Two brothers together |
by Gina Dalfonzo |
Mike Timmis, chairman of Prison Fellowship, has written what you might call a spiritual autobiography (co-authored by Harold Fickett) titled Between Two Worlds: The Spiritual Journey of an Evangelical Catholic. Chuck Colson, who has provided the foreword for the book, sets the tone when he writes:
Nearly twenty years ago I began meeting for informal discussions with a group of evangelical and Catholic scholars led by Richard John Neuhaus. We'd been drawn together by what the great Baptist theologian Timothy George calls "ecumenism of the trenches," our common labors.
Over the years this group discovered that while there are many differences in our confessions and traditions (which are not to be minimized), there is much more that we hold in common -- the great tenets of the Christian faith. We issued some important papers, including one in the critical area that caused the Reformation called "Gift of Salvation," in which we reaffirmed our common belief in justification by faith alone, specifically what the Reformers called sola fide. On the Protestant side, we've also come to understand that our belief in Scripture alone does not undermine the importance of tradition. We have been learning from one another. We have confirmed the great positions taken in the creeds and learned what it is to call one another and treat one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. . . .
As you'll read in the pages that follow, it was because of my passion for this effort that Mike Timmis in 1991 joined me in the ministry of Prison Fellowship. Mike had never had any interest in prisons, but having been converted to a lively evangelical faith as a Roman Catholic, he was the man God called to stand with me -- two brothers together, evangelizing, defending the faith, and witnessing -- that we would reach across the great confessional divides together in Christ as we carried on the incredible ministry of Prison Fellowship.
As I read through the book, I'll be posting more on this subject, drawing on what Mr. Timmis himself has to say about it. Those of you who have shown interest in the topic are encouraged to pick up your own copy of this significant book and share your thoughts about it with us.
Concerning your artical, "Two brothers together".
You said, We issued some important papers, including one in the critical area that caused the Reformation called "Gift of Salvation," in which we reaffirmed our common belief in justification by faith alone, specifically what the Reformers called sola fide."
After studying this ect articl i found that the Catholics pulled the wool over your eyes and in no way did they agree to justification by Grace alone. When they say that the do, they mean it in a different way then an evangleical. you should have seen that unless you are not aware of that fact. The Catholics are up to the same old trick. Many Evangelicals are so ecumenical minded that it does not matter anymore what the Catholic church believes just to have unity. The Catholic church has not changed from the Council of Trent. They still believe as always except now most believe that there are many ways to God besides Jesus. All Muslims, etc will be saved if they do good works. You guyd better Your homework.
Bill
Posted by: Bill Scudder | April 14, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Bill, first of all, I didn't say any of what you're attributing to me. Chuck Colson did.
Second, although we welcome theological debates and critiques here, your tone toward Catholics here is unnecessarily personal and offensive. I almost didn't publish it, but then I thought perhaps one of our Catholic bloggers or commenters might want to respond to some of the charges you made. But if you post again on the subject, please modify your tone, or you'll be getting a warning.
Posted by: Gina Dalfonzo | April 15, 2008 at 11:11 AM