Many theological disagreements aren't caused by different Bible verses, they begin with different definitions. Sabbatarians purposefully shift definitions to make the debate possible.
Sabbatarians (primarily Adventists) hide behind a cloak of obfuscation. Words, terms, and concepts are thrown about without any fixed, concrete definition of what they mean. Should you attempt to debate them based on a particular definition, they simply shift the narrative by shifting the definitions. Should you attempt to pin them down on what they mean through the usage of a word, they will refuse, often by not even responding.
The Decalogue is defined by them as “moral” law, yet they never, ever define what constitutes a “moral” law. Nor do they ever provide any credible, biblical evidence that backs up the claim they are “moral” law any more than they do when it comes to “ceremonial” law, which is treated in like fashion.
Sin is “defined” by them as any transgression of the “moral” law, thereby further constructing a theology based on loosely defined concepts. Actual, solid, biblically-derived definitions are simply ignored as if they do not exist, and if cited by others, they are not acknowledges as relevant.
“Law” is not defined based on context. It is defined as needed to support the established theology and belief system. This same process is applied to other key words within Sabbatarianism such as 'commandment(s)', and 'Sabbath'.
This is not limited to biblical words, terms, and concepts. Take the term “Sunday keeper” often cited as a pejorative. “Sunday” normally is understood and defined to mean the first day of the week in the widely used Roman calendar. However, it takes on a completely different meaning within Sabbatarianism, where is it associated with sun worship on that day. So, a “Sunday keeper” is often defined as one who worships the sun on that day; not God, and definitely not the “Sun of Righteousness” referenced in Malachi.
(Malachi 4:2) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
This practice of the redefinition of words, terms, and concepts is a dynamic process, invoked when necessary to validate their belief system, or in order to disparage and condemn a belief system outside their own.
“Sabbath keeper” is defined as one who "keeps" the Sabbath; resting on that day, as well as worshiping God on that day in a corporate setting. The term is never defined in like fashion as how “Sunday keeper” is defined, where Sabbath is linked to Saturday, and then to the worship of Saturn. If church on SUNday means worshipping the sun, doesn't church on SATURday mean worshipping Saturn? No. The methodology employed only applies to Sunday and never Saturday (or any other week day) with this never ending hypocritical process.
The word "law" does not always refer to the old(er) covenant law, but that is the preferred ‘default’ definition, so that there is no “other” law. Laws they wish to keep are "God's laws", while laws they to be ignored are "Laws of Moses". Neither of which are clearly defined.
Likewise, the word “commandment” is similarly treated. Jesus gave commandments that Adventists insist are associated already with old covenant commandments. Point out the inconsistency of this position, and they simply conclude the inconsistency is with you; not them.
By controlling the language, any debate; any dialogue of disagreement is curtailed. Copernicus and Galileo ran afoul of the prevailing beliefs and religion of their time where the prevailing beliefs included a flat earth and the planets and sun revolving around the earth, with enough supporting “evidence” to convince just about anyone.
Welcome then to the Renaissance of the religious dark ages.
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It is important that you understand; Everything on this blog is based on the current understanding of each author. Never take anyone's word for it, always prove it for yourself, it is your responsibility. You cannot ride someone else's coattail into the Kingdom. ; )
Acts 17:11
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All those groups with strange beliefs seem to import foreign definitions into commonly used theological terms so that they can appear Christian and lure unsuspecting outsiders in.
ReplyDeleteJust a minor correction if you don't mind: A flat earth has never been a historically dominant position among Christians. In fact, the idea that the medieval church taught a flat earth is a myth invented in the 19th century to paint religion as anti-science.