Thursday, April 20, 2006

Which is worse: believing something false or denying something true?

The New Testament, in its wisdom, doesn't advocate either stance.

"This last deception will be worse than the first." Matthew 27:63-65

"if Christ has not been raised [...] we are to be pitied more than all men." 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

"there will be scoffers" Jude 17-19

"Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish" Acts 13:38-41, citing Habakkuk 1:5


When a lie long believed is earnestly uncovered: disillusionment, betrayal. When a truth long denied is suddenly revealed: astonishment, guilt.
And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. Matthew 12:43-45
Luther comes down on the side of caution: "It is safer to reject them all [the authoritative sayings of the holy Church Fathers] rather than to admit that the Mass is a work and a sacrifice ..." *

Liturgy, the work of the people of God. How is the Mass our "work"?

Luther again, "worship has been considered a meritorious work, deserving God's grace and salvation. Faith has vanished." **

We argue, even amongst ourselves, about the Mass as a sacrifice. But do we think about the Mass as our work, an indulgence or even, less egregious, a work of faith? Hardly. Maybe Luther's reform on that point -- on our worship of God as a meritorious work -- was a success.

If you yourself view your acts of worship at Mass as "a meritorious work, deserving God's grace and salvation," please drop me a comment. I'm interested in knowing.

Myself, I prefer to err on the side of grace, faith and trust instead of skepticism, fear and denial. Hence, I'm apt to think that it is worse to deny something true. I am not likely to "play it safe" as Luther did.

References:

* The Eucharist: A True Sacrifice or a Denial of the Sufficiency of the Cross?

** Ceremonies in the Lutheran Church, Edward T. Horn

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