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I wonder if the hostility to Rome amongst many is due to their constant desire to define by what they are not and their desire to argue aboht anything other than the major flaws (or omissions) in their moral teachings.

That is certainly a possibility. As a Christian of the Reformed persuasion, I don't feel that I can adequately speak on their behalf, but I can only say what I've seen and heard in my limited experience, growing up in the South surrounded by Southern Baptists and Methodists (I've got relatives that are members of both denominations). I think a big part of it is about identity. Some of it could be drawing attention away from their own moral failings, but I doubt that plays much of a role since all Christians suffer from that mortal disease of sin and no denomination or individual is exempt from it.

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Specifically, the reluctance to condemn divorce, stiff arming any meaningful conversation on contraception/theology of the body, extreme deference/love of the nation of Israel, and perverse identification of faith within the founding and development of the American ideal (belief in America as divenly inspired/instituted).

I believe a lot of that is rooted firmly in the topic at hand right now: Sola Scriptura. I believe that much of Evangelical Protestantism has strayed from its Reformed roots and its focus on living and breathing the scriptures as their authority for faith and life--especially life, in this context.

Many Christians of all stripes use the Bible as a prostitute instead of a faithful wife or mother, going to them to fulfill some desire or craving and then moving on to something else rather than seeking to know them intimately in loving affection. Going to church or identifying as a Christian is more of a tradition or a need for identity in something bigger than themselves rather than an expression of their true identity in Christ.

I also believe the doctrines of grace as emphasized by the Reformers has been bastardized by many as an excuse to sin and live lives contrary to the image of Christ. "I'm not under law, but grace" is a commonly used expression, signifying an antinomian perspective towards God and His word. Instead of realizing that, by grace, we are free from sin unto righteousness, many believe that they can act as they please and that God will forgive them anyway. That isn't the attitude of someone truly resting in Christ's sacrifice and exhibiting thankfulness for it.

This post was edited on 6/25/21 at 12:02 am