Carnality

[JWNEWMAN]

Carnality. We all know the obvious carnal sins, those of lust, violence, greed, etc. It seems one major sin goes very much unnoticed on Christian Forums. The sin of quarreling over differences. Scripture teaches if we quarrel, we are acting carnal not spiritual. Ironic that what fuels many of the long debates appears to be bitterness, and people attempting to one-up each other, isn't it?

So much mud slinging and character assassination going on. Is is right?


EDIT: corrected bickering: changed it to quarreling, other minor corrections also.

 

[Solidlyhere]

Yawn.

When a person STRONGLY believes that something is True, he generally does not want people to believe otherwise.

This Forum is set-up for people to express their beliefs.
Unfortunately, different people believe differently about the SAME Bible verses.

So, if you choose to call it: "The carnal sin of bickering over differences" that is your opinion.

Does this mean that you NEVER express your OWN opinion about what Bible passages mean?

If so, you're a better man than 99% of the World's population.

 

[JWNEWMAN]

Yawn.

When a person STRONGLY believes that something is True, he generally does not want people to believe otherwise.

This Forum is set-up for people to express their beliefs.
Unfortunately, different people believe differently about the SAME Bible verses.

So, if you choose to call it: "The carnal sin of bickering over differences" that is your opinion.

Does this mean that you NEVER express your OWN opinion about what Bible passages mean?

If so, you're a better man than 99% of the World's population.

No I'm very guilty of not only expressing my opinion but also blasting the other guy as hard as I can.

There's nothing wrong with debating but when we get insulting and rude I think we become a poor testimony. Many of these conversations could be very enlightening with regard to the subject matter but all to often they turn into a virtual war of words. Rather then brothers and sisters edifying one another and enhancing one another's understanding.

I'm not calling debating bickering. I'm calling being defensive and rude bickering and carnal. I've done it myself and feel convicted that it's a horrible sinful witness.

 

[CShephard53]

Carnality. We all know the obvious carnal sins, those of lust, violence, greed, etc. Yet is seems one major carnal sin goes very much unnoticed on Christian Forums. The carnal sin of bickering over differences. Scripture teaches if we bicker, we are acting carnal not spiritual. Ironic that what fuels many of the long debates appears to be bitterness, and people attempting to one-up each other, isn't it?

So much mud slinging and character assassination going on. Is is right?

Bickering assumes that that the issue does not matter to the Christian faith. Maybe you could make it clear to begin with that you mean the rudeness, not the debating over issues?

 

[JWNEWMAN]

Bickering assumes that that the issue does not matter to the Christian faith. Maybe you could make it clear to begin with that you mean the rudeness, not the debating over issues?

Yes, you are right bickering is not the correct word to use. Bickering does occur also, as side issues often result. But you are right, rudeness and insulting in the name of defending scripture or points of view is what I'm addressing.

 

[Apollo Celestio]

If you think you are right, why not defend your viewpoint? On a forum like this, it could mean one's salvation! (Or not...XD) I suppose resorting to personal attacks is the problem or condeming one to hell/denying that person is saved is the issue? Well, I suppose we should watch each other's backs so that we do not succumb to the heat of the arguements. Also, if we often get caught in this sin and notice it ourselves, perhaps we could abstain from these debates? (I use "we" as everyone on this forum..) Sorry if I don't make sense..

 

[JWNEWMAN]

If you think you are right, why not defend your viewpoint? On a forum like this, it could mean one's salvation! (Or not...XD) I suppose resorting to personal attacks is the problem or condeming one to hell/denying that person is saved is the issue? Well, I suppose we should watch each other's backs so that we do not succumb to the heat of the arguements. Also, if we often get caught in this sin and notice it ourselves, perhaps we could abstain from these debates? (I use "we" as everyone on this forum..) Sorry if I don't make sense..

Agreed! Like I stated earlier I'm not against debate. Often other peoples points of view greatly enhance my understanding; even people I disagree with regarding the whole of a matter. The point is the ugly talk as you mentioned. That is a very poor witness and wholly unnecessary.

Our conversation should be exemplary shouldn't it?

 

[TheOrthodoxOne]

Agreed! Like I stated earlier I'm not against debate. Often other peoples points of view greatly enhance my understanding; even people I disagree with regarding the whole of a matter. The point is the ugly talk as you mentioned. That is a very poor witness and wholly unnecessary.

Our conversation should be exemplary shouldn't it?

Many of the non-believers are greatly appalled at the way Christians treat one another. You are right, this is a serious issue. Important post. Thank you.

 

[Solidlyhere]

TheOrthodoxOne said: "Many of the non-believers are greatly appalled at the way Christians treat one another."

Yeah, but what does that have to do with the Christian Forums?
We are all Christians here.

So, if non-believers are upset, they will always be upset.
But, here on the Forum that shouldn't make any difference.

And, if non-believers don't like what Christians are doing, they must be REALLY upset at what other non-believers are doing.

 

[TheOrthodoxOne]

TheOrthodoxOne said: "Many of the non-believers are greatly appalled at the way Christians treat one another."

Yeah, but what does that have to do with the Christian Forums?
We are all Christians here.

So, if non-believers are upset, they will always be upset.
But, here on the Forum that shouldn't make any difference.

And, if non-believers don't like what Christians are doing, they must be REALLY upset at what other non-believers are doing.

You missed my point. First off, not everyone here is a Christian. Secondly, there is scripture where God says to the Jews: "My name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." Thirdly, they are upset because people who claim to be full of love are just as bad if not worse than themselves. Do you see why JWNewman was concerned?

 

[Solidlyhere]

TheOrthodoxOne (again) is confusing: "First off, not everyone here is a Christian."

This is a Christian-only Forum.
The non-Christians must use the "open" Forums.
Didn't you know that?


"Secondly, there is scripture where God says to the Jews: 'My name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.' "

What does this have to do with anything?
I don't understand what you are even trying to say.


"Thirdly, they are upset because people who claim to be full of love are just as bad if not worse than themselves."

So, which of the Forum members here are those ones who claim to be full of Love?
And, then, which of those FEW people here who actually claim to be full of Love are the ones who are "mis-behaving"?

 

[JWNEWMAN]

I have to tell you that, when I first starting posting and reading responses at CF I was offended at the way people dialog. I've struggled with it the whole time I've been here. When Christians get together and talk, it should be to the end that we edify one another. Nothing wrong with having passion for our belief's. Our passion should also be as strong in good-will towards our fellow man it should be highly demonstrated in our conversation.

 

[Chie]

You missed my point. First off, not everyone here is a Christian. Secondly, there is scripture where God says to the Jews: "My name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." Thirdly, they are upset because people who claim to be full of love are just as bad if not worse than themselves. Do you see why JWNewman was concerned?

great points!

 

[CShephard53]

TheOrthodoxOne said: "Many of the non-believers are greatly appalled at the way Christians treat one another."

Yeah, but what does that have to do with the Christian Forums?
We are all Christians here.

So, if non-believers are upset, they will always be upset.
But, here on the Forum that shouldn't make any difference.

And, if non-believers don't like what Christians are doing, they must be REALLY upset at what other non-believers are doing.

We're all Christians here? If we were before, we're not anymore. Have you been in Christian Apologetics, Debates on Homosexuality, or this forum lately?