What do you expect when a lot of people on this site aren't even Christians to begin with?
As to whether or not a certain person is or is not a Christian, is not my call. I have to accept them as is until proven otherwise. If I catch them posting contrary to my Baptist beliefs, and what I accept as true according to the Nicene Creed, then I will call them out and report them for it. But I can't confront them toe to toe. What was the lesson Jesus taught here:
"And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said,
Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part." -Mk. 9:38-40
Just because one does not follow after Baptist doctrine and beliefs, does not mean they are not a follower of Jesus Christ.
BigChrisfilm said:
The only way THIS is ever going to stop, is for you guys to get over your, we don't want to offend anybody phobia.
What most people don't seem to understand, is that whether or not you personally disagree with the Catholics, or the Eastern Orthodox, or the Lutherns, or the Methodists, or which ever group you choose to name, if they confess in a Savior who was manifest in the flesh, died for our sins and arose on the third day, then they are a Christian. I may disagree with the doctrines that these groups teach, but I must respect them none the less. For they honestly and truly believe their doctrinal teachings just as much as we do ours. I can post scripture to support my argument against any sort of doctrinal teaching. I can say here is what I believe based on this. And if it isn't believed or accpeted, then I can agree to disagree with whomever. Now let me ask you a question, how many Christians do you think you can make or how many Christians of other faiths can you convert, by going up to someone and telling them that what they believe is a lie straight from the devil and that they are doomed to hell because of what their church teaches? You may, may, get a few, but what will happen more times than any is that you end up driving a person away from what you are trying to present them with. I heard an old preacher once say:
J. Harold Smith said:
I'd rather make a person a Christian than a Baptist. I'd rather led then to the Lord first as to try to led them to the Baptist
And this man was a Baptist preacher. So just consider this, it is better to lay the word out, let the Spirit do His work, than to beat them in the head with the Bible. I may not agree with what other denominations teach, but I cannot in good faith, disrespect them over it because more often than not, I have made an enemy and not a friend in Christ. I could not in good conscience, go to their rooms and disrespect them and likewise, I would expect them to do the same. If you feel in your heart that they are so wrong, instead of debating with them in here, invite them to the debate room and have at it.
Feel free to move on down to another message board if you don't like how things are run here. If your expectations or requirements for unity are that we all agree with you then this isn't the place for you. But Christ prayed for unity within the body, and the efforts this board makes towards it are noble and needed.
Thank you friend. I know you and I haven't always seen eye to eye on some issues, but I do believe that we have never gotten into a full blown, knock down, blow out of an argument. We speak our minds, show scripture or theologians to support our position, and if it gets too heated, walk away. And that is what we should all do. I see the Mods here as volunteering their time and energies to making the Baptist room one to where all Baptists, Southern, Northern, Independant, Free Will, to be able to come and exchange ideas, and edify each other in such a manner that those weaker in the faith can be taught, and those who are strong in the faith, aid others. But as of late, this has not been the case. Its all about using this Bible, and your wrong if you use this Bible or your wrong if you don't use this Bible. It's been all about how the other person is dead wrong while the other is dead right. The Spirit of unity and brotherhood here in this room is ALMOST DEAD. There are exceptions to be sure, but it has almost all but disappeared.
And I for one, ask each one, if you honestly believe we are doing such a bad job, or the rules are scued so as to support one group over another. Let your voice be heard. There are proper places to voice your concerns. Voice them, after all, if you don't nobody will. And if you want to be a part of the Moderators, apply.
In all honesty, you can complain all you want, but if you do nothing about it, nothing is what you are sure to get.
God Bless
Till all are one.
