JJB said:
McWilliams said:
magnify said:
In an effort to be "uniting all Christians" it may be less abrasive when fellowshipping with others.
We all know some people have issues with us and what we believe.
And it is true that ultimately we are Christians.
That said and speaking only for myself I am not ecumenical nor interested in 'uniting all Christians'. Not wanting to be offensive I guess I'm so convinced of the great truth in the doctrines of grace, that while sharing with others is a good thing at times, at other times it could serve to dilute what we hold dear and very significant. Some things just cant mingle without distortion. If/when a person discusses doctrine it is from their heart. If they inquire for further information I think all on SR have been open but at times it also is a possible precipitant to intense feelings of protecting what one feels to be the whole truth.
I fear I may sound pious, self-righteous or worse and that is not my desire at all, nor is it what is in my heart. lol, I guess others may be able to express this better than I am and hopefully will clear out these cobwebs I've woven here! I feel that no one here ever intends abrasiveness but just consider it as though you finally found this great treasure and want to protect it to the death! Many 'christians' do not feel kindly regarding the doctrines of grace and even can express blatant hostility at even considering the truth of election! The great difference lies in who is responsible for our salvation, God or man! That is a great difference in opinion and doctrine that isnt likely to be resolved on CF. Here in SR full credit is given to God, start to finish. Those that are not calvinist feel that they are the ones who are responsible for initiating such a change or at least taking an active role! Calvinists serve a high, holy and sovereign God and credit Him with the creating, ownership and the full maintenance of His creation. Soli deo gloria
Hi magnify,
but i will prolly procrastinate a little longer. One of my concerns is that I may misrepresent what Calvinism is, so I hesitate to change it. Perhaps that's my own personal straw man.
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*Warning not politically correct
After several hours of thinking about this thread, I am finally going to state my beliefs within SR without simply quoting somebody else.
"Uniting All Christians" is a pretty lofty goal for a christian website. Although the goal is honorable, it will never happen.
Why should I hide my beliefs just to make somebody else comfortable. Just because I have an icon doesn't make me abrasive. My abrasiveness comes from what I type. If people can't handle a simple icon within my posts, that is their problem. I don't go off the deep end when I see an athiest icon.
The statement "And it is true that ultimately we are Christians" is also questionable. Without violating any rules on CF I would in fact question wether some people that post within the Christian Only section are actually Christians. (*note - I am not saying that anybody who has posted in this thread is not a Christian) There are people who say they are Christians when in fact they are not. The wheat will be seperated from the chaff.
In regards to McWilliams' post which I agree with, I also refuse to mingle my beliefs with twisted distorted beliefs of others. Although I am not a scholar regarding the Bible, there are basic principles that I will not let become distorted. I don't believe Calvanists have it perfect either. However, I believe reformed beliefs are the most accurate. I have nothing further to say about McWilliams post other than to agree with it. I just didn't want to rip it apart because I like the complete post.
I also find debates/arguing to be a waste of time. I have no problem stating I believe something is wrong and why. But then I just move on to something else. If somebody doesn't like it - oh well. I believe sharing the Gospel with somebody is totally different than this game of wits that I refuse to play. Beside, I dont want to fight with unarmed people
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JJB,
I also had a hard time changing my icon. My reason is different but has some similarity. I have been a renagade Calvanist on CF and a lot of my posts were not charitable at all. As a matter of fact some were down right mean. Therefore, I refused to change my icon so as not to put Calvanists in a bad light and have people think "see Calvanists are just mean people or see they don't do what they preach". Well after much thought and prayer, I finally changed my icon in hopes that doing so would help rain me in because I have no desire to ruin the overall reputation of Calvanists. Changing my icon was in fact a very good tool to help me post more charitably on CF although using an icon to make me post more charitably is lame. It definately show my sinful nature. I should have been posting charitably from the start and not have to use an icon to put me in line with how I am suppose to treat others.
Well forgive the spelling errors if you wish. I have been up all night and am to tired to check my spelling
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Peace,
TB
