Is it "Christian" to Attack other Faiths?

[Helaman]

I am new here, but I've quickly noticed that it seems to be open season on so called non-Christian faiths (e.g., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Is such a practice "Christian?"

 

[arizona_sunshine]

I believe many here seek to share their view of the Gospel of Christ here, which I believe to be very Christlike.

I believe philosophical and religious points can be made wholely valid without an emotive super-charge i.e. slander, ridicule, misrepresentation.

Respect on the part of everyone is greatly appreciated.

(For the record, I am not the most sterling example of avoiding commentary laced with emotion...)

 

[gort]

Hello,

Depends on a definition of "attack"

Attacked with lies and deception and untruths to cause malice and intentional hurt?


Or simply compare words spoken by mormon prophets with the ability to discern against those words with what the Holy Bible has to say?

Welcome to CF Helaman.




<><

 

[RufustheRed]

I am new here, but I've quickly noticed that it seems to be open season on so called non-Christian faiths (e.g., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Is such a practice "Christian?"

I believe that we are commanded to witness to all people, but the Bible gives guidelines in how we should do it.

1. Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
2. Jude 3, Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

The word contend in Greek means to compete as in a wrestling match. One can contend without being nasty, but one cannot contend for the faith without engaging in the battle. If you know that you have eternal life (I John 5:13), wouldn't you want to share that with others? That is what I feel is engagement or contending for the faith That was once, for all time given to the saints. It isn't a faith in prophets and works and ceremonies. It is the faith that was given to the believers in the 1st century.

So please, please contend for the faith that other may taste the fruit of eternal life.

Sorry to be so "preachy."

In His service,
Sven

 

[leeuniverse]

Contend "FOR THE FAITH" is most definately different than Contending "against" another Faith.
Plus, the scripture says "as was once delivered to the Saints".
This is CLEAR then that the Lord is teaching us hold fast to the faith the Lord delivered, and defend it diligently.
Key words are "contend for"......

Christ himself spoke of the way most eliquently.

Luke 9:

49 ¶ And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for• us.

 

[twhite982]

I believe that we are commanded to witness to all people, but the Bible gives guidelines in how we should do it.

1. Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
2. Jude 3, Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

The word contend in Greek means to compete as in a wrestling match. One can contend without being nasty, but one cannot contend for the faith without engaging in the battle. If you know that you have eternal life (I John 5:13), wouldn't you want to share that with others? That is what I feel is engagement or contending for the faith That was once, for all time given to the saints. It isn't a faith in prophets and works and ceremonies. It is the faith that was given to the believers in the 1st century.

So please, please contend for the faith that other may taste the fruit of eternal life.

Sorry to be so "preachy."

In His service,
Sven

Sven,

I agree with your definition of CONTEND, in this case (Jude 1:3) its not used as an evangelical preaching method.

Jude 1:4
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

He is speaking of the church and those trying to destroy it from the inside out.

And actually Paul in Ephesians is speaking in a church context as well to resolve the divisions with love.

TW

 

[Rafael]

Pretty strong words:

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

 

[coyoteBR]

"Where two or more are united in My Name, I Am between them."

Nope, not "united under certain circusntances or views". Just together, following the example of Christ; Seems to include everyone

 

[Rescued One]

Sven,

I agree with your definition of CONTEND, in this case (Jude 1:3) its not used as an evangelical preaching method.

Jude 1:4
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

He is speaking of the church and those trying to destroy it from the inside out.

And actually Paul in Ephesians is speaking in a church context as well to resolve the divisions with love.

TW

Nevertheless, LDS are dressed in sheep's clothing so that they can come in and steal unsuspecting sheep. And you are calling your faith "the gospel" when it is not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, but a counterfeit gospel, which is no gospel at all.

 

[disciple00]

faith is an interesting thing, i think everybody has faith. athiest have faith that there is no god, mormons have faith the mr. smith was a prophet and that they do indeed have a profit today. (despite the fact that if everything joseph said was true then god would be a big fat liar) even catholics have blaspheming faith that the pope is indeed the holy father. (dispite the fact that ''holy father'' is ony mentioned in one place in the bible, where jesus is praying to God before he is captured) either way what needs to be looked at is one's motives in attacking another faith. certainly if you are doing so only to justify yourself or to start up a little strife then you are in the wrong. however, let's not fool our selves, anything that that is not true is a lie, and satan is the father of lies. if someone has faith in another gospel, different than the one delivered to us by God and manifested in jesus, then that man's faith is for nothing except his own hurt. the counterfit gospel that the mormans have (which being a former mormon i know very well indeed) is a false gospel and as such is dangerous to many. remember that jesus warned us of many false prophets and false christs. these people need to be taught the truth, for one of two reasons, if they believe it they will be saved thereby, and if they dont they will be condemned thereby. remember the word of god is a two edged sword, it cuts boths ways. if you believe it and live it then it is a blessing, and if you dont then it is certainly a curse. i hope you all are serving the lord in spirit and truth, cause your works wont save you.


in all hope of Christ, disciple00

 

[happyinhisgrace]

faith is an interesting thing, i think everybody has faith. athiest have faith that there is no god, mormons have faith the mr. smith was a prophet and that they do indeed have a profit today. (despite the fact that if everything joseph said was true then god would be a big fat liar) even catholics have blaspheming faith that the pope is indeed the holy father. (dispite the fact that ''holy father'' is ony mentioned in one place in the bible, where jesus is praying to God before he is captured) either way what needs to be looked at is one's motives in attacking another faith. certainly if you are doing so only to justify yourself or to start up a little strife then you are in the wrong. however, let's not fool our selves, anything that that is not true is a lie, and satan is the father of lies. if someone has faith in another gospel, different than the one delivered to us by God and manifested in jesus, then that man's faith is for nothing except his own hurt. the counterfit gospel that the mormans have (which being a former mormon i know very well indeed) is a false gospel and as such is dangerous to many. remember that jesus warned us of many false prophets and false christs. these people need to be taught the truth, for one of two reasons, if they believe it they will be saved thereby, and if they dont they will be condemned thereby. remember the word of god is a two edged sword, it cuts boths ways. if you believe it and live it then it is a blessing, and if you dont then it is certainly a curse. i hope you all are serving the lord in spirit and truth, cause your works wont save you.


in all hope of Christ, disciple00

Disiple, I agree with what you say above. I also think it is important to point out that some religious groups view any argument against their churches teachings as a personal attact rather than an attack on the teachings of that church. It is possible to attack or teach against false teachings without it being an attack on the person. I think too often certain groups don't know how to seperate the 2.

God Bless,
Grace

 

[twhite982]

Nevertheless, LDS are dressed in sheep's clothing so that they can come in and steal unsuspecting sheep. And you are calling your faith "the gospel" when it is not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, but a counterfeit gospel, which is no gospel at all.

The LDS church is trying to evangelize, but I am not.
I am not trying to sneek into your "congregation to "steal away" any of the flock. My purpose here is to learn what others believe and share my own beliefs as well. The only true path of conversion is of God and through His Holy Spirit. This forum does not provide that.

The majority of the time I spend here is correcting false notions of what others say I believe. Its obvious that most here already have made up their mind what the LDS gospel is and have turned a deaf ear to any LDS'ers explanation of it.

It seems like I'm always the one on the defense and I never get any opportunity to "creep"

TW

 

[Helaman]

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (2 Timothy 2:24-26.) Indeed, the spirit of contention is of the Devil. Christ, in my humble opinion, would not do what many on this site do. Disparaging the faith of others is not Christian.

 

[arizona_sunshine]

I also think it is important to point out that some religious groups view any argument against their churches teachings as a personal attact rather than an attack on the teachings of that church. It is possible to attack or teach against false teachings without it being an attack on the person. I think too often certain groups don't know how to seperate the 2.

Grace,

I agree that members of religious groups have a tendancy to view an argument against their beliefs as a personal attack, internalize it, and make more of it than, perhaps, they should. There is a very specific reason for this, and that is: Faith is held close to the heart. Faith is not only close to the heart, but often builds what a person considers their foundation, their reason for life, their comfort & joy and ultimately their character. Faith should influence every action and interaction of which a person is part.

This being the case, it is reasonable that when a person's faith is called into question, it is easy to become hurt & defensive. On these boards, it is interesting to compare the dynamic conversations between Mainstream Christians & LDS, between Atheists / Agnostics and Mainstream Christians, between Catholics and Protestants. I think it very healthy for a person to allow thier faith to be nit-picked before them. I think it very healthy for a person to see their faith thru the eyes of its critics.

It is not edifying, because edification comes from the Words of God thru scripture study, prayer, service and Christlike activities. Nonetheless, I believe this is healthy, and can be a faith promoter and strengthener for a person already firm in their faith.

Like twhite, I believe that Christian Forums is an excellent source for finding information and learning about the views of others, but it is not the best source for feeling the Spirit enrich our lives. It happens occasionally, but not nearly often enough to substitute for the true sources: scripture study, prayer, and I would even say conversations between loved ones equally devoted to God.

That said, I believe that the strongest way to reveal the false doctrines is to support the cause of Christ. Learn & share His gospel, do His work among men, serve our brothers and sisters, feed His sheep. It is not necessary to frost our sharing of His gospel with our own contempt of other views. His word is strong, and stands on its own.

Faith is precious, let us give one another equal consideration.

 

[happyinhisgrace]

The LDS church is trying to evangelize, but I am not.
I am not trying to sneek into your "congregation to "steal away" any of the flock. My purpose here is to learn what others believe and share my own beliefs as well. The only true path of conversion is of God and through His Holy Spirit. This forum does not provide that.

The majority of the time I spend here is correcting false notions of what others say I believe. Its obvious that most here already have made up their mind what the LDS gospel is and have turned a deaf ear to any LDS'ers explanation of it.

It seems like I'm always the one on the defense and I never get any opportunity to "creep"

TW

TW, I believe that the Holy Spirit can reach anyone, anywhere, even on a forum such as this.

God Bless,
Grace

 

[Svt4Him]

As long as we stick to issues, I don't see the problem. (see my quote below)

 

[happyinhisgrace]

Grace,

I agree that members of religious groups have a tendancy to view an argument against their beliefs as a personal attack, internalize it, and make more of it than, perhaps, they should. There is a very specific reason for this, and that is: Faith is held close to the heart. Faith is not only close to the heart, but often builds what a person considers their foundation, their reason for life, their comfort & joy and ultimately their character. Faith should influence every action and interaction of which a person is part.

This being the case, it is reasonable that when a person's faith is called into question, it is easy to become hurt & defensive. On these boards, it is interesting to compare the dynamic conversations between Mainstream Christians & LDS, between Atheists / Agnostics and Mainstream Christians, between Catholics and Protestants. I think it very healthy for a person to allow thier faith to be nit-picked before them. I think it very healthy for a person to see their faith thru the eyes of its critics.

It is not edifying, because edification comes from the Words of God thru scripture study, prayer, service and Christlike activities. Nonetheless, I believe this is healthy, and can be a faith promoter and strengthener for a person already firm in their faith.

Like twhite, I believe that Christian Forums is an excellent source for finding information and learning about the views of others, but it is not the best source for feeling the Spirit enrich our lives. It happens occasionally, but not nearly often enough to substitute for the true sources: scripture study, prayer, and I would even say conversations between loved ones equally devoted to God and Christ.

That said, I believe that the strongest way to reveal the false doctrines is to support the cause of Christ. Learn & share His gospel, do His work among men, serve our brothers and sisters, feed His sheep. It is not necessary to frost our sharing of His gospel with our own contempt of other views. His word is strong, and stands on its own.

Faith is precious, let us give one another equal consideration.

I agree, faith is precious but it is not fragile. Faith in Jesus is strong and not easily swayed at all.

I also agree that the strongest way to reveal false docterine is to support the cause of Christ (truth in the Word of God). I have however seen several posters use scripture to show this truth and show how false teachings are false and it is either ignored or passed off with "well, I believe....".

Anyway, I like the discussion between the LDS and Christians, if I didn't I would not be on the forum and I have actually learned a few more things about the LDS church teachings and history that I did not even know as an active lds of 28 years. Of course what I have learned has only reinforced my current beliefs but never-the-less, I am learning.

Grace

 

[arizona_sunshine]

happyinhisgrace

I agree, faith is precious but it is not fragile. Faith in Jesus is strong and not easily swayed at all.

Exactly, which is why I believe and stated that those who are already firm in their faith will only be strengthened in conversation which puts their beliefs under the microscope.

I also agree that the strongest way to reveal false docterine is to support the cause of Christ (truth in the Word of God). I have however seen several posters use scripture to show this truth and show how false teachings are false and it is either ignored or passed off with "well, I believe....".

When it comes to questions on faith: "I believe..." is the strongest argument. It is the only argument, that is why it is called faith. Regardless of parties: LDS vs Mainstream Christian, Catholic vs Protestant, Atheist vs Christian, when the argument comes down to who believes and who does not, the conversation is over.

"I believe..." is the strongest statement a Christian can make.

Thank you for your commentary, I completely appreciate it.

 

[Svt4Him]

"I believe..." is the strongest statement a Christian can make.

If I believed I could fly, and was about to jump off a building, would you try and stop me? Wouldn't happen? My son tried it a while ago. Faith is not mystical, and you may have faith in things that have nothing to do with God, that doesn't override truth. If you are talking about being sincere, that's another thing, but you can still be sincerely wrong.

 

[arizona_sunshine]

If you are talking about being sincere, that's another thing, but you can still be sincerely wrong.

We can be sincerely wrong, you are correct.

But I would say faith in God is quite different from an understanding of gravity.

And I believe God will have the ultimate call as far as truth.