Its not a case of seeing whos in and whose out but that we decern what is Gods will. The Bible tells us not to be conformed to this world so that we may decern Gods Will. It also tells us we can be decieved by the world by people pretendeing to represent Christ and that we must test to see if others represent Gods Truth. We cannot avoid being decieved unless we understand how the decievers work.
What I'm trying to suggest is that rather than focus on anxiously trying to define truth (or Truth) in ever-increasing minutiae, focussing on the big picture of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and so on, will allow the small matters to fall into place. Our focus isn't meant to be on trying to make distinctions between groups of people.
What? I am asking you to prove what you say is historically debated in the church?
My claim is that, historically, having different views on sexuality wasn't something that meant others thought you were not a real Christian. It would therefore be very unlikely to find a quote from a church father saying "If you are wrong about this, you're still a Christian." If you can find a quote that says the opposite, I'll take it on board.
How about being pastorally sensative to all of us?
I am. It's why, for example, when one member of my congregation wanted to put a rainbow flag in the church, I said no. She wanted it to signal to LGBTIQA+ folks that this was a safe place, and I'd be happy with that message; but I knew others would take it as something else, and it would be too much for them.
However, pastoral sensitivity has limits. No one gets so much latitude that they get to ignore the needs and safety of others.
And you won't even provide what you say is historically known. How do you know this from history?
I'm well read in church history (it was a significant aspect of my masters). I know a fair bit about the debates, the issues, and the way different things were thought and written about. I have not ever seen "not a real Christian" rhetoric around these issues earlier than the late 20th century. If you think I'm wrong, provide a counter-example.
Ok, now we are getting closer. It would be no.
Exactly. That was the point I was making in answer to
@Bradskii.
Where are you getting that from? What does that mean? who are the "educators" etc.
That's a summary of pretty typical responses I've seen from members of traditional churches in this kind of discussion.
And when you say "it won't be enough for them to say" ...Are you saying they concluded this, or you are today?
I'm saying that this is the typical approach in these churches to disagreement on moral matters. I've seen it play out on all kinds of issues. They might talk about being a poorly catechised person, a cafeteria Catholic, or what have you; they won't say they're "not a real Christian."
You are not being clear and if you know this why can't you just direct me to the historical discussions where of you speak this knowledge.
Because my point is this discussion wasn't happening prior to the late twentieth century! It wasn't a question. What made someone not-a-real-Christian was doctrinal, not moral.
Please quit making us "harming people" by not agreeing in any way about our faith.
Not agreeing doesn't necessarily harm people. But the way that disagreement is expressed certainly can. That's something we all need to recognise, and take responsibility for the power we have to do harm. It might be uncomfortable, but that's not harming us. It's perhaps the growing pains of maturity.