Is being Wiccan moral?

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I would be more inclined to take fundamentalists and evangelicals seriously if they actually practiced the love and tolerance they preach -- instead of the phony and hypocritical "love the sinner and hate the sin" which apparently has given them license to commit the atrocities in Al Gharib Prison (or support the people who committed the atrocities).

Frankly, I don't see many Wiccans doing these kinds of things to people (or supporting the actions of those who do these things).

"By their works you will know them." (Matthew 7:16).

Alright-let's apply your statement to a subsequent post of yours. Where are the fruits of the spirit in the people who commited these atrocities you mention? By your fruits you shall know them, as you say.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

so you are the judge of who is and who is not a true Christian?

Let's play Jeopardy! Whitehorse will refer to this authority when answering this question.

Deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deeeeeee, Deet deet deet deet deeee da dee da deeda;

Deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deeeeeee, Deet! Da deet! deet! deet! deet! deet! Bwa Bwa!

 

[transientlife]

Ohhhhhh...you're an arminian..Lutheran? That's unusual. Anyway, what was wrong with what I said? Or, is this a diversion from the actual debate?

haha we diverged from the actual debate a long time ago

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I still don't get the connection you're making between some of the terminology, namely equating courtesy with kinship/placating/affirmation, and on a long shot - the denial of Christianity.

Well, the Bible is clear on how God feels about man making his own gods and worship them, rather than their Creator. As Christians, we are called to affirm God's truth. I don't know of any Christians who are judging these people, but are giving them the truth. If our hearts are with the gospel, we know it and affirm it and teach and so on. I don't see this; I see more working to make pagans feel comfortable in something that will bring enmity between them and God. That's more what I'm getting at.

It seems as if you regard nonChristians as seeking out affirmation from others that their beliefs are ok, and so on. In my experience, I haven't run into many atheists or pagans who are looking for affirmation.

Whether or not they seek affirmation, I'm looking for support of truth. God wants us to affirm Him and His word.

My mission is not to placate pagans, fellow Christians [of varying degrees], atheists or anyone else, it is to treat everyone with courtesy and how I expect to be treated, regardless of faith. My Christian doctrine just seems a tad more liberal than yours, not nonexistent.

It's scripture. It's about what God says. So it's not my doctrine or yours, but what God says that counts.

Thanks so much for the continual denouncements.

This isn't personal-it isn't about denouncements. It's about the truth that can save souls.

Might I add here [again, and like I say in nearly EVERY post] that you can tell a pagan - or whoever the nonChristian is - that they are wrong, they are 'lost', however you want to word it.

I use scripture as my authority. Let me ask you this: what is *your* authority? If you're a Christian, yours has to be the Bible, too.

You can lead them to Jesus/God, but you can't make them believe. Just as someone could introduce you to Allah or Buddha, doesn't mean you will necessarily convert in a miraculous change of heart.

The Christian's job is to do what he/she has been called to do. We are called to make the truth known, and work God's fields. This is our purpose. Everything else we do flows from this purpose.

They could tell you that you were lost and hellbound (which, I'm fairly certain in according to Islam, we are) and they'd probably get the same response from you as you would from them with such a proclamation.

I realize the thread is a long one, but it might be worth it to go and look over the posts anway; these issues were already adressed.

Some people will never believe - and sure it's a sad thing to us Christians, however it is also the reality of the world - but you can't make them convert.

That's the Holy Spirit's job. We aren't called to convert; we are called to give the truth. As it is written:

Romans 10:14

10:14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

It's great to talk to people about Christianity, I have no problem with that. All we Christians can do is try , but we can't force it upon the unwilling heart. In the end I think people ultimately have to come to God of their own volition. We can give them the directions on how to get there, but we can't walk the path for them.

Yes, exactly. And, they're here at a Christian forum debating about it. So I think they enjoy the intellectual challenge, and so we go to work, doing what God has called us to do.

With this in mind... since you seem equate common human courtesy with placating/kinship/promoting, etc. how should we Christians treat/interact with those of differing beliefs, especially those who are devout in their particular faith and aren't interested in converting?

Well, this is a very good question. But it goes deeper than human courtesy. Because it's important to remember, they are on our turf, and they do want to debate. So that's what we do. This implies their interest.

And so we must stand for what we stand for. And I think that if anyone is going to profess Christ, it really is important to know what God requires of us, and get to know the Bible really well. It takes time; I know that. But when we find ourselves rebuking people for using the word and then agreeing constantly with those who don't worship the Lord on the other hand, I think we need to take a step back and find out what happened. And I think it starts with that-knowing God's will. And understanding debate tactics. None of their complaints about our using scripture are benign. There's a reason they're doing that. As you debate more you'll see it more clearly. Their objective isn't to stop hearing about Christ, because if that were the case, they wouldn't be here. They're trying to separate Christians from using the truth, because it simply can't be defeated. Remember, they're trying to win a debate. That is their objective. So w don't give in to their clever attempts to tell us how to debate. They want us to lose, remember? So we simply smile and go on doing our job.

Ok, I don't believe I ever said that Jesus wasn't Savior and Lord, for one thing. I don't profess to know THE TRUTH - because I don't think we will know all of THE TRUTH...ever...until after death -

Well, then we have a problem here. This needs to be worked out. The Bible is the truth, by virtue of the fact that it is God's word. And we have Christ's testimony in this word. Everything you know about Christ, you know from scripture. It's one of the most basic doctrines of Christianity. Ask the Lord for more faith if you need it. I'd be pleased to lift you up as well, and I'm sure the other Christians here would as well.

But if you struggle with faith sometimes, that's a normal part of the process of Christian growth. The first thing to do is get into the word more. And I can mention some good resources if you like.

and I don't plan on leading anyone anywhere proclaiming I know all there is to know about THE TRUTH. Jesus is Lord and Savior - he died on the cross for all of our sins, that's one truth I'm completely certain of. I can introduce them to Christianity, but it should be upon them to be active in learning about it, and not let someone else spoonfeed everything to them - which would be a foolish undertaking in some respects. As far as the accountability, refer to above response.

Well if you know Jesus is the Christ, then you can rest in the truth of the rest of His testimony. Yes, we do need to spoonfeed if that is necessary.

Prooftexts:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

3:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Also 1 Corinthians 3:2:

3:2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

and for sake of the 'game' Ezekiel 33:9 states "Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
So (as I read the passage) even God seems to recognize his followers can only do so much to bring people to him.

Very good-you looked to the word.

And the Holy Spirit will guide each of us as to what to say and when to stop. They are willing to discuss, so we meet that wish for them.

I'm not fighting against any spokesperson, I'm expressing my faith as how I've interpreted it so far in my life. By the way, Romans 14 is a very interesting chapter.

Again, this is great! You're looking to the word. Now let's take a look at that passage and see what it is refering to. Scripture is occasional. That means there is an occasion to which each part was written, and Romans 14 is no exception. What is the context? What was Paul addressing when he talked about the weak and strong? What was he trying solve and how?

 

[Sola Scriptura]

Quote:

Some people will never believe - and sure it's a sad thing to us Christians, however it is also the reality of the world - but you can't make them convert.

That's the Holy Spirit's job. We aren't called to convert; we are called to give the truth. As it is written:

Romans 10:14

10:14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?


Very solid answer.

_____________________________________________________________
"As to homosexuality making an untenible society please check out the Spartans...Or even the Roman and Greek societies where the love of a beautiful lad was the purest love around ...while you may not be happy about it, there are millions and millions of Americans who do not find such "acts"disgusting." -mpshiel-

"I have a few 18+ movies in my DVD collection. Actually I think "Better than Chocolate"
(available at most internet retailers near you) is an 18 plus..." -mpshiel-

 

[ACougar]

The Holy Spirit as I understand it, is the indwelling of the Divine in man. It is the Holy spirit which led me away from Christianity and to the Goddess. She then came to me in a vision, She shared her sorrow at all the division and strife we see in the world today and asked me to help heal the world by healing myself. She opened doors, She encourages me to learn and grow and she keeps me from stumbling too hard. She is the Universe, the Mother of all Life, Wisdom and Joy.

We are differant, we feel differant things, we both seem to Love the Creator of all things with seemingly irreconcilable differances in understanding, and yet we are the same. I harbor no fear of seperation from God because I know God is in me, I harbor no fear of Hell because I know that God is Love and that Love is poured out upon the Universe. The only Hell we need fear are the ones we make.

Listen and God will speak, Love and Goddess will return her Love. I only wish you could understand.

 

[Volos]

Let's play Jeopardy! Whitehorse will refer to this authority when answering this question.

Deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deeeeeee, Deet deet deet deet deeee da dee da deeda;

Deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deet, deeeeeee, Deet! Da deet! deet! deet! deet! deet! Bwa Bwa!

so you are admitting you have set yoruself up as the judge of who is and who is not a ‘true Christian’.

 

[Volos]

Well, the Bible is clear on how God feels about man making his own gods and worship them, rather than their Creator.

I don’t know of anyone who does this.

As Christians, we are called to affirm God's truth. I don't know of any Christians who are judging these people, but are giving them the truth. If our hearts are with the gospel, we know it and affirm it and teach and so on. I don't see this; I see more working to make pagans feel comfortable in something that will bring enmity between them and God. That's more what I'm getting at.

Yet you happily judge any Christain who does not beelive what you personally believe or dares to disagree with you.

Whether or not they seek affirmation, I'm looking for support of truth. God wants us to affirm Him and His word.

The Goddess wishes us to find our own path and allow others the privilege of honoring the Divine in their own way.

It's scripture. It's about what God says. So it's not my doctrine or yours, but what God says that counts.

I use scripture as my authority. Let me ask you this: what is *your* authority? If you're a Christian, yours has to be the Bible, too.

it’s the writings of men who died along time ago. It has only the authority you believe it has, no more.

And so we must stand for what we stand for. And I think that if anyone is going to profess Christ, it really is important to know what God requires of us, and get to know the Bible really well. It takes time; I know that. But when we find ourselves rebuking people for using the word and then agreeing constantly with those who don't worship the Lord on the other hand, I think we need to take a step back and find out what happened.

again to judge those who do not agree.

And I think it starts with that-knowing God's will. And understanding debate tactics.

When do you plan to begin to study debate?





[quteo] None of their complaints about our using scripture are benign. There's a reason they're doing that. As you debate more you'll see it more clearly. Their objective isn't to stop hearing about Christ, because if that were the case, they wouldn't be here. They're trying to separate Christians from using the truth, because it simply can't be defeated. [/quote] Belief in something does not make it true.

Remember, they're trying to win a debate. That is their objective. So w don't give in to their clever attempts to tell us how to debate. They want us to lose, remember? So we simply smile and go on doing our job.

Explain why suggesting someone actually defend claims made in debate is telling you how to debate.

 

[Myah]

..

 

[transientlife]

Ok first off, I tried to reply this morning, but my post was apparently too long or something was not letting it be posted. So I shall attempt again, but I'll have to split the post.

I don't see this; I see more working to make pagans feel comfortable in something that will bring enmity between them and God. That's more what I'm getting at.

I'm not trying to make any pagans "feel comfortable" in their beliefs. What's wrong with lending an ear and listening to them and their concerns?

Whether or not they seek affirmation, I'm looking for support of truth. God wants us to affirm Him and His word.

There's nothing wrong with affirming Him and his Word...when it is done with courtesy.

It's scripture. It's about what God says. So it's not my doctrine or yours, but what God says that counts. I use scripture as my authority. Let me ask you this: what is *your* authority? If you're a Christian, yours has to be the Bible, too.

Oh no! Not this again! And we were starting to make progress!

The Christian's job is to do what he/she has been called to do. We are called to make the truth known, and work God's fields. This is our purpose. Everything else we do flows from this purpose.

Once again, nothing wrong with proclaiming the truth -- when done with tact, love and courtesy.

I realize the thread is a long one, but it might be worth it to go and look over the posts anway; these issues were already adressed.

I think many of the threads on here are redundant and many issues addressed over and over and over again. I've made and defended my points numerous times, reworded it to try for better understanding and clarity. So why not once more for the heck of it?

 

[transientlife]

That's the Holy Spirit's job. We aren't called to convert; we are called to give the truth. As it is written:
Romans 10:1410:14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Well I think some Christians misunderstand that verse.

Yes, exactly. And, they're here at a Christian forum debating about it. So I think they enjoy the intellectual challenge, and so we go to work, doing what God has called us to do.

Don't you enjoy the intellectual challenge as well?

Well, this is a very good question. But it goes deeper than human courtesy. Because it's important to remember, they are on our turf, and they do want to debate. So that's what we do. This implies their interest.

How do you expect to keep them 'interested' if you don't maintain some courtesy?

And so we must stand for what we stand for.

And I don't see how being tolerant of other viewpoints is necessarily not standing for what you stand for.

But we find ourselves rebuking people for using the word and then agreeing constantly with those who don't worship the Lord on the other hand, I think we need to take a step back and find out what happened.

I don't see much 'constant agreement' here...otherwise there wouldn't be much of a debate. I think mostly it's common points that are brought to recognition. I'm not a sycophant, but I won't deny it when I can empathize or sympathize with something they are saying, again, regardless of what God they believe in - if they believe in God.

 

[transientlife]

And I think it starts with that-knowing God's will. And understanding debate tactics. None of their complaints about our using scripture are benign. There's a reason they're doing that. As you debate more you'll see it more clearly. Their objective isn't to stop hearing about Christ, because if that were the case, they wouldn't be here. They're trying to separate Christians from using the truth, because it simply can't be defeated. Remember, they're trying to win a debate. That is their objective. So w don't give in to their clever attempts to tell us how to debate. They want us to lose, remember? So we simply smile and go on doing our job.

If we are secure in our faith, believe what we believe, I don't see how the intellectual challenge is that dangerous. I'm also not quite as "paranoid"...I don't think they are trying to separate us from the truth (at least not most of the nonchristians). Some of them truly seem to be trying to understand.
I can only really speak for myself on the idea of winning or losing the debate...but I am not competitive. My desire in coming here is to put in my 2cents about a topic as well as to examine the 2cents of others as well, not to "win".

Well, then we have a problem here. This needs to be worked out. The Bible is the truth, by virtue of the fact that it is God's word. And we have Christ's testimony in this word. Everything you know about Christ, you know from scripture. It's one of the most basic doctrines of Christianity.

Did I say anything about it not being the truth? I think you really
misunderstood what I said. I'm sure you've heard the term "mysteries of the bible"...I meant that we will learn the whole truth (of the world, etc.) upon death. In particular to what I am certain to be true, I meant that many parts of the Bible can be interpreted differently, many things questioned, etc. I should have revised that paragraph better since that line came out a half-formed thought.

But if you struggle with faith sometimes, that's a normal part of the process of Christian growth. The first thing to do is get into the word more. And I can mention some good resources if you like.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm not struggling.

Well if you know Jesus is the Christ, then you can rest in the truth of the rest of His testimony. Yes, we do need to spoonfeed if that is necessary.
Prooftexts: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Also 1 Corinthians 3:2:

Well, I disagree, but I see your point. I'm referring to blind obedience and following of a pastor or someone else who claims to be the one to follow. You know what I mean? I think at some point, we have to be responsible for learning about our faith and find out for ourselves and see how God speaks to us individually.

Very good-you looked to the word.

Well gee, thanks. But I've looked to the word before, I just hesitate to quote it because enough people quote enough scripture on here to make up for the lack of mine.

And the Holy Spirit will guide each of us as to what to say and when to stop. They are willing to discuss, so we meet that wish for them.

I think some take the guidance and run with it, as well as go beyond the call to stop. There's nothing wrong with teaching, when the person is willing.

Again, this is great! You're looking to the word. Now let's take a look at that passage and see what it is refering to. Scripture is occasional. That means there is an occasion to which each part was written, and Romans 14 is no exception. What is the context? What was Paul addressing when he talked about the weak and strong? What was he trying solve and how?

In that passage he's talking about judging fellow Christians. Believe it or not! He uses the example of clean/unclean foods primarily. I interpreted it as meaning to not bicker over trivial things regarding the faith (such as practices like kosher/unkosher food) and to only interfere when the other is truly in unknowing harm.
As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions....4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls...10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." 12 So each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Then let us no more pass judgment on one another, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother... 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God;

 

[transientlife]

We are to live in peace with others (Romans 12: 14-17)...
My thinking is...
Is is possible to have peace without tolerance? Doubtful to a firm 'no'.
So logically, to maintain peace, we must have some level of tolerance.
Tolerance does not mean acceptance and/or condoning of something you disagree with (in this case, different beliefs). Which some people seem to mistake it for meaning.
Tolerance is recognizing there ARE different beliefs and that you must work out some way to get along with those different beliefs, whether you approve of them or not.
From what I have observed, too many people refuse to exercise tolerance, due to various reasons. But we can't complain about the lack of peace if we aren't willing to compromise - to recognize our differences, go above them and be tolerant of each other. No need to make the world feel smaller than it already is.

Just some more of my 2cents.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

so you are admitting you have set yoruself up as the judge of who is and who is not a ‘true Christian’.

If you twist what I say, then how can you claim to have the truth about things eternal?

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

We are to live in peace with others (Romans 12: 14-17)...
My thinking is...
Is is possible to have peace without tolerance? Doubtful to a firm 'no'.
So logically, to maintain peace, we must have some level of tolerance.
Tolerance does not mean acceptance and/or condoning of something you disagree with (in this case, different beliefs). Which some people seem to mistake it for meaning.
Tolerance is recognizing there ARE different beliefs and that you must work out some way to get along with those different beliefs, whether you approve of them or not.
From what I have observed, too many people refuse to exercise tolerance, due to various reasons. But we can't complain about the lack of peace if we aren't willing to compromise - to recognize our differences, go above them and be tolerant of each other. No need to make the world feel smaller than it already is.

Just some more of my 2cents.

Good-using scripture. Now, how is this particular verse qualified? How do the other verses shape your understanding of this?

A few examples:

Matthew 10:34

10:34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

10:35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Or, this one (It's a bit tart, but the point I'm getting at is that there are qualifications to this peace):

James 4:4

4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Again, it's great that you're looking to scripture. Hats off to you.

 

[transientlife]

Friendship and tolerance need not always go hand in hand, either. In other thought, couldn't that verse - "friends of the world"- actually be referring to worldly/secular people and not 'friendship' as we know it? Since you purport that our definition of love is not the same as the biblical definition, I mean.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

If we are secure in our faith, believe what we believe, I don't see how the intellectual challenge is that dangerous. I'm also not quite as "paranoid"...I don't think they are trying to separate us from the truth (at least not most of the nonchristians). Some of them truly seem to be trying to understand.

Paranoia? Or just simple understanding of human nature and a lot of experience with debate?

I can only really speak for myself on the idea of winning or losing the debate...but I am not competitive. My desire in coming here is to put in my 2cents about a topic as well as to examine the 2cents of others as well, not to "win".

Friend, you're in a *debate* forum. With pagans. At a Christian forum.

Did I say anything about it not being the truth? I think you really
misunderstood what I said. I'm sure you've heard the term "mysteries of the bible"...I meant that we will learn the whole truth (of the world, etc.) upon death. In particular to what I am certain to be true, I meant that many parts of the Bible can be interpreted differently, many things questioned, etc.

2 Timothy 2:15

2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Well, I disagree, but I see your point. I'm referring to blind obedience and following of a pastor or someone else who claims to be the one to follow. You know what I mean? I think at some point, we have to be responsible for learning about our faith and find out for ourselves and see how God speaks to us individually.

Agreed that we shouldn't follow blindly some individual. We need the authority of God Himself, which is His word in scripture.

Acts 17:11

17:10And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Jesus reveals to us where the truth is to be found. Here is the way to avoid all error:

Matthew 22:9

22:29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Well gee, thanks. But I've looked to the word before, I just hesitate to quote it because enough people quote enough scripture on here to make up for the lack of mine.

Do you feel the Lord agrees with you? THis returns us to the essential question. Do you believe that the Bible is the word of God?

I think some take the guidance and run with it, as well as go beyond the call to stop. There's nothing wrong with teaching, when the person is willing.

Well, this is a forum for willing parties. Unwilling parties will not post. If you don't know what Jesus taught, then how do you know what His will is? How can you say to someone that you're done, so it's enough? Simply unsubscribe and let the willing continue in conversation.

In that passage he's talking about judging fellow Christians. Believe it or not! He uses the example of clean/unclean foods primarily. I interpreted it as meaning to not bicker over trivial things regarding the faith (such as practices like kosher/unkosher food) and to only interfere when the other is truly in unknowing harm.

Yes-the food is the proper context. But this has nothing to do with core doctrines. Here is another example to qualify the one you cited. It regards the testimony given by the apostles as revealed in scripture:

1 John 4:6

4:6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Friendship and tolerance need not always go hand in hand, either. In other thought, couldn't that verse - "friends of the world"- actually be referring to worldly/secular people and not 'friendship' as we know it? Since you purport that our definition of love is not the same as the biblical definition, I mean.

I don't understand what what you mean.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Well I think some Christians misunderstand that verse.

So please give your exegesis.

And I don't see how being tolerant of other viewpoints is necessarily not standing for what you stand for.

Hm. You're debating with Christians and you still haven't answered whether or not you believe the Bible is God's word.

I don't see much 'constant agreement' here...otherwise there wouldn't be much of a debate. I think mostly it's common points that are brought to recognition. I'm not a sycophant, but I won't deny it when I can empathize or sympathize with something they are saying, again, regardless of what God they believe in - if they believe in God.

You say you believe in Jesus. Really? Because this is what He taught.

John 14:6

14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Also:

John 15:10

15:10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Exodus 20:1-6

20:1And God spake all these words, saying,

20:2I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

20:3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

20:4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

20:5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

20:6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

And finally:

2 Corinthians 6:14-16

6:14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

6:15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

 

[transientlife]

Paranoia? Or just simple understanding of human nature and a lot of experience with debate?

Ok, then how about the term hyper-sensitive? Meaning I do not take up arms as soon as someone decides to disagree with what I believe. Let me hear their story, let them hear mine, then I'll decide how to react.

Friend, you're in a *debate* forum. With pagans. At a Christian forum.

With pagans, with lutherans, with catholics, with methodists, with humanists, with atheists, with agnostics, with conservative Christians, with moderates, with liberals, with buddhists, with taoists, with hindus, with muslims...what's the point? Ok, let me rephrase then. I'm not here to WIN debates, I am simply here for the sake of debating - in which I will put my 2cents and receive others' 2cents. If you come here for the sole purpose of getting everyone to agree with your side, then you'll be sadly disappointed more often than you will be satisfied, no matter what 'side' you are on.

Agreed that we shouldn't follow blindly some individual. We need the authority of God Himself, which is His word in scripture.

Finally! You're getting into my brain! Scary place, isn't it?