There is a controversial book titled, Mary for Evangelicals, written by Mr. Tim Perry, an Evangelical professor of theology. Based on some people who have read the book, especially Roman Catholics, his work appears to favor the view of Roman Catholicism on Mary. I have not read the book at all but the way some Roman Catholic apologists give positive comments on Mr. Perry's book makes the book controversial. There are even Roman Catholics who say (or imply), "Look, there is an Evangelical professor/author who has the same view as Roman Catholics on Mary." I think this book is being used as basis of some reports on Evangelicals turning to Mary.
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However, I am not the type who is easily convinced. I did some research on what kind of Evangelical Mr. Perry is. In an interview, Mr. Perry made this comments:
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WHY DO YOU THINK THERE IS SUCH A CURRENT FASCINATION WITH MARY?
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First, we must consider the impact of what Timothy George has called the “ecumenism of the trenches.” Over the last thirty-five years or so, evangelicals and Catholics have slowly come to appreciate how much we share in terms of morality, particularly in the thorny ethical problems surrounding the beginning and end of life, the definition of marriage, and the constructive role faith can and should play in the public realm. I think this has led to the establishment of grass-roots friendships based on trust. To put the matter bluntly, theological disagreement takes on a whole new tone when you’re praying together in front of an abortion clinic. Key evangelical theologians and leaders like Timothy George, J. I. Packer and Chuck Colson have used that trust wisely to engage in theological dialogue with Catholic theologians and leaders. Once such theological ties were established, it was only a matter of time before Mary came up. Since the third generation of the Reformation, she has personified every major doctrinal dispute, whether sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia or solo Christo.
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And there you have it folks, Mr. Tim Perry and others like him are Ecumenical Protestants. Ecumenism compromises Protestant beliefs by being one with Roman Catholicism. Mr. Perry also has another book titled, The Legacy of Pope John Paul II: An Evangelical Assessment. Only a compromiser would write things like that.
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Roman Catholics will also not find it pleasant when Evangelicals quote favored Roman Catholic sources like the church fathers against Roman Catholic teachings. Roman Catholics will say things like the church fathers are not infallible or the church fathers are not the magisterium.
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Here are the things that everyone should keep in mind: Mr. Perry's works are not binding to all Evangelicals. Even if Mr. Perry is called a scholar, he does not represent all Evangelicals. So for those who love to quote Mr. Perry, it doesn't bind me and the rest of the Evangelicals who refuse to compromise their beliefs. We are already in the period where people will fall away and compromise their beliefs.
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A true Christian knows that there should be no compromise with false religions. Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2nd Corintians 6:14.
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First, we must consider the impact of what Timothy George has called the “ecumenism of the trenches.” Over the last thirty-five years or so, evangelicals and Catholics have slowly come to appreciate how much we share in terms of morality, particularly in the thorny ethical problems surrounding the beginning and end of life, the definition of marriage, and the constructive role faith can and should play in the public realm. I think this has led to the establishment of grass-roots friendships based on trust. To put the matter bluntly, theological disagreement takes on a whole new tone when you’re praying together in front of an abortion clinic. Key evangelical theologians and leaders like Timothy George, J. I. Packer and Chuck Colson have used that trust wisely to engage in theological dialogue with Catholic theologians and leaders. Once such theological ties were established, it was only a matter of time before Mary came up. Since the third generation of the Reformation, she has personified every major doctrinal dispute, whether sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia or solo Christo.
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And there you have it folks, Mr. Tim Perry and others like him are Ecumenical Protestants. Ecumenism compromises Protestant beliefs by being one with Roman Catholicism. Mr. Perry also has another book titled, The Legacy of Pope John Paul II: An Evangelical Assessment. Only a compromiser would write things like that.
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Roman Catholics will also not find it pleasant when Evangelicals quote favored Roman Catholic sources like the church fathers against Roman Catholic teachings. Roman Catholics will say things like the church fathers are not infallible or the church fathers are not the magisterium.
*
Here are the things that everyone should keep in mind: Mr. Perry's works are not binding to all Evangelicals. Even if Mr. Perry is called a scholar, he does not represent all Evangelicals. So for those who love to quote Mr. Perry, it doesn't bind me and the rest of the Evangelicals who refuse to compromise their beliefs. We are already in the period where people will fall away and compromise their beliefs.
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A true Christian knows that there should be no compromise with false religions. Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2nd Corintians 6:14.
1 John 2:19 speaks for these people!
ReplyDelete"Even if Mr. Perry is called a scholar......"
ReplyDeleteHe is not called a scholar - he is a scholar. Perhaps you should respect that to the degree you're capable. And it's the Rev. Dr. Perry, not Mr. Perry. Since you tell us you haven't read his book, I'm surprised you'd embarrass yourself with such ill-considefed and puerile remarks (for an apologist that is).
The basis of my comment is the interview, not the book.
ReplyDeleteIf the basis of your comment is NOT Prof. Tim Perry's book but his interview, then I suppose you should have started your commentary with 'In an interview, Mr. Perry...' and not on the book Prof. Perry wrote.
ReplyDeleteYou stated, and I quote "I have not read the book at all but..."
What right have you then to comment on Prof. Tim Perry's book, when you have not read it yourself?
Sir or Madam,
ReplyDeletePlease read the article again and answer these questions:
1. What's the title of the article?
2. Who or what is the main focus of the article?
Thank you.