Some (thankfully, not all) Lutherans who have become Roman Catholic or Orthodox sneer at others as "Protestants," saying these folks should submit to the church (self-defined, of course).
The reality is that if Protestantism is partly defined by the act of choosing one's faith, one's church body, then virtually all Americans are Protestant. Even (maybe especially) those who become Orthodox or RC are protestant, in that they have decided (a very crucial word in American religious thought) that one church body is owed their adherence, and another one not.
I'm not criticizing folks who do this. I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, was not satisfied with it, and -- after some investigation -- joined an LCMS congregation at age 24. Now in middle age, I'm again dissatisfied (this time with the direction, practice, and theological innovations of the LCMS) and I'm transitioning out. But it's always a matter of choosing. I'm not sure how it can be otherwise.
Ironically, those least protestant -- for this part of the discussion -- are probably those who grow up in a church body, and remain there through their lives, and are buried in that tradition. Those of us who are converts often keep that conversion part of our faith on the back burner, and use it when needed.
Is there any way to get out of this circle? I appreciate the thoughts of those who finally come down to saying that we must stop "choosing," and enter into fellowship with the Church, but it still comes saying which "aspect" (no, I don't like the word, but I hope my meaning is clear) of the church we are to enter into.
Becoming Roman Catholic means choosing that communion, choosing to submit to papal authority, etc.
Become Orthodox means choosing that fellowship, choosing one's jurisdiction, even choosing whether one will be Eastern or Western rite.
Just because someone is uncomfortable with saying they've chosen doesn't mean they haven't chosen.
Again, is there a way out of this circular way of dealing with the faith?
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...Those of us who are converts often keep that conversion part of our faith on the back burner, and use it when needed.
Is there any way to get out of this circle? I appreciate the thoughts of those who finally come down to saying that we must stop "choosing," and enter into fellowship with the Church, but it still comes saying which "aspect" (no, I don't like the word, but I hope my meaning is clear) of the church we are to enter into.
Sure...converts choose. No way of getting around that. But when those on the other side of the Tiber or Bosphorous criticize Protestants for choosing...it is not for the act of choosing itself but for choosing against what either says is "the Church". Roman Catholics and the Orthodox are big into "choosing". Free will is fundamental in both. But submission to the teachings of the Church is just as fundamental.
Way out of the circle? Well, there has to be something you can hang your hat on, something concrete, something unshakable...some kind of indisputable authority and guide...and you go from there. Presupposing Christ as the foundation...some will say "the Church" is that something. Some will say "the Bible alone" is that something. Some may even say their particular denominational "confession" is that something. (I know I once tried to put the BoC in that role!)
I think we go round and round in the circle when we make bad choices. But also...sometimes I think we are guided by the Holy Spirit...the long way around...because He knows that's the way that will work.
BTW...you have written some interesting articles in the last few days. I hope you'll get some comments.
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