Originally posted by Susan
Yes, some of their followers are *good* people. But is that any excuse for the mess they have created otherwise:
Nonbelivers who consider Christianity too good for them or merely an "old woman's religion"?
Christians who fear everything and live lives of an ascetic moralism that would make Simeon Stylites (the monk who lived on top of a pole for 20 years) proud, while simultaneously being so repellant to everyone else, Christian or nonbeliever, that the only friends they have are people who don't differ from them at any point?
Backslidden Christians who tried to be "perfect" and "play by the rules" but never could reach the goal, gave up because it was too hard to even keep trying, and are now liberal or so burned out on the faith that they don't care anymore?
Susan,
I really do not mean to be offensive but we can apply that logic to everything that exists. Some people take it too far no matter what it is.
I can use this site as an example. There is one person in particular that no matter what I say they say the opposite. I rephrase it in a variety of ways and even when I've said I agree with them, they argue and contradict me. This person is not comprehending clearly what is being said. But in their own opinion, they have it all perfectly together. With that person I've given up even trying.
I'm sorry that the things you learned in school caused you to believe things that may or may not be true. It is never Godly to live in fear of judgement or fear of the enemy. I'm sure your teacher never intended you to feel those things as a result of their teaching.
God has given us all the tools we need to overcome wherever it is we need to overcome. We cannot go through life blaming others for the way we have chosen to feel. I choose the way I feel. Others may say something that triggers an emotion. But it's me who chooses to dwell on that emotion and become depressed and fearful.
I remember watching a movie once where the main character was an abusive mother. Somewhere during the course of that movie something in me was triggered and without warning I began to sob. It characterized quite well some of what I experienced during my childhood and teen years. But to boycott the TV station for that emotion being stirred up was not the answer. It showed me that God still had some work to do. And, I choose not to watch those types of films anymore. Maybe someday, but not today.
Also, coming from a penticostal upbringing gave me other hurdles to jump. Clinging to God and not blaming Him was what got me through. However as we mature, just getting through is not spiritual maturity.
As I became an adult God told me that "the time for blaming other peoples actions/teachings were over. I was to take responsibility for my own feelings/actions/teachings and walk humbly before Him. Only then, could He heal me. I no longer could act that way because . . .or think/feel that way because . . . We are unhealable as long as we hold on to that thinking. Our thoughts and ways need to become as His thoughts and ways. This takes a lifetime.
Yes, there "may" be teaching that's incorrect, but God tells us to pray for our fellow brothers and sisters. None of us have it all together. We're all just trying to convey the portion that God has allowed us to understand maybe a little bit more than another.
For me, the best way I have found to pray is "God, that teaching does not set well with me. Please, show me where I need to change in my thinking or show that person what needs to change." Perhaps they just need to word it differently. Perhaps I just need to hear it differently. Even Jesus did not make statements that made everybody happy. What He said though was the Truth. It was not His fault that the hearer did not hear it right.
All each of us can do is walk with God according to what we understand. Paul wrote in Phil 2:12 (Amplified) "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed my suggestions, so now, not only with the enthusiasm you would show in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out, (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
We are told to be gracious with one another (Colossians 3:12-17), we are told to think only good things about each other (Phil 4:8). Those are hard things to do but not impossible. It takes allowing God to change us. It's my understanding that we're all working towards that.
Anyway, I tend to be long winded.
God bless you,
add: knowing that differing people can be heavy-handed on particular subjects is good for knowing where not to steer someone. Such as, I would never steer a Catholic toward Chick Publications, etc. But I have steered people looking for good tracks there. I warn them upfront to read it before buying because of Chicks heavy hand but he none the less does have a couple of really good one's.
