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Doctrinal division and Moral Theology

Two churches exist within the Episcopal Church.  Bishop of West Texas John McNaughton

“I’m OK, you’re OK.”  The Incarnation means that God accepts humanity as it is.  Thus, he accepts human beings as they are.

vs. 

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  (Romans 12:2)

Christ’s attitude of humility – “Not my will, but thine be done.”

“Can’t we all just get along?”

vs.

Let him who has done this be removed from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:2)

Property concerns

1 Corinthians

4:8-13—“We are fools for Christ’s sake.”  “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure…”

4:14-21—“I became your father in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.”  “The kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”

5:1-5—“…there is immorality among you… let him who has done this be removed from among you…that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

5:6-8—“Christ our Passover…”  “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”

5:9-11—“…not to associate with any one who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of immorality or greed, or is and idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber…”

5:12-13—“Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?  God judges those outside,  ‘Drive out the wicked person from among you.’”

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:

1.  Why can’t we all just get along, or can we? 

2.  What is the Church responsible to teach?

3.  What should be our attitude towards other Christians from whom we differ?

4.  What insight about the Church have you gained from reading of 1 Corinthians?