Subject: Is there middle ground? |
Bible Note: Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I did not say that all doctrine and all theology are impractical and a hobby. I said that theorizing who WILL be saved and who will NOT be saved is beyond our ability to know in a practical sense, therefore a hobby. ( a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation-Webster's) That is, unless you are a seminary professor! :-) I have asked several times what practical difference this topic makes. How does it change my walk, my service to Christ and His church? It seems that the answer to this question would clarify whether it is a hobby or not. Friend, there is a difference between making and arrogant statement and being arrogant. I do not accuse you of being an arrogant person. I say that the topic is impractical, and no one, as yet, has even tried to explain the practicality of knowing whether Christ died for the world or for the elect. It is assumption to think that we KNOW the mind of God completely on ANY topic. (I might add that ALL are guilty of this once in a while!) I can remember several posts that made similar statements on both sides, though I don't know if any were directed to you, personally. Asked why I think that there is reconciliation between these two camps, I have tried to answer that the division is moot, and that pursuit of Jesus would answer both satisfactorily. This reconciliation was spoken of as impossible, and I disagree. But in order to find this reconciliation, we might have to sacrifice some of the more 'intellectual' ways of thinking, i.e. think with the heart, not with the mind. After all, it is not the issue that is irreconcilable, but the people. :-) I would imagine that you feel insulted because I touch upon something that is dear to you. I honestly do not make you my target. I am targeting a bent, a preference. I might add that MY preference has been targeted many a time. Tim, you asked me to explain! Again and again! So I did. Nothing personal or antagonistic, but I guess too blunt. :-) I am new at discussing such lofty matters, and therefore not very polished. I will work on my presentation, and my manners :-( Sorry. In Christ Jesus, charis |