Replies

It would be really great if we could permanently retire the "Catholic vs. Protestant boxing match" or food fight or whatever. We have real common enemies and a common Enemy who has made much "progress" while we fight. We agree on about 95% and should bear that in mind and soul however important the other 5% may be.

You will know the Christians. They are the ones who love one another.

Boatbums: that post of yours was what we need a lot more of here from ALL of us.

Thank you.

Though I cannot ignore those areas where we DO differ - areas that I truly believe are essential to genuine Christian faith - I accept that Christians are found in many places. It is not beneficial to the cause of spreading the gospel of the grace of God through faith in Christ to constantly provoke flame wars among fellow Conservatives where all that is left are offended and angry spirits primed and ready for the NEXT opportunity to rear its head to strike back in revenge.

I KNOW this is not what Jim envisioned for this website. I KNOW it is not something that glorifies God or attracts others to join. Where we disagree, we should be able to discuss, with each contributor having the freedom to express his or her beliefs trusting that animosity and condemnation from fellow Freepers will not be rained down on her/his head for doing so. I readily admit that most of us have fallen into this trap from time to time. Being human, it is not an easy thing to read criticism of our faith and not want to retaliate in like manner. What I have observed over the years I have been here is that rarely do opinions get changed by browbeating and animosity. Paul said we should be ready to give an answer to those who ask us of the reason for the hope that is within us with gentleness and respect.

This bishop, of whom the article speaks, seems to be someone who, when confronted with forces that objected to the straight and narrow of the orthodox Christian faith, gave in and changed his doctrine to be friendly with the world - preferring the praise of men more than the praise of God. He persisted on this path for so long that he can no longer even recognize what is true anymore - preferring a relative theology rather than any absolute doctrine as laid down by Holy Scripture. We NEED men and women to stand firm in the faith once delivered unto the saints - it never HAS changed and never needs to change. It is the power of God unto salvation to all those who believe.

Thanks again for your comments.