Monday, August 07, 2006
Transactional Christianity
I've been thinking about this alot.
The Orthodox say that those Protestants that believe in 'legal fiction'.
That Salvation is more than a transaction that occurs because of a 'sinner's prayer'.
But in thinking about being a Christian, and deciding which flavour of a Christian to be, I don't see anyone that doesn't believe in what I'm calling
Transactional Christianity.
Transaction Result
Say a prayer - you're saved
participate in the sacraments - You're saved
Say a prayer and live holy, - you're saved
obey the commandments etc.
Join the Church
& don't commit mortal sins
You get the picture. How did we end up with this transactional view of Christianity? I admit I've perhaps over simplified… and if so, how does one become/be a Christian without a Transaction?
Seraphim
The Orthodox say that those Protestants that believe in 'legal fiction'.
That Salvation is more than a transaction that occurs because of a 'sinner's prayer'.
But in thinking about being a Christian, and deciding which flavour of a Christian to be, I don't see anyone that doesn't believe in what I'm calling
Transactional Christianity.
Transaction Result
Say a prayer - you're saved
participate in the sacraments - You're saved
Say a prayer and live holy, - you're saved
obey the commandments etc.
Join the Church
& don't commit mortal sins
You get the picture. How did we end up with this transactional view of Christianity? I admit I've perhaps over simplified… and if so, how does one become/be a Christian without a Transaction?
Seraphim
