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Academy Resources Glossary of Philosophical Terms Timeline of Philosophy A Timeline of American Philosophy Diagram: Development of Philosophic Thought Diagram: Divisions of Philosophy The Philosophy Resource Center The Religion Resource Center Books about Philosophy in The Radical Academy Bookstore Books about Religion in The Radical Academy Bookstore Click Here for New & Used College Textbooks at Discount Prices Click Here for College Education Information & Study Resources Shop Amazon Stores in the Radical Academy Bookstore Magazine Outlet Music Store Classical Music Store Video Store DVD Store Computer Store Camera & Photo Store Computer/Video Games Software Store Musical Instruments Outlet Store Cellular Phones Toys & Games Tools & Hardware Automotive Store Outdoor Living Consumer Electronics Home & Garden Kitchen & Housewares Baby Superstore Apparel & Accessories Gourmet Food Grocery Store Sporting Goods Jewelry & Watches Health & Personal Care Beauty Store		Church and Heresy by Leo Tolstoy   In the Gospels the word "Church" is used twice. Once in the sense of an assembly of men to settle a dispute, and again in connection with the obscure utterance about the rock, Peter and the gates of hell. From these two mentions of the word "Church" (means merely an assembly) what is now meant by the word "Church" has been deduced. But Christ could certainly not have established the Church, that is, the institution we now call by that name, for nothing resembling our present conception of the Church -- with its sacraments, its hierarchy, and especially its claim to infallibility -- is to be found either in Christ's words or in the conception of the men of his time. The fact that people called an institution established later by a name Christ had used to designate something quite different, in no way gives them the right to assert that Jesus founded "the one true Church." Besides, had Christ really founded such an institution as the Church for the basis of our entire faith and doctrine, he would probably have announced this institution clearly and definitely ... and would have given this one true Church unmistakable tokens of genuineness. ... The conception of one holy Church only arose from the quarrels and strife of two parties, each of which, denouncing the other as a heresy, claimed to be the one infallible Church. ... Heresy is the obverse side of the Church. Wherever the Church exists, there must be the conception of heresy. A Church is a body of men who assert that they are the possessors of infallible truth. Heresy is the opinion of people who do not admit the indubitability of the Church's truth. ... Whatever stage of comprehension and perfection a follower of Christ may reach, he always feels the inadequacy of his conception and of his fulfillment of Christ's teaching, and always strives towards an increase of both. Therefore a claim by any individual or society to be in possession of a perfect understanding and a complete fulfillment of Christ's teaching is to renounce the spirit of Christ's teaching.   Excerpted from The Kingdom of God is Within You, by Leo Tolstoy The Kingdom of God Is Within You, by Leo Tolstoy War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy Enrich Your Life With a Philosophy Book... Enrich Your Life With a Philosophy Magazine... Academy Showcase Specials     Introduction & Directory
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