Sunday, April 24, 2005
Colorado Senator Getting Into Theology
And of course there are good reasons for those comments, but let's let Rev. Mohler speak for himself.
In March of 2000, Dr. Mohler said, 'I believe that the Roman church is a false church and it teaches a false gospel. And indeed, I believe that the pope himself holds a false and unbiblical office.'"
Salazar called on Dobson to "repudiate" Mohler's comments and to distance himself from those who "serve to divide the world's Christian churches against one another." At a news conference Salazar also called Focus on the Family's tactics "un-Christian." Focus has run advertisements pressuring senators -- including Salazar -- to stop filibustering nominees.
And of course there are good reasons for those comments, but let's let Rev. Mohler speak for himself.
"It certainly shouldn’t come as a surprise that Protestants and Catholics have significant theological differences that date back to the Reformation," Dobson said. "However, it should also be clear that Focus has expressed deep appreciation to the Catholic church for its unwavering defense of the sanctity of human life, the institution of traditional marriage, and other fundamental moral issues, and that we will continue to do so. That hardly qualifies us as 'an un-Christian movement' that would 'defend immorality,' as you alleged in your news conference."
In a statement April 22 Mohler said his views mirror the facts of church history. Mohler serves as president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
"My statements reflect nothing more than classic evangelical theology," Mohler said. "Anyone who is shocked that evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics disagree on fundamental theological doctrines is simply unaware of four centuries-plus of church history. I can’t really believe that Senator Salazar is completely ignorant of the fact that evangelicals and Roman Catholics hold such disagreements.
"Not only do evangelicals hold concerns about the Roman Catholic Church, but the Roman Catholic Church, even in writings by the newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, make the same point clear from the other side."
Mohler added that he and millions of other evangelicals agree with the Catholic Church on issues such as abortion, euthanasia and the integrity of marriage.
