John Paul II's Blasphemy

[Wanderer]

No, I haven't, although I've heard bits of it. It is interesting, yes.

Keep in mind that the great apostasy spoken of by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2 was already in motion in the days of his ministry. The restraining power (v. 7) which was pagan Rome only had to be taken away. There were many errors that entered the church even in the days of the apostles, which Paul fought against, such as the Judaizers. The NT warns repeatedly that false teachers would arise in the midst of the true church. The so-called church fathers touted by Rome promoted many heresies. Therefore, one must be cautious with the so-called church fathers, or other extra-Biblical sources, as such writings are likely to depart from Scripture.

[Loki]

Keep in mind that the great apostasy spoken of by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2 was already in motion in the days of his ministry. The restraining power (v. 7) which was pagan Rome only had to be taken away. There were many errors that entered the church even in the days of the apostles, which Paul fought against, such as the Judaizers. The NT warns repeatedly that false teachers would arise in the midst of the true church. The so-called church fathers touted by Rome promoted many heresies. Therefore, one must be cautious with the so-called church fathers, or other extra-Biblical sources, as such writings are likely to depart from Scripture.

Absolutely! And, interestingly enough, many of the issues that plagued the early church, are still around in various incarnations... and we can use the Bible for help and reference on how to identify and deal with these matters. God has provided us with this invaluable resource, which is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Sadly, today many Christians do not value the apostles' writings enough, or think it's outdated. It isn't. It's very relevant, even today. Especially today...