Facts Found~The Early Church and Standards~

[Sister Alvear]

I know my opinion is so different...than most people's opinion....however holiness is a way of life not a manner of dress. Now by saying that it does not mean I run around half dressed....those that know me know I am an old missionary and try to dress in a way that attention is not drawn to me but to my lovely Lord...However all the layers of clothes I could put on would never make me holy enough to crawl into His presence...

I have found out over the years you can dress up a devil....however if you can really get people converted ther desires and affections are on things above. A true christian is not out trying to have some lust party...

Origen once said: “Eventually, every form of worship will be destroyed except the religion of Christ, which alone will stand. In fact, it will one day triumph, for its teachings take hold of men's minds more and more each day.”

Holiness if that is the term we want to use is a 24/7 way of life...not a Sunday and Wednesday social gathering to show off our new clothes....


I think I willl run to the jungle....

[El Predicador]

Amazing, Polycarp was martyred in 155AD and this guy was his student.

By then the catholic church was on their ninth or tenth pope.

How quickly they left the old paths.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by El Predicador

Amazing, Polycarp was martyred in 155AD and this guy was his student.

By then the catholic church was on their ninth or tenth pope.

How quickly they left the old paths.

You're right, by the 2nd and 3rd Century, single-pastor leadership, and clergy/laity separation began. The titles "reverend" and ministers sitting on elevated platforms, worship services in decorated buildings... amazing how quickly we've departed from the old paths.

And who will you quote or cite with such an up-close historical narrative? Nah... you'll just continue to keep reading into the Text whatever pleases you

[houston]

Originally Posted by Socialite

You're right, by the 2nd and 3rd Century, single-pastor leadership, and clergy/laity separation began. The titles "reverend" and ministers sitting on elevated platforms, worship services in decorated buildings... amazing how quickly we've departed from the old paths.

And who will you quote or cite with such an up-close historical narrative? Nah... you'll just continue to keep reading into the Text whatever pleases you

[Socialite]

Initially, churches would have councils/synods with other cities, sending its elders there to discuss matters. One example of this is when Paul was accused by some in Jerusalem of spitting on the Law of Moses. Paul, along with others went to the other city to address the lies said about his teaching. It was not anti-Moses, it was pro-Jesus.

These councils began to shift towards the 2nd Century gaining traction as more formal meetings, until finally provincial bishops were established, who, for the first time, held authority over local churches. The councils and doctrinal discussion ensued until the group, posthumously known as the Church Fathers began their influence in resolving doctrinal disputes. The Catholic tradition began more formally in about 313 AD under Constantine -- it was later declared a state religion in 380. Some wonderfully and brilliant resolutions came out of those years, as well as some unfortunate digression as well. The controversial Nicene Creed (controversial to OP's) was brought together because of troublemakers coming against the church (Arianism). At the time, ironically, Arians were the perpetrators... later, as political power increased, anyone who opposed the Catholic Church was the victim, and the Church the perpetrator.

I'm not sure, culturally, much changed in the way of how Christians lived in their world -- and I'm quite sure there's not much to prove otherwise.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Just proves they lived according to culture they lived in. nothing surpising about that. Doesn't mean I can wear short shorts and a tank top

That is EXACLTY what I thought too.

[houston]

what's wrong with a tank-top?

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

That is EXACLTY what I thought too.

His premise wasn't shorts and tank tops (though I'm not sure what the problem is). As he articulated already in the post, he is rubbing the false perspectives about "in, not of" that many preach. They were a very integrated group not feeling it was their chief duty to declare war against their culture.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by houston

what's wrong with a tank-top?

Nothing in and by itself.

What's wrong with the intent of the person wearing that tank top?

God is the only Judge whose judgments have eternal consequences, but we can usually judge our brother's and sister's intent when wearing their tank tops by their behavior.

[houston]

I think people more than 20 lbs overweight per the bmi should be fined for wearing a tank top in public.