On Sunday I watched the special episode of "17 Kids and Counting" in which Josh Duggar, eldest son of the Duggar family/tribe/nation?! marries his fiancee Anna. I thought it was great how the church community pulled together and provided food and decorations. It was simple homespun grub and the decor wasn't sophisticated but I appreciated the spirit of giving involved.
There was no liquor or dancing at this wedding. Fair enough. But when the father of the bride "interpreted" the Bible verse that was the basis for their teetotalling beliefs I was left shaking my head. He quoted the verses from the wedding at Cana - where Jesus turned the water into wine. But he said the word "wine" actually meant "grape juice." If that is not a stretch I don't know what is!
Years ago a friend at church was being harassed at work by fundamentalists. So she started researching all the points they had brought up, made up a binder full of her findings and went to see the pastor of that church. I can see him rubbing his hands in glee as he imagined catching another Catholic on his fishing line.
So my friend spoke with the pastor for some time, particularly about John 6. He actually told her "Oh we don't preach on the whole bible." Well then how can you believe in Sola Scriptura??!
Even Scott Hahn (someone who probably memorized the entire bible while he was a Protestant) has said he concentrated on his own favorite verses when he was a Presbyterian minister.
Being Catholic just makes so much more sense.
And best wishes to Josh and Anna and may the Lord bless them with many children!
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