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Originally Posted by SuchFriendsAreDangerous
Abelard is a gem of Western Theology..
Luther and Calvin are precisely the problem with Western Theology, they replaced mysticism with academic intellectualism. The Spirit is not found in the Mind, just as you don't judge the feeling of music with the intellect, as we in Rastafari say, "Who feels it knows it"
John Chrysostum is some remarkably spiritual material, like much of the early Church Fathers writings, it is far to spiritual and mystical to be understood on academic or intellectual terms. It is almost a kind of guided meditation, meant to be experienced far more than understood. That was entirely my point above, about the difference between Western intellectual theology and Eastern (be it Near East Christianity/Islam or Far East Hindu/Buddhist/Shinto) spiritual theology, one is meant to be understood like an algebra equation, and the other is meant to be experienced like music or wine. You can talk all you like about wine, but its real joy is in drinking the glass...
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But, the only problem with feelings it that THEY lie. It's easy to make someone feel just about anything, even when coming from someone who may not be sincere. Consider con artists...they make rich women feel love and others loan them money, sometimes offering what feels to be a legitimate feeling of trust. The church, ANY church, is certainly capable of doing the same thing (and I'm not saying they all aim to do this...by any means).
To quote myself:
"As soon an ya trust too much, expect to much, you've already failed".
This isn't to say I don't trust anyone, I just refuse to put all my trust into one person, or better yet, one idea.