I think that it is GOOD that anyone proposing to become or professing to BE a 'follower' be able to choose what it is that they FOLLOW. The Bible isn't capable of being properly discerned by ALL. This 'place' in the forum allows discussion of topics that ARE controversial.
The idea that someone can learn ALL in a 'church' is perpetuated BY 'churches'. Certainly not what I would suggest as the LEARNING place of ALL truth. For there are many 'churches' that follow just about anything BUT the 'truth'. They often follow the teachings of MEN that have little to do with the truth defined within God's Word.
Yes, there are some STRANGE and unusual beliefs often discussed here. But that is to the BENEFIT of those seeking the TRUTH. And it also allows those already following in truth to recognize much that IS false.
My beliefs are SO 'unorthodox' that I couldn't discuss issues in any other 'room' of the forum. And it is MY belief that those that enter this 'room' are very much aware that it IS an UNORTHODOX 'room'.
If I were to warn anyone about discussing issues concerning the TRUTH I would warn to beware of what many consider to be ORTHODOX beliefs. For when one studies the HISTORY of the 'orthodox' churches and their dogma and doctrine, one finds that it is often MORE 'man made' than something 'out of the Bible'.
Straight is the gate and narrow the way that leadeth unto life and FEW there be that FIND it. Mark these words you'll learn that the MAJORITY has ALWAYS been WRONG. When decisions have been left up to 'the people', they have ALWAYS chosen the WRONG path. Thus the meaning of the word FEW.
Every time God has chosen to destroy people, the righteous were 'saved' and the unrighteous were destroyed. It will be NO different in the END. That is a prime indication that if God does NOT 'cut the days short', even His very elect would be LED ASTRAY. And I can assure you, there are NOT MANY of His VERY ELECT. That means that when it's time for God to destroy this earth, this earth will have become almost COMPLETELY corrupt. That INCLUDES the 'churches'.
Blessings,
MEC