Subject: Is there middle ground? |
Bible Note: Dear Tim, Greetings in Jesus' name! Brother, I appreciate your response. Please know that I do not criticize you for taking a position, nor have I observed you (purposely) mishandling Scripture. I add the paranthetical only because none of us can know the exact and perfect meaning of the Bible, some strive to do so, and some just 'feel' one way or another. From the depth of your posts, I would categorize you as a 'striver,' about the best compliment I would give anyone! :-) Are these 'strawmen?' I doubt it, my friend! Just a few hours going throught the C vs. A posts on this forum alone would clearly show that many are arrogant, dogmatic, vehement and antagonistic in their leaning toward one bent or the other. Honestly, I do not include you in this crowd! I guess it was just a 'turn of the card' that I was entering the fray by responding to you. Tim, my post was to the forum, and I am truly sorry if I sounded as if you were my target. Please accept my apologies. That said, and I pray accepted, I must say that many 'extremists or absolutists' have indeed shown forth arrogance and division. I don't know about purposeful dishonesty, but possibly zeal for or delusion in their particular bent. I would guess that you could not be categorized as such, because you admit that you stray from 'classic' Arminism. :-) That alone makes you kind of a 'Middle grounder,' yes? :-) (side note: I can't bet, but I would guess that a lot more people are 'Middle-grounders' than they would care to admit, or even realize themselves! Many call themselves one thing or another without knowing the extent of that label. Is this a possibility?) As I have stated elsewhere, my 'beef' is with: 1) the nomenclature - "I am an A (or C)," without really knowing what it means, or agreeing with the 'entire' bent. Then we would have the 'Neo' and the 'Modifed' versions. This sounds suspiciously like, "I am of Paul, I am of Apollos." 2) the bigotry and arrogance - "Just look it up in the Bible, and you will see that I am right, and you are wrong!" "Can't you READ?!" etc. 3) the division - I personally find it hard to believe that a major portion of Christianity (whicever it may be!), after abundant study of Scripture and living otherwise Christ-and-church-serving lives, will be found guilty of gross misinterpretation of the Holy Bible on that day. My brother, after we have had to hear from the both of ya'll (A and C) for all this time, please allow 'us' to say something! :-) Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |