[annalex]

Why is a discussion between Erasmus and Luther "clearly" for Protestants?

I think there is a need for space for every faith to discuss that faith in relative privacy. That goes for Protestants, Catholics, and sundry non-Christians. For example, when fine distinctions are made about the method of confession to priests, it becomes a distraction to discuss th every necessity of confessions. Likewise, when a discussion is about, say, Rick Warren books, it would be rude to interrupt it with comments that do not come from the same theological perspective as Rick Warren.

I don't think this thread is any such kind, and if it was, it lost its sectarian character long since I showed up (about 200 posts down).

[HarleyD]

I think there is a need for space for every faith to discuss that faith in relative privacy. That goes for Protestants, Catholics, and sundry non-Christians.

I would agree. It is my personal belief there is only one right way to think of God. The other ways of thinking are heretical to varying degrees. How do you discern whether you have the right way of thinking or a heretical thought process apart from discussions such as these? Quite frankly I would rather have someone say, "Oh foolish Harley, who has bewitched you." than to not really discuss something of substance.

People can tell me whatever they wish and I truly take it to heart examining it against the things that I know. In the end we are all accountable to God for ONLY our beliefs and these beliefs include what we think about Him. Consider this exchange:

Job 42:7-9 It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has. Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has." So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job.

Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar were all believers and got around to talk theology; probably the first Religious forum. However only Job was correct in his understanding of God. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar were not and it says that God's wrath was kindled against them simply because they did not understand God's nature. This should really give us cause to ensure that we are not harboring some ill conceived belief.

If God being wrathful against people who do not think rightfully about Him seems unfair one should remember that God commands us to pray for wisdom, understanding and knowledge which He promise to provide in abundance. It is up to us to seek the right understanding of God out. God will guide us to all truth. We have no excuse.

But one more thing. Those who have the right thought process should be praying for those who are in error. May God be merciful to us all.