Something I don't get about apostates

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

And I can agree God inspires his leaders without agreeing with your definition of "continuing revelation". I don't agree that the pipeline is like a high grade uplink to a satellite feed. More like a telegraph, difficult to use but there when necessary.

Given my own past experiences with limited stewardships, I strongly differ with your characterization of leadership's revelatory connection with God.

There's no way that those entrusted with the entire church are getting 128-bit encrypted Morse code messages.

[Solon]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

A integral part of the Gospel is the concept of 'order in all things' and 'stewardship'.

Wishing for change in the church isn't necessarily in and of itself wrong, but publicly disagreement with the leadership is a violation these two tenets.

Furthmore, it's my opinion that public disagreement with the church is a screaming sign that a person doesn't possess a belief that the church is led by continuing revelation and that God will eventually right any wrongs within His church and in His own due time.

Sure. IMO, the problems seem to stem from the vague boundaries between church and secular authority. College professors are "authorities" in their fields. Church leaders are "authorities" on Sundays. Going out of your way to publicly criticize the church is just stupid. If you hate it so much, just leave. But, when professional endeavors (like writing history) brings one afoul of the authorities, I'm sympathetic to the professional. The mantle may be 'far greater than the intellect' in the religious sphere, but not in secular affairs.