Download Category: The Church

WHEN the author engaged in this disquisition, it was not with the remotest idea of writing a book on the subject. His sole design was to collect a few materials, to be afterwards thrown together, so as to form an article in a literary work, to which he had promised to contribute. But,
from the contradictory assertions of learned and able. writers, concerning the Culdees from the
variety of topics regarding their history or character, which demanded particular attention ; and
from the indispensable necessity, in an inquiry of this kind, of producing original authorities; he
soon found, that it was in vain to think of giving any tolerable account of this celebrated society
within the usual limits of an essay. Various difficulties have occurred, indeed, in the progress of this investigation. But, in consequence of perse­vering in it, he has had the satisfaction of meet­ing with facts, which seem to have been formerly overlooked ; and he flatters himself that he has been able to set some others in a new light.

The Roman Catholic Church does not appreciate Strossmayer’s Speech at Vatican I in 1870, when papal infallibility was made official dogma. In fact, there are Roman Catholic authorities and some apologists who deny its authenticity. Why? Because it undermines the primacy of Peter which is the foundation rock of the Papacy.
For Roman Catholics who question the genuineness of the following message by Roman Catholic Strossmayer, there is grave need to consider the following information:
The Catholic Encyclopaedia (©1913 Vol. XIV p. 316) gives an account of Bishop Josip Strossmayer (1815-1905) at the Vatican I Council of 1870, from which we quote: “At the Vatican Council he was one of the most notable opponents of papal infallibility, and distinguished himself as a speaker. The pope praised Strossmayer’s ‘remarkably good Latin.’ A speech in which he defended Protestantism made a great sensation… After the Council Strossmayer maintained his opposition longer than all the other bishops and kept up a connection with Johann J. Ignaz von Dollinger” the greatest Roman Catholic historian in Germany. His books commanded universal respect. This was “until October 1871. Then he notified von Dollinger and Reinkens that he intended to yield ‘at least outwardly.'”

Once upon a time, the media was very good at presenting factual news. However, in the 21st century that has all changed as the media has become a tool for propaganda and indoctrination which is seen in almost every area of life, ranging from the advertising of questionable products, to even more questionable matters of education. The art of persuasion has replaced the simple virtues of truth, the media has fallen into the wrong hands, and is being used as the tool to drive our nation ever farther down the wide pathway of destruction. Politicians on the whole cannot differentiate truth from error, anymore than can many of today’s Church leaders

I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you quickly: but in case I am delayed, you will know how you should conduct yourself in the house (domain) of God, which is the ecclesia of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

The ecclesia of the living God IS the pillar and ground of the truth! That makes it pretty important. If we can define “ecclesia,” we will have identified “the pillar and ground of the truth.” Few endeavours are as important and rewarding as this.

But, defining words is the crucial factor that many people never consider. Some purposely ignore it. Because of this, millions of people have missed the true meaning of the “ecclesia.” And, because they have missed this meaning, they now find themselves unwittingly in support of an institution the early Christians despised.