- Aug 3, 2004
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Hi Moriah,
I'm not offended by any thing you have written, and I agree with a lot of what you say.
Behind my comments are real life experiences. I know what it is to spend time over some years helping people 're-programme', inch by inch. We have even had people come and live with us to witness a different lifestyle and values. I am no 'airbrush' Christian (or at least I try not to be).
At the centre of my life is my Christian understanding and life. I can easily acknowledge that good counselors can often provide better advice than many Christians do, because they really have thought through issues practically rather than use doctrinal formulas. But, I have a conceptual and experiential reality that belongs to my Christian faith.
I accept biblical teaching and therefore (and unlike so many Christians it seems) I have a very positive approach towards human sexuality, as well as a great deal of exposure to the horrors of its misuse. Thus I don't accept your view of sex, although I can recognise that is the only conceptual basis you have from your own bad experiences.
I also recognise spiritual reality. This relates to an understanding of the spiritual impact of any abuse, the effects of prayer and at times specific insights into past events or current darknesses. Plus, I know what Jesus does offer out of a relationship with Him.
Thus, our views overlap a great deal, but we frame them somewhat differently in some areas. I can accept your challenges. You are very honest, frank and realistic, values which I regard highly.
John
NZ
I'm not offended by any thing you have written, and I agree with a lot of what you say.
Behind my comments are real life experiences. I know what it is to spend time over some years helping people 're-programme', inch by inch. We have even had people come and live with us to witness a different lifestyle and values. I am no 'airbrush' Christian (or at least I try not to be).
At the centre of my life is my Christian understanding and life. I can easily acknowledge that good counselors can often provide better advice than many Christians do, because they really have thought through issues practically rather than use doctrinal formulas. But, I have a conceptual and experiential reality that belongs to my Christian faith.
I accept biblical teaching and therefore (and unlike so many Christians it seems) I have a very positive approach towards human sexuality, as well as a great deal of exposure to the horrors of its misuse. Thus I don't accept your view of sex, although I can recognise that is the only conceptual basis you have from your own bad experiences.
I also recognise spiritual reality. This relates to an understanding of the spiritual impact of any abuse, the effects of prayer and at times specific insights into past events or current darknesses. Plus, I know what Jesus does offer out of a relationship with Him.
Thus, our views overlap a great deal, but we frame them somewhat differently in some areas. I can accept your challenges. You are very honest, frank and realistic, values which I regard highly.
John
NZ
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