Posted on 03/22/2005 5:58:03 AM PST by Dr. Marten
CLEARWATER - Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Greer left his church last week after the pastor wrote him a letter suggesting "it might be easier for all of us" if he leave.
Greer, whose orders on the Terri Schiavo case have brought him criticism, is a Southern Baptist who attended Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater.
Though he had other unrelated problems with the church, Greer's attendance faltered after a Baptist publication the church supported criticized his decisions in the Schiavo case. He stopped his donations to the church, but remained a member. He briefly discussed his relationship with the church in a March 6 St. Petersburg Times article.
Four days later, Calvary Pastor William Rice wrote Greer a letter: "I am not asking you to do this, but since you have taken the initiative of withdrawal, and since your connection with Calvary continues to be a point of concern, it would seem the logical and, I would say, biblical course."
Rice's letter became public when he sent a copy to the Clearwater courthouse. Rice also said the church supports keeping Schiavo alive, though he said he was "truly saddened and embarrassed by the level of harassment and vitriolic nature of so many comments that purportedly come from people of faith."
Rice, who has been pastor at the church for five months, added: "But you must know that in all likelihood it is this case which will define your career and this case that you will remember in the waning days of life. I hope you can find a way to side with the angels and become an answer to the prayers of thousands."
Greer responded with a letter severing his relationship with the church.
More like ...---... ...---... ...---... !
Actually the Bible says it really doesn't matter how you answer a fool.
Well, to be honest, on certain threads you get flamed for being a hit and runner, and then if you persist you get flamed for that too. Even to the point of certain groups organizing a 'complaint campaign' to get you kicked off FR.
Note to all: This is not me, the original FReeper Palladin.
Hey, impostor: have gun, will travel.
How terribly unchristian. /sarcasm
the guy should have been reported to the authorities the first time. Church discipline doesn't apply to criminal matters.
What are you like 12? Why don't you go sell some cookies or something, grown folks are trying to talk. Be gone!
I figured that out. :-)
Probably for the last 15 years!
"...---... ...---... ...---..."
Says nothing!
but -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / .- -. / .. -.. .. --- -
"Shouldnt the church be there for you in your darkest hour? What a shame that these "Christians" missed out on a real opportunity to show Jesus' love."
Your kidding right? Yes love love love, even child molesters who murder rape and kill innocent little babies should be given love? Let me guess your either United Methodist or Episcopalian or atheist - they are all about the same because they believe whatever they want.
It says, SOS SOS SOS
You'll have to interpret.
Exactly ... the law is given for the law breaker.
The creep was ultimately going away, but the effort to reconcile was made before the system made it so much more difficult or even impossible for a man to feel repentence.
I am btw,the father to the girl.
She's 22 now, married with our first grandaughter due April 20.
My wife Debbie,went home to be with the Lord June 15 last year.
My grandaughter's name is Debra Hope.
1) The one sinned against (in this case, that could be anyone in the church, I suppose, but more likely is the pastor) goes privately to the person and tells him/her the sin
2) If s/he rejects that, then the person comes back with two or three elders, who examine both people to determine who's sinning
3) If the elders determine the person is in sin, and he rejects that by refusing to repent, then they take it to the church for a trial (it's possible they could determine the person who brought the matter to them is sinning by lying or whatever)
4) If the church finds him guilty, and he rejects that admonition and refuses to repent, they turn him over to Satan, that he might be saved in the end (the punsihment Satan extracts is expected to propel him to repent. Or not.
That's my opinion of what the Bible has to say about Church discipline. It is seldom practiced today by any Church.
Thanks CG. I am amazed at the lack of understanding on the part of these people.
So you agree that this case should be decided on the basis of the law and the law alone, and not on any personal beliefs or religious instructions the judge might have?
Amen to THAT, brother!
You really should reply and define your statement better, especially since you signed up today and haven't replied to any of the multiple responses to your one post. BTW, read 1&2 Corinthians regarding church discipline.
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