Christianity--Church History/Protestantism????

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Expert: - 5/15/2011


Question
I am forced to conclude that the Protestant Faith is based on faulty and selective Biblical interpretation as well as erroneous reasoning. While Protestants can of course be good Christians, at its heart Protestantism is religious anarchy which will lead many devout souls to perdition. Jesus prayed that we may "all be one"(JN 17:21) and that there may be "one flock, one shepherd" (JN 10:16). I believe that He established a Church against which "the gates of Hell shall not prevail" (MT 16:18). I don't believe Jesus intended for Christianity to be an eternal debating club, which is the condition to which Sola Scriptura relegates our religion. How can one like your self, who very educated not see the faultiness is Protestantism? Thanks!








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Answer
Dear Shawn,
that is a great question.  As a matter of fact that is a question most should ask themselves. My wife and her mother were raised as Catholic parishioners and my wife continues to support her faith. One of my best friends is Fr. Frank Pravone.
Having said this, now I will try to explain my perspective a bit. I have studied the earliest days of Christianity a whole bunch.  I enjoy that time period because of its simplicity and purity. In the earliest years of the church many people met in homes - not synagogues or Churches.  The faith was simple and the assemblage of folks was equally as simple.  They met to praise God and Christ, to thank Gods for the salvation offered them through Christ's sacrifice.  Anyway, the simplicity is what touched my heart so deeply.  I don't profess more than to believe that Christ died for my sins and through faith I may have eternal life. Formal services and much ceremony have always bothered me.  I think that if we all practice the faith once delivered to the Apostles that denominationalism and other things that divide the body of Christ will become less important.  Whether Catholic or "Protestant" to me the real concern is eternal life and worship, praise, and loving fear of God.
Jesus said that God would that all would be saved, but that not all will be.  I tend to look at "religion" this way - that if we worship God in spirit and in truth that the label we give ourselves is of little importance. I know that many or maybe even all of the different "churches" claim to be the right church and all others wrong.  I think that is unfortunate. I don't admonish anyone of for their faith or their heart felt beliefs.  I cannot personally endorse any formal religion as the correct or only true faith.  If one believes the Bible and has unquestionable faith, then to me the person is a child of God and part of the body of Christ.  It is through Christ that we receive salvation.  I just deeply ache for those who don't believe anything, for those who don't believe in God and those who don't believe Christ has come and that Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, died for their sins.  
I just think that it is so much more important what we believe about true faith that any reference in this world we place on it.  I hope this helps at least a bit with your concern.
Thank you for giving me the chance to answer this,
Through Christ,
Dr Ley  

Christianity--Church History

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Dr Wesley B Ley Rose

Expertise

I can answer questions on: Biblical Studies, Biblical History, Church History, Early Christian History, Sociopolitical Background in the Early Church, Biblical Archeology, Biblical Theology, and some Greek

Experience

I did my field work in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan while on active duty in the US Air Force during the period between 1989 to 2000. I served as a Chaplain in five theaters of war and spanning well over a decade. This afforded me the opportunity to view digs, museums and Universities where i was blessed by the staff and many graduate students. I also viewed many original manuscripts, me Archeologists, Anthropologists, and benefited from the direct teachings of Rabbi's and many learned individuals. UI have personally written almost three hundred commentaries, Essays, Treatise, and Theses. I founded my own School on Early Christian History and recently began the process to offer courses in Biblical Archeology. I teach at the local community colleges, churches, and community centers. I have authored seven books and still continue research and study. I recently received my Doctorate in Early Christian History through Scripture Institute.

Organizations
Biblical Archeology Society, Paralyzed veterans of America, Habitat for Humanity, Christians with Disabilities, and many more Academic organization not to mention alumnus to many Universities throughout the world including the University of Cairo, University of Tel Aviv, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, King Fadd University, plus so many in the US and the pacific rim. many I just too a few courses, and some are honorary alumni status. Schools such as Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, University of Maryland, Appalachian State University, University of New Mexico, Empires State University, Clemson University, http://www.icjs.org/Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies, and almost a dozen others. I have been attending college since 1977.

Publications
http://scripturestudies.spruz.com/member/?g=68103DCA-9F60-4232-BB0A-CBD142486574; http://cwd.spruz.com/member/?g=8A3552CE-F43E-4867-BD5E-A9F772180B4C; http://moriyahswayministries.spruz.com/member/?g=7E81CAA1-F5D0-4D3A-B7DD-AA49CB4C0B89; http://office.untcilive.org/en/tuckerhall/mylatest.html; http://jesustheonlyway.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=3evycepnc6eel; http://lucian.uchicago.edu/workshops/earlychristianstudies; http://ley-academic.spruz.com/; www.lightofchristministry.webs.com; http://books.google.com/books?id=tYEYAAAAIAAJ&dq=related%3AISBN1576072630&source=gbs_slider_thumb; http://studiesinscripture.bravehost.com/index.html; http://firstfollowers.vision.org/first-followers/; http://www.libraryinthepalms.blogspot.com/; http://www.christisdeity.org/; http://www.cacbma.net/index.html; http://msbaptist.org/clients/msbaptist/index1.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No; http://www.icjs.org/; http://independent.academia.edu/drley, etc.

Education/Credentials
I currently Hold two Doctorates in Theology and Divinity. Additionally i hold two separate master's in Biblical History-Biblical Studies, and Early Christian Studies. I'm also enrolled in salt lake Bible College as a Master's seeking a Masters in Christianity through the First 500Yyears. I have three Associate degrees in Electronic Engineering, Teaching, and Biblical Archeology. i was a Communications Engineer and worked in that field along with my Chaplianship; I received a field ordination in Kuwait by the US ARMY, yes the US Army. It's a very long story. Essentially I served in both branches for over five years; officially on loan to the Army when needed.

Awards and Honors
Aside from Military Educational Awards and others, I have been entered into the National Archives, American Honor Society, Who's Who, and National Award of Academic Achievement, Distinguished Graduate Air Force Academy, Magna Cum in all of my Master's Degrees.

Past/Present Clients
I have been a ghost writer for several ministers/evangelists; Trinity International Christian Consultants, Christian Book Reviews, etc, etc

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