Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 50, No. 44              SOUTHSIDE ORACLE                January 11, 2008 Authentic Christianity (2)

Any institution must have something against which to compare it to authenticate its legitimacy. The United States has a constitution that measures the validity of its laws. Moslems tell us that their sacred book, the Quran, reveals the true Moslem faith. Likewise, if we seek to discover the true Christian faith we must find such a standard.

 The Catholic Church affirms that the basis of authentic Christianity is found in the church as it is guided by the Pope. This contention should not be lightly dismissed by non-Catholics. The theory is that Jesus gave Peter a primacy over the other apostles in authority and jurisdiction, making him their guide, teacher, and ruler. (See Matthew 16:18,19). This prerogative was not personal, but was transmitted to his successors. Peter became the bishop of Rome and those who followed him in that capacity continued to have his spiritual authority. The measure of true Christianity is found in the church under the guidance of the Pope who is the spokesman of Christ. True Christianity is defined by the Scriptures, apostolic tradition, the decrees of councils, and the pronouncements of the Pope when he speaks ex cathedra for Christ.

 Given the pre-suppositions regarding Peter, I would have to be a Catholic. However, several of them are open to challenge. Many of us would question that Jesus gave Peter a primacy over the other apostles. Should one grant that Peter was bishop of Rome, which is questionable, there is nothing in the Bible to suggest that Jesus gave a primacy to Peter's successors. Historically, this theory was not recognized in the early church for several centuries. If the foundation of the theory is incorrect, the whole structure built on these conclusions must fall.

 I submit that the theory of authority being vested in the church can be tested in another manner. The only way to determine the nature of the religion of the first Christians is by examining the New Testament which tells us the story of Jesus, conveys his teachings, and relates how his directions were carried out by the inspired apostles. If we take the twenty-seven books and compare them with contemporary Catholicism, we find that many teachings at the heart of the Catholic faith are absent from the Scriptures - the worship of Mary, purgatory, the Sacrifice of the Mass, the invocation of the saints, etc. These are departures from the original teachings of the early Christian faith. If the teachings of Jesus and his apostles represent authentic Christianity, how can a faith that is so different in so many ways also be authentic? This was the problem that prompted reformers like Luther and Calvin to begin the 1st century Protestant Reformation, We will look at some of their answers next as we search for authentic Christianity.                                                                          Monroe Hawley 

 The Bulletin Board

 The Christian Workers' Meeting will be Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Daryl Miller will give an exegetical study of Romans 12 and Ray Patton will present a "Theological Understanding of the Church." All are invited.

 Our new Sunday morning Adult Bible Classes began last Sunday. They are: "In the Image of Christ", a ladies class taught by Glynda Giemza in the fellowship room; "Isaiah," Jeff Hill, teacher, in the auditorium; and "Romans," Wayne Alexander, teacher, in the large basement room.

 Praise and Palate will be Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Bring soup and sandwiches for the Palate part.

 The York College Concert Choir gave an inspirational performance last Saturday night. The choir stayed overnight with us in the homes of members. Their presence increased our attendance Sunday morning. Our thanks to all who helped provide housing, food, and transportation for the choir members.

 Southside Blood Drive - Sarah Borges is in charge of a blood drive at Southside on January 19t^h  It will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you can contribute blood, come to the church building during those hours. To make an appointment or for further information, contact Sarah at (414) 243-1122.

(*) first service, 143, second service, 146

 The Sick - Ann Tevik was scheduled for a knee replacement at Elmbrook Hospital on Wednesday

 Mark Your Calendar for a seminar on Sunday, January 20^th with Wayne Hawley of Oshkosh as the speaker. It will be entitled "Partners In the Gospel" and will deal with relationships between preachers and congregations based on the Book of Philippians. Wayne will speak at the 10:00 a.m. Bible class hour and at 1:00 p.m. He is an elder at the Oakhaven Church in Oshkosh and son of Monroe and Julia Hawley. 

Calendar of Events

January 13 - Praise and Palate, 6:00 p.m.

January 15 -- Christian Workers' Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

January 19 - Southside Blood Drive, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

January 20 - Partners In the Gospel seminar with Wayne Hawley

January 25-27 - Spirit Fest, Duluth, MN, for youth

February 16 - Camp auction and dinner for Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp

February 24 - Southside area-wide men's breakfast, 9:00 a.m.

March 2 - 50^th  anniversary of the Southside Church

March 28 - 30 - Southside youth rally

July 11, 12 - 50'^h anniversary celebration and reunion of Southside Church

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