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As I have begun to dive deeper into studying historic protestantism I can't help but be confirmed in my beliefs. I truly think that the protestant reformation that was initiated by Martin Luther in 1517 was necessary for the universal church. The Catholic church had become corrupt in many ways. Selling indulgences being the main one.
I believe it was right and godly for Martin Luther to do what he did. I think a common misunderstanding though is that Protestantism is a new developement, void of any historical making. Yet, it was the reformers who were crying to return to the sources. To return to the ancient church fathers. John Jewel, in his book An Apology Of the Church of England, describes it as a return not a departure. And that is what I truly believe.
Without too much more rambling, the reason I bring this up is because I have a friend who has recently switched from protestantism to roman catholicism. This was a shock to me, but I have grown to understand why people make the switch. Sadly though, I feel that the history between protestants and catholics is muddled with feuding and an inability to get along. I don't want that. I think I have a deep desire for the roman catholic church, and the protestant church, to possibly join back together. That's a loaded statement, but what I mean is that I want them to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
This is hard, because I believe their doctrine of justification is wrong, and that the way they view it is contrary to scripture. So it's even difficult for us to agree in some of the very basics of the christian faith.
Welp. I've rambled too long. Yeah, I guess I'm just currently struggling with how to approach relationships with catholics and how to remain peaceful and to TRULY seak after reconciliation without compromising the beliefs and convictions that I believe to be true in the protestant tradition.
I'm (also) reading through a collection of St. Basil's homilies in a book titled On Christian Doctrine and Practice. I'm currently working through his homily on envy, and, for lack of spectacular phrasing, it is very convicting. Basil points out that envy is a demonic vice. This vice greatly harms only one person; the person who is envious. Basil also points out that envy is the opposite of love. Love moves people to weep with those who weep and to have joy with the joyful. Whereas envy causes someone to be joyful when someone experiences trials and to weep when someone experiences prosperity.
This idea presented by Basil is very convicting because I can often find myself getting envious of other people. For example, when I see people who are great leaders I get envious because they are better than me. Same goes with people who are better at public speaking or interpreting scripture. And I have actually found myself weeping when they succeed and rejoicing when they fail. It is putrid and disgusting. The opposite of love.
This homily has shown me the true nature of envy and that it truly deserves to be titled amongst the seven deadly sins.