tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336172740435891338.post5667007956348670621..comments2023-07-03T04:21:15.876-07:00Comments on Zero Degrees Calvin: Calvin on Church & State – Render unto Caesar…?Eleshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03764991021577652939noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336172740435891338.post-17568927043786799892016-05-03T15:50:37.972-07:002016-05-03T15:50:37.972-07:00You bring up a concerning topic, interpretation. A...You bring up a concerning topic, interpretation. Are we entering the Biblical World looking for validation of what we want? Or are our hearts and minds open?<br />Presbyterian Polity speaks of the freedom of Conscience, Calvin writes on this too, [3.19.4] what I see as the key here for Calvin and I would whole heartedly agree is first the emptying of our (for Calvin our soul) 'spirit'(for me our wants). Only with our hearts cleansed, is there clarity to read the freedom there in our hearts, our conscience. In this way we can, in my opinion be led by this newness of heart. This ideas is what Calvin has written, but let us not forget Calvin was just a man, fighting unknown 'evils' attempting to right the wrongs he saw in the Church... I do think he found what he was looking for to reinforce his own thoughts. In answer to your question: I pray we clear our minds and cleanse our hearts before we delve into Scripture and theological premises.. Calvin's work is no less important nor is it less reliable, it is what it is... a manuscript written by an articulate, knowledgeable man who, despite his frailities brings much to consider. I don't think we need to agree with his premises to make his premises reliable... they were to him at the time and the place in which he wrote them.Claire Brettellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03714718939189642214noreply@blogger.com