Based on my Internet sleuthing, the term “Dark Ages” originated with early Renaissance scholar Petrarch, but it’s not a fair or accurate term. When I was in college, I thought about becoming a medievalist, it’s a fascinating period.
Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
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Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
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“It’s easy to make everything a conspiracy when you don’t know how anything works.” — Brandon L. Bradford
Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
I actually was studying medieval German literature for a year. But I decided there was no future in the Middle Ages.
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Is it biblical? Is it Christlike? Is it loving? Is it true? How can I find out?
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Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
On the other hand, those who don't study history ...Bootstrap wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 7:45 pmI actually was studying medieval German literature for a year. But I decided there was no future in the Middle Ages.
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I grew up around Indiana, You grew up around Galilee; And if I ever really do grow up, I wanna grow up to be just like You -- Rich Mullins
I am a Christian and my name is Pilgram; I'm on a journey, but I'm not alone -- NewSong, slightly edited
I am a Christian and my name is Pilgram; I'm on a journey, but I'm not alone -- NewSong, slightly edited
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Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
Unfortunately medieval studies is not a lucrative job field.ohio jones wrote: ↑Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:05 pmOn the other hand, those who don't study history ...
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“It’s easy to make everything a conspiracy when you don’t know how anything works.” — Brandon L. Bradford
Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
FWIW, I really liked this Audiobook, which my library has on Libby:
The Great Ideas of Philosophy, 2nd Edition
Daniel N. Robinson
It covers the broad sweep of the history of thought, including the Middle Ages, which it covers well. Very entertaining and interesting for people interested in these things. I like Audiobooks because I can listen to them while driving or stretching or doing chores.
FWIW, I do think Augustine had some good things to say that we Mennonites are not always receptive to because of his role as Constantine's apologist.
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Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
I think it applies to those who are born again throughout all of church history - at least I believe that is what Christ told us:MaxPC wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:08 pmNed, I certainly see the benefit of this view in promoting maturation in the spiritual walk. It definitely clears out the distractions, particularly in an election year. Was this view present in Anabaptism since the beginning or did it evolve into this perspective?NedFlanders wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:55 pm Mennonites believe in the gospel that Jesus preach - the gospel of the Kingdom of God. They aren’t lost in a salvation or a social justice gospel. Being citizens of the heavenly country Mennonites don’t join in an unequal yoke with kingdoms of this world and so have a drastically different view than Constantine and nearly all Protestants. I think it is that simple.
So, yeah, I believe Anabaptism had this view from its onset. I don’t think it formed because of persecution but it was strengthened and emphasized further through persecution.John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
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Psalms 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
I agree with that. I would also add:NedFlanders wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:55 pm Mennonites believe in the gospel that Jesus preach - the gospel of the Kingdom of God. They aren’t lost in a salvation or a social justice gospel. Being citizens of the heavenly country Mennonites don’t join in an unequal yoke with kingdoms of this world and so have a drastically different view than Constantine and nearly all Protestants. I think it is that simple.
1. There actually are more and more Protestants who are preaching the Kingdom of God as the core of the Gospel, and doing it well.
2. Not all Mennonites are doing a good job of holding onto this focus.
3. The Kingdom of God does involve justice, and it is social, it's just different from the social gospel we see in most liberal churches and in the world around us.
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Is it biblical? Is it Christlike? Is it loving? Is it true? How can I find out?
Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
I agree with all of this.Bootstrap wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:12 pmI agree with that. I would also add:NedFlanders wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:55 pm Mennonites believe in the gospel that Jesus preach - the gospel of the Kingdom of God. They aren’t lost in a salvation or a social justice gospel. Being citizens of the heavenly country Mennonites don’t join in an unequal yoke with kingdoms of this world and so have a drastically different view than Constantine and nearly all Protestants. I think it is that simple.
1. There actually are more and more Protestants who are preaching the Kingdom of God as the core of the Gospel, and doing it well.
2. Not all Mennonites are doing a good job of holding onto this focus.
3. The Kingdom of God does involve justice, and it is social, it's just different from the social gospel we see in most liberal churches and in the world around us.
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Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
You maybe right but I have never met one Protestant yet who is preaching the kingdom of God as the core of the Gospel.Bootstrap wrote: ↑Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:12 pmI agree with that. I would also add:NedFlanders wrote: ↑Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:55 pm Mennonites believe in the gospel that Jesus preach - the gospel of the Kingdom of God. They aren’t lost in a salvation or a social justice gospel. Being citizens of the heavenly country Mennonites don’t join in an unequal yoke with kingdoms of this world and so have a drastically different view than Constantine and nearly all Protestants. I think it is that simple.
1. There actually are more and more Protestants who are preaching the Kingdom of God as the core of the Gospel, and doing it well.
2. Not all Mennonites are doing a good job of holding onto this focus.
3. The Kingdom of God does involve justice, and it is social, it's just different from the social gospel we see in most liberal churches and in the world around us.
I agree with point 2.
And yes of course - God’s judgement ultimately means He will make all things right.
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Psalms 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
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Re: Why aren't Mennonites Constantinian?
Nor one who thinks that Christians should not involve themselves in civil government and not support the veterans and troops. There are probably a few here and there that are anomalies.NedFlanders wrote: ↑Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:22 pmYou maybe right but I have never met one Protestant yet who is preaching the kingdom of God as the core of the Gospel.
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The old woodcutter spoke again. “It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge?"