04-28-2018, 08:02 AM
I don't mind novellas, since some of them are among my favorite books.
Here's the thing, Iain, there's nothing wrong with conscious divisions by themselves. It's how we organize things as a result of the fall, since not every one is given the same marching orders from God. Differing marching orders don't indicate malice but how we deal with the situatin we're left with after Eden. Unity sounds nice, but there's going to be a lot of unwanted, unforeseen baggage that comes along essentially forcing people to work together (also a result of the fall).
This doesn't' take into consideration how "well" the denomination is following their marching orders. Obviously, as you point out, anything based on Western philosophical assumptions aren't necessarily in the best place, but again...they can make the best with what they have. I can't say, case to case, unless I'm personally involved with the church.
Here's the thing, Iain, there's nothing wrong with conscious divisions by themselves. It's how we organize things as a result of the fall, since not every one is given the same marching orders from God. Differing marching orders don't indicate malice but how we deal with the situatin we're left with after Eden. Unity sounds nice, but there's going to be a lot of unwanted, unforeseen baggage that comes along essentially forcing people to work together (also a result of the fall).
This doesn't' take into consideration how "well" the denomination is following their marching orders. Obviously, as you point out, anything based on Western philosophical assumptions aren't necessarily in the best place, but again...they can make the best with what they have. I can't say, case to case, unless I'm personally involved with the church.