Corrupting the Incorruptible

There's a theological schism within the catholic (small "c") church today. You see it in the denominational battles over homosexuality, abortion, etc. The battle is between the ecstatics (i.e., those who view Scripture in the light of culture, feeling, thought, etc.) and the orthodox (those who veiw culture, feeling, thought, etc. in the light of Scripture). The former views truth as relative to one's time and circumstances, the other views Truth as absolute and never changing.

Here is a comparison outlining the theological divisions between the two camps which, I think, illustrates how the ecstatic vision attempts to corrupt the incorruptible. Bottom line:

The ecstatic approach is ideal for denominational leaders seeking to maintain institutional harmony in the face of profound theological and moral divisions. It allows them to affirm a transcendent unity while affirming the contradictory beliefs and actions of their constituents. Such leaders may or may not have studied Schleiermacher, but their theology articulates the deepest values of our pluralistic culture—diversity, tolerance, and unity. Once these values assume theological expression and legitimacy, they function perfectly in the North American religious context.

But for the orthodox, it isn't feeling that brings life. It is a God who spoke his living words to them in Jesus Christ. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Mt. 24:35)