[boatbums]

I think the irritation is more because CB refused to slap one of y'alls labels on himself than because he wouldn't tell you what he believed. I cannot think of even one thing he has said over the years concerning the essential doctrines of the Christian faith that are at odds with what the Reformers taught and which I also believe. Sometimes people mistake resistance to stereotyping as adherence to some heresy or another. But, in the case of Cynical Bear and Metmom, I can vouch that they hold to ALL the tenets that make a Christian a Christian.

Seeing that this thread (d)evolved into a discussion over Calvinism and Armenianism - areas many Christians view as genuinely interesting but not rising to the level of essential salvific dogma - it is sad that fellow believers feel they must criticize and demean each other just because they disagree on the subject. God saw fit to leave certain areas hazy in Scripture. While on other essential topics, He leaves no room over which to quibble. Why He did this, we can only guess, but perhaps one reason is to teach us to love each other as Christ loves us - and He continues to even when we stray from His path. We can love and respect each other and still not agree on everything. On essentials - unity; non-essentials - liberty, on all things - charity.

[xzins]

he wouldn't tell you what he believed

Just that. He obfuscates.

For example:

Cynical bear what are your beliefs about water baptism? Do you think the mode should by sprinkling, immersing, or some other mode or combination of modes?