Accepting Outsiders

[Schism]

While I myself am a Christian I have noticed increasingly the amount of hate and disrespect on this forum for outsiders and especially to those who are not Christian. This is no surprise to most people here, and some justify it as that they are defending their views or "telling things as they are." The other part of the problem is that often the few that are deep into their faith and follow the teachings without question or thinking of others often denounce those who are not so deep into faith. Therefore I ask;

What good can come of striking down fellow Christians for any reason?

How can you help a man by telling him he is wrong and his views worthless?

These are attacking the person and often keeps people away from the religion. People want to be part of things they idolize and respect. All individuals make friends with people they trust and feel comfortable with--and telling a person that they are a bad Christian or that they are stupid for believing something else or questioning life--that is erroneous in approach.

Throughout the modern confirmation process the individuals are taught to question and think differently than the church. It is encouraged to find answers-know what it means to be a good person-and realize that there are varieties of people who view things differently but are still good people.

In short I urge all to accept newcomers and those who do not believe as you do. Stray from attacking and center on being friendly or helpful and at lesat staying on topic. Giving personal feelings that don't necessarily pertain to the topic are pointless. These are forums--prepare to be open to new ideas.

Nearly all arguments are opinion, and you can only prove a fact.

 

[katherinethegreat]

good idea schism but lets see how many christians who preach "tolerance" will act on that principle....

 

[Mr. Fields]

Good points. I'll add that newcomers (I'm pretty new to this forum, but not forums in general) should also refrain from making personal attacks on individuals the minute they step foot into a forum. Read, get to know people, engage in discussion... I'm on several forums and see newbies who waltz in and immediately attempt to destroy people based on a single post or thread - good, respected people at that.

I'm guilty of this at times myself, though I try very hard not to. Certain posting styles or personalities tend to get me worked up and I have to be careful.

 

[The-Doctor]

Good points all for did not Jesus walk with sinners and outcasts?

I am all for engaging in debates and discussions but everyone is entitled to their own oppinions whether you agree or disagree...there is no point in discussing something and asking for views if you are going to just put down any view that you disagree with.

Peace and love all

 

[Lyle]

While I myself am a Christian I have noticed increasingly the amount of hate and disrespect on this forum for outsiders and especially to those who are not Christian. This is no surprise to most people here, and some justify it as that they are defending their views or "telling things as they are." The other part of the problem is that often the few that are deep into their faith and follow the teachings without question or thinking of others often denounce those who are not so deep into faith. Therefore I ask;

What good can come of striking down fellow Christians for any reason?

Errr, your question does not follow suit with the statement before it.. I thought you were talking about non-Christians? Not fellow Christians....

How can you help a man by telling him he is wrong and his views worthless?

This is where so many fail the basic 101 in Apologetics... There is a difference between refuting and brushing off... I have seen several come to Christ because I have disproven their claims...


But I want to ask you.. Define tolerance for me

 

[wayfaring man]

If we fail to honor the " Golden Rule " no other observation or sacrifice will compensate : for being considerate to one another is the central theme and core principle of God's Heavenly Kingdom .

In other matters which are far more open to debate the truth is often held in a balance . That is to say , consider both extremes of an issue , without giving added weight to either ; then let the Holy Spirit lead you through each individual situation - rather than attempting to come up with a " one size fits all formula " , for what to do , or not do : That is to say , that some times being all warm and fuzzy isn't a good idea ... But then again , treating folks with hostility is hardly justified in most situations either .

And personally , I find that assigning Distintive Titles to ourselves ( i.e. Christian , Jew , Muslim , Catholic , Baptist , Mormon , etc. , etc. ) serves to fuel the " outsider " mentality ; which is why I normally choose to refer to myself as a " human being ", and consider that God is - The I Am ; and we are the " becoming " - at best !

Please note : " ...The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch " <---> from Acts 11:26

" They were called " . Not : they called themselves .

" For not he that commendeth himself is approved , but whom the Lord commendeth . " <-----> 2nd Corinthians 10:18

It's not what we call ourselves that matters , but what The Lord declares us as being !

Let us , when necessary , disagree , agreeably ; and contend for the faith in a non - contentious manner .

As we would others would do unto us .

wm