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Perhaps these things are non-issues for some. From discussions with folks on here and throughout Anabaptist circles, they are a major question in the mind of many, especially in my generation; not to seek an escape so much as in recognition that we have inherited much of our faith in practice rather than having primarily developed it through personal conviction, coupled with the privilege of looking back on history and seeking where the car has left the rails at times (for a variety of reasons). In that recognition, I get the distinct impression (again from my generation especially , being the late 20s-early 40s) that we desire to establish a solid Scriptural foundation if we are going to commit to upholding various practices or corporate rules of life. Certainly this is the case for myself.Heirbyadoption wrote:Thank you for sharing that. It certainly expresses many good benefits of having a corporate rule of life. But it doesn't really answer the questions which seem like they would be fundamental ones prior to expanding on those benefits. Would be glad for your perspective on them specifically.Ernie wrote:Here are some of my thoughts on this topic.
https://www.plainnews.org/wp-content/up ... f-Life.pdf
Do we have Biblical authority to do so? ... At what point our extraBiblical applications/legislations become Divine-command-violating-traditions such as Jesus warned about?
So, to the quote questions, there seem to be 5 realistic possibilities. Where there is overlap from your article, Ernie, I apologize. And if I have missed it, I also apologize, but I didn't see your article address these so much as promoting the benefits and practicality of having a corporate rule of life. Perhaps I need to reread it more thoroughly?
1. The Scriptures explicitly teach the establishment of a corporate rule of life.
2. The Scriptures promote the benefits of the establishment of a corporate rule of life.
3. The Scriptures are silent on establishing a corporate rule of life.
4. The Scriptures caution against the dangers of the establishment of a corporate rule of life.
5. The Scriptures are explicit against establishing a corporate rule of life.