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Where I and Creationists differ is on what to do when observed reality and scriptural INTERPRETATION differ.

So because you dislike someone's INTERPRETATION of Scripture, your attack and fallback positions are conjured up from naturalistic science?

Don't forget that an INTERPRETATION that you find unacceptable still very much belongs to the domain of "observed reality." The problem is, not everything in observed/observable reality reduces to the techniques of scientific analysis (e.g., direct observation, replicable experiments, etc.), and this would be an example. Get used to it! :^)

Lots of folks INTERPRET the Holy Scriptures differently than I do. That doesn't mean that I think they're all jerks. The call of the Holy Spirit is answered differently by different souls, according to the light and grace that the good Lord has conferred on us. We are not one-size-fits-all "cookie-cutter Christians." Plus it's absolutely obvious that God LOVES diversity — He made so much of it....

Personally, I think it unwise to be making judgments about what other people do and think in their spiritual understandings and experiences. What unites all believing Christians despite our differences is the shared belief that there is no salvation outside of Christ. He, Son of God, is the Logos — the Father's express Will and Truth — of both the earthly and spiritual creation; our Savior; Redeemer; and Final Judge.

Thanks for the clarification, allmendream RE: the inerrancy of Scripture — "My quite well examined presupposition at work here is that reality and the truth of Scripture cannot be at odds."

We both agree on that. But does that give either of us a license to tell other people that they are "in error?"

Be careful: For as the Holy Scriptures tell us, As we judge, so shall we be judged: The good Lord may say the same thing to you and/or me some day.

Only God is the measure — never man, individually or collectively.

Just some thoughts, FWIW.

Thanks so much for writing allmendream!

Simple question.

Do you believe murder is wrong? (stay w/me I’m going somewhere)

I enjoyed reading your post. In particular, I thought your statement

What unites all believing Christians despite our differences is the shared belief that there is no salvation outside of Christ.

was uncommonly succinct and true... found as it was in the middle of the usual Religion Forum wrangling, especially in the midst of a discussion about INTERPRETATION of Scripture.

For all of our cross-denominational (inter-Nicene) vehemence, we Redeemed all agree there is no salvation outside of Christ.

Having said that, I gotta disagree with your application (interpretation) of the scriptural caution:

As we judge, so shall we be judged.

Far too often the injunction against judgment is used by those who know better. There is no shortage of scripture that instructs God's people to judge and correct others. When I see the "it's not right to judge others" clause used, it almost always in a falsely pious attempt to take the high ground.

To say that another Christian or group of Christians is in error does not endanger anyone at the last judgment.

To suggest that someone's interpretation of scripture is in error is not the same as saying the scripture is in error.

Just my thoughts.

So because you dislike someone's INTERPRETATION of Scripture, your attack and fallback positions are conjured up from naturalistic science?

Don't forget that an INTERPRETATION that you find unacceptable still very much belongs to the domain of "observed reality." The problem is, not everything in observed/observable reality reduces to the techniques of scientific analysis (e.g., direct observation, replicable experiments, etc.), and this would be an example. Get used to it! :^)

Indeed.

Thank you so very much for sharing your insights, dearest sister in Christ!