Hey, great blog. Thanks for posting the Noll stuff. I really appreciate him as a historian. Coming from a Reformed Baptist perspective, I do have disagreements with his opinions, but when he recounts pure history he's awesome.
I think I can see what he is saying about the Orcs/Elves Ents/Hobbits in a way. More so because western Catholicism has modernised itself, while western evangelicalism has dumbed itself down. The Roman Catholics have more of a western appeal in terms of their willingness to adopt modernist principles, hold to tradition and absorb the society around themselves. Many evangelical Christians don't know their history, don't care about theology, and only think of God as loving (neglecting His other attributes of justice, anger, wrath). It makes forging a working relationship easier.
Historically and doctrinally, the two should always remain apart. Roman Catholicism still believes that redemption is accomplished by a synergistic relationship of works and grace, while evangelicalism still believes that redemption is all of grace. One or the other has to change their view on this for their to be an honest coming together over the issues that divide.
An excellent review of Noll's new book is by an historian who would consider himself friends with Noll, named Carl Trueman. You can find it here: http://reformation21.com/Past_Is...bId=1466& pm=281
This is an excellent review by a great historian in the Reformed tradition.
I'd love to hear what you think!

Have a great day.
Ian Clary | Homepage | 01.13.06 - 6:30 am | #