CLEAN – podcast 30, Purity & Transformation in Christian Theology

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/clean-podcast-30-purity-transformation-in-christian-history/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p><strong>Introduction</strong></p><ul><li>After our introductory lessons on purity and cleansing, we examined 24 case studies of cleansing, freedom, and new beginnings (for lepers, demoniacs, and the deceased).</li><li>In these final two lessons, let's pull together what we have learned, and take an honest (though brief) look at Christian History. Then (in the final talk) we will take in the biblical vision of purity in the next world -- in eternity.</li><li>Different branches of Christianity (broadly defined) emphasize different aspects of the salvation brought by Christ. Their views on the death and resurrection of Christ tell us a lot about their intent (or lack of intent) to be pure in heart.</li></ul><p><strong>Branches of Christianity</strong></p><ul><li>Catholicism<ul><li>Grace depends on the sacraments.</li><li>The blood of Christ somehow activates the sacraments.</li><li>This view emerged from the apostasy and compromise of the Middle Ages.</li></ul></li><li>Orthodoxy<ul><li>Participation in the divine nature is celebrated (as in 2 Pet 1:3-4), though seldom expected of the average member.</li><li>This view is in some ways more biblical than the western interpretations, yet as with the western churches (Catholic and Protestant), only the clergy -- priests and monastics -- are expected to live a godly life.</li></ul></li><li>Protestantism<ul><li>Grace is for those with the right theology.</li><li>We must believe that there is nothing we can do to be saved. (Originally) Protestants embraced "Once Saved, Always Saved." This explains their lack of missionary effort (in the Reformation period, 1500s onward) -- at least until the effects of Calvinism had started to wear off -- for example, among the Wesleyans, American Presbyterians and Baptists.</li><li>Protestants also taught that attempts to live righte