Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
I agree that there are very few Christians who believe it all literally. Some who believe James literally have followed its instructions (the elders will anoint with oil and pray) and kept the faith until their child died. Er, until their child received their healing in heaven.
Sad.
|
Ya, that's a good one too. The overall tone and context of James' instructions is not "Use common sense after you pray and see a doctor too!" But that's what even (most) fundamentalists are forced to default to teaching. A few think they solve the problem by quoting Jesus who said "They that are sick need a physician." But that's digging desperately because Jesus was addressing spiritual healing, not physical, in that case.
But let's go with that anyhow, and compare, contrast three opinions about restoring health.
Jesus: "You need a physician."
James: "Pray and anoint."
Paul: "Drink some wine, Timothy!"
Protestant reformer Martin Luther wrote that the book of James is a pantload of hooey and has no business being included in the bible! (my paraphrase.)
Yet the Holy Spirit leads his children into all Truth, right?
