teknomom

Good points, UMG. You’re right, the postmodern Christian is turned inward through teachings like contemplative prayer and other mystical, self-centering worldviews. This does make sense of the criticism = personal attack mentality. Although in Matt’s case I don’t think it’s as much a matter of mysticism as it is old-fashioned Pride. And I’ve met many like him. They have their own “private interpretation” and then wrench that verse out of context to use it as a weapon against anyone having a different interpretation.

And I do see this hierarchy view as leading right into the prophesied global religious system, since individuals are being stripped of their worth and told to bow to the concept of only allowing synods and official committees to declare doctrine for the masses.