Category Archives: Modern Doctrines

Mortal and Venial Sins?

Posted on 01/07/2015 by Paul Pavao

Roman Catholicism distinguishes between mortal sins, which lead to hell, and venial sins, which lead to “temporal punishment.” Is this distinction scriptural? Note: This post is the result of thinking about a recent discussion with “Jon.” He mentioned once that … Continue reading →

Posted in Modern Doctrines, Roman Catholic & Orthodox | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Second Most Important Question Ever

Posted on 01/01/2015 by Paul Pavao

I just began reading Christus Victor last night. In it, author Gustaf Aulén writes, “There are not different theories of the atonement in the Fathers, but only varient expressions of one and the same idea.” I want to argue that … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelicals, Modern Doctrines, Protestants, Roman Catholic & Orthodox | Tagged , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Creationism vs. Evolution: The Spiritual Argument

Posted on 12/20/2014 by Paul Pavao

We’re new creations, not old ones. Who cares how Adam came along? We’re leaving him behind. I want to begin a new thought experiment. Does the New Creation evolve? As I write, I am hooked to four bags of IV … Continue reading →

Posted in Evolution, Holiness, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

The Bible Fact Checker #2: “Word of God”

Posted on 12/19/2014 by Paul Pavao

Tradition can be good (2 Thess. 2:15), but it can also oppose the Word of God (Mk. 7:13). Tradition can also change the meaning of the Scriptures because words change their meaning over time as humans use them. I submit … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Bible Fact Checker #1: Preachers

Posted on 12/17/2014 by Paul Pavao

Today, one more time, I read a brilliant, educated professor/pastor/national speaker use important biblical terms wrongly. “Wrong” means “not the way the Bible uses them.” I don’t blame them. It’s not part of our tradition to correct our speech and … Continue reading →

Posted in Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

No Suffering? Is It Even Good?

Posted on 12/08/2014 by Paul Pavao

At this moment, but soon to be corrected, I have read only one article by Father Stephen Freeman. This is a brilliant insight into, and antidote to, first-world society and Christianity. That may not be a superb sales line for … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Fear, Faith, and Forgiveness

Posted on 12/06/2014 by Paul Pavao

This is a response to a reader/friend regarding whether a single fall from perfection could cost us eternal life. I hope that what people saw in my post is that the issue with the cross is not a failure here … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiness, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Christian Thanksgiving Meal

Posted on 11/27/2014 by Paul Pavao

I’m sure very few Protestants know what “Eucharist” means. Ironically, if I’m right, not many Catholics know what Eucharist means, either. The word comes from the Greek ευχαρστια, meaning the giving of thanks: thanksgiving. It was chosen because of Jesus’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Christianity, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Athanasian Creed: A Review

Posted on 10/13/2014 by Paul Pavao

Who am I to “review” the Athanasian Creed? I do not review it on my own authority. I review it on the authority of the teachings of Jesus, the apostles, and of the Christians, churches, and councils that preceded the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Christianity, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Monkery Business: Martin Luther Faith vs. Works Debate

Posted on 10/12/2014 by Paul Pavao

Anyone want to help me think this through? I have friends so hostile to Martin Luther it might be impossible. I have read a lot about Martin Luther, but I’ve only read a little by Martin Luther. Almost everything I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous, Modern Doctrines, Protestants | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments