Subject: Can belief be excluded from exegesis |
Bible Note: Dear David, Thank you for your reply. I am in full agreement. The way we act and respond to others should reflect that of our Lord Jesus. But that does not speak to the qustion I asked. Lets say, a person's belief is that God is Soverign over all things that occur, and this person is convinced by Scripture that this is GOD'S truth revealed to him through the enlightenment of the Holy Ghost. Should that person be prohibited from communicating his belief to others simply because it is not the view of the majority of his brethren. I am not speaking here about heretical views, but of views that are based on Scripture ALONE. I have never attemted to bully anyone into accepting my theology, but have tried to reason with them from Scripture. I have sought to be patient and loving to all and the ovewhelming majority of my conversations have been friendly and courteous. Have I always been kind and loving? No, and I regret every unkind and unloving remark that that I have spoken. But there is a difference between a passionate expression of one's belief and a verbal attack on a persons character or intentions. No one knows with certainty what lie in the heart of another, and to say that they do know is repugnant and obnoxious to that person. He may even stumble and sin when so attacked. Go back a bit and read the recent exchanges between pastor Glenn and myself, and Tim Moran. I don't say that we are all sugar and spice with each other all the time, neither should we be. Paul was very straight forward himself from time to time. When two Brothers are in sharp disagreement over a doctrine, and both are convinced that their arguements are God's truth, some sparks may fly! They each feel that they are defending God's glory and passions may be aroused. It is at that point that the brother who first realizes that the peace of God has been disturbed must begin to temper and salt the conversation with words of love. This does not mean that he should not contiue to discuss the matter if his brother is still inclined to do so. If his brother says he does not wish to discuss the matter further, then he should refrain from continuing the converasation with him. But to say that he should not speak of this to others is unfair and even unjust. That is my opinion. Unity is what Christ Himself prayed that the Father would grant to those that the Father had given Him. This should humble all of us and cause our faces to grow hot with shame for our behaviour to one another. God willing, this will lead us to repent of our arrogant pride and self-righteouness. However we must never sacrifice truth for the sake of unity. John |