eternity, at least in name. <BR/><BR/>In Christ.Adrian C. Keisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12601165797762278028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post-69229323390330733192007-04-09T08:27:00.000-05:002007-04-09T08:27:00.000-05:00Adrian,First, I just discovered your great blog!- ...Adrian,<BR/><BR/>First, I just discovered your great blog!- from Biblical Womanhood's announcement of your and Susan's engagement. Warmest Congratulations!<BR/><BR/>Secondly, I am intrigued to hear your perspective and critique of this issue. I have an essay on point (dealing in particular with Doug Philips/Vision Forum's perspective, etc.) that was recently published at Grammar of Faith.com- "Confronting the Household Gods-" It's a topic that a lot of theologians are beginning to explore. Nice work here. <BR/><BR/>http://www.grammaroffaith.com/Postings/Moorman.htmlMMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14169520137196027425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post-1696726303634806722007-04-05T20:19:00.000-05:002007-04-05T20:19:00.000-05:00I would suggest, rather, that it is a good quantit...I would suggest, rather, that it is a good quantity of good quality time that is important. A lot of time spent together as a family in front of the television would probably not be particularly edifying. It would probably be better than time spent apart in front of separate televisions but not as good as time spent together doing things like reading together, as you suggest.<BR/><BR/>I should say that I am a member of the church of one of the men you mention and do not think your observations ring true in his case. The word of God is preached in its full counsel, and the gospel is always central. In the context of his broader ministry as I have witnessed it for several years, I just do not see the overemphasis you warn about. (And I only refrain from mentioning a name because of the nastiness that tends to float around the internet -- and just to be clear, I am not accusing you of such.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15921510.post-38210635912051427342007-04-02T14:19:00.000-05:002007-04-02T14:19:00.000-05:00A refreshing different perspective. You (and I, I ...A refreshing different perspective. You (and I, I might add) were blessed to grow up in a healthy family. But I think these teachers you mentioned (and I'm sure you'd agree) are probably very helpful to those who don't understand what family ought to look like. What's tiresome to one may be an important stepping-stone in understanding to another. <BR/><BR/>My dad would read aloud to us every night after dinner. I didn't know then how lucky I was. It breaks my heart to learn more and more what most family "life" really looks like.Elisabeth Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962421339750272755noreply@blogger.com