Prodigal Son Distorted by FB Pastor

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Socialite

This sort of arrogance is what gets me about Pentecostal Cons. As if they ideas that inform them about a parable are purely objective, and the light of Glory descended into their reading to reveal to them the meaning of the parable. They are above exegesis. Above the nuances of cultural ramifications in the story. Above identifying the audience and overall trajectory of the stories. Above attempting to gain authorial understanding of what Luke is conveying through the words of Jesus.

Sister, the Bible is its own best interpreter.

Real arrogance is thinking that the words of some trinitarian commentator trump the clear statements of the Word itself.

The Scripture was written for God's people to read, prayerfully and with their hearts open to the Holy Spirit.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Trying to paint the elder brother as lost requires that we add to the Scripture.

He needed some compassion, for sure.

But the inheritance was his. He was a true, fully vested son. Nothing lost about him.

This coming from a person who probably agrees that we are judged by our own record?

Is pride and self-righteous sin or not?

It doesn't require adding to the text --- or to the story. The theme of the parables is lostness. The characters all display a type of lostness. The very real, surface, primary meaning reveals the Pharisees in the Elder Brother. We know what Jesus thought of their fate, if they did not turn their hearts toward him! At the least, I'd say the verdict is left out on the elder brother?

Fully vested inheritance? Hmmmm... You are starting to sound like an elder brother with comments like that

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Socialite

This sort of arrogance is what gets me about Pentecostal Cons. As if they ideas that inform them about a parable are purely objective, and the light of Glory descended into their reading to reveal to them the meaning of the parable. They are above exegesis. Above the nuances of cultural ramifications in the story. Above identifying the audience and overall trajectory of the stories. Above attempting to gain authorial understanding of what Luke is conveying through the words of Jesus.

Luke recorded the words of Jesus.

He wasn't "conveying" some authorial viewpoint.

God is the author.

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Socialite

This coming from a person who probably agrees that we are judged by our own record?

Is pride and self-righteous sin or not?

It doesn't require adding to the text --- or to the story. The theme of the parables is lostness. The characters all display a type of lostness. The very real, surface, primary meaning reveals the Pharisees in the Elder Brother. We know what Jesus thought of their fate, if they did not turn their hearts toward him! At the least, I'd say the verdict is left out on the elder brother?

Fully vested inheritance? Hmmmm... You are starting to sound like an elder brother with comments like that

The Father gave the verdict on the elder brother. "All that I have is thine."

That is pretty conclusive.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Sister, the Bible is its own best interpreter.

Real arrogance is thinking that the words of some trinitarian commentator trump the clear statements of the Word itself.

The Scripture was written for God's people to read, prayerfully and with their hearts open to the Holy Spirit.

When you say "clear scripture" you confuse yourself for being an objective, and able Bible reader. This is a document 2,000 years old. The story reflects some very real cultural differences that shape the intensity of this story -- so much so, that it greatly irritated the Pharisees.

It is arrogant to ignore that, mock them as Trinitarians (even as you read your Trinitarian-interpreted KJV), and assume the Holy Spirit is all you need to rightly handle the Word of God.

Come down on that high place, and deal with the Text. It's a story. I've never said any commentator trumps the story. However, many trinitarians have offered insight into this story that has not been considered by many.

The picture of Jesus hanging with sinners and Pharisees observing, colliding with a story of Grace being offered to sinners, while a jealous and self-righteous elder brother points to his own record of earning, seems a little too ironic to me

[Coonskinner]

And by the way, I was a prodigal who came home.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

The Father gave the verdict on the elder brother. "All that I have is thine."

That is pretty conclusive.

Easy as a pair of overalls, isn't it?

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Socialite

When you say "clear scripture" you confuse yourself for being an objective, and able Bible reader. This is a document 2,000 years old. The story reflects some very real cultural differences that shape the intensity of this story -- so much so, that it greatly irritated the Pharisees.

It is arrogant to ignore that, mock them as Trinitarians (even as you read your Trinitarian-interpreted KJV), and assume the Holy Spirit is all you need to rightly handle the Word of God.

Come down on that high place, and deal with the Text. It's a story. I've never said any commentator trumps the story. However, many trinitarians have offered insight into this story that has not been considered by many.

The picture of Jesus hanging with sinners and Pharisees observing, colliding with a story of Grace being offered to sinners, while a jealous and self-righteous elder brother points to his own record of earning, seems a little too ironic to me

Sis, I think we may as well agree to disagree.

Your superior intellect and hermeneutical excellence are beyond my scope.

I'd hate for some gullible lurker to confuse me with an "able Bible reader."

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

The Father gave the verdict on the elder brother. "All that I have is thine."

That is pretty conclusive.

Conclusive? lol You are pretty worked up about defending the elder brother's reputation in this story

'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

This is the same approach he gave to the younger brother. The olive branch of grace is poured out and extended just the same. Jesus loves the elder brother just like the younger brother. The younger brother is received and stays in the fold. The verdict remains out to how the elder brother will respond to the invitation of grace.

The elder brother's refusal to come to the party, and even refuse the father's invitation is a disrespect of epic proportions. The Father reminds him, he doesn't need his record to point to, he's had access to the Father's house all along. It's always been yours! You have always been right here. Instead, the elder brother, bitter, angry and self-righteous fades out without an ending...

[Socialite]

I guess self-righteousness is no longer a sin