If the Christian is a restorationist, a legalist, if he wants everything clear and safe, then he will find nothing. Tradition and memory of the past must help us to have the courage to open up new areas to God.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Man wants to be reconciled to God; wants to know that the past is forgiven.
When we learn from experience, the scars of sin can lead us to restoration and a renewed intimacy with God.
I add, that those who are bent on restoring the whole church ought to be well instructed in the word, and to abstain from doing anything under the pretext of simplicity.
If a belief is not realized immediately in open deeds, it is stored up for the guidance of the future.
A good lawyer is a bad Christian.
When we use old confessions and catechisms, we help teach our people that their faith is an old faith, shared by millions over many centuries. We also help them realize that other Christians have asked the same questions.
If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament, he would be a criminal. If he would follow strictly the teachings of the New, he would be insane.
For Christians, faith is a precious good, the most valuable personal and social resource. When it is left untapped, the common good suffers - not just the particular interests of Christians.
The past was more Christian? At times perhaps, in others, though, no.
Christians are supposed not merely to endure change, nor even to profit by it, but to cause it.