Intolerance vs. standing fast (Gospel, church, believer, scripture)

[simpleton]

Originally Posted by cg81

The problem is sometimes we proudly think our personal opinion is Truth!

Yup that too. That's why we need to go by the Word. Sometimes it's difficult to tell who's trying to truthfully represent the Word though. That's when discernment and study is needed, so we can find out what is really meant from the scriptures.

[dojilynn]

I think a lot of this boils down to being PC all of the time. It has gotten to a point when it isn't PC for us to even state a belief. We are immediately labled as being intollerant. I don't understand this.

For example:

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do not believe that Muhammad was a prophet of God. This is not being intollerant, it is being honest. If I believed that Muhammand was a prophet, I would be Muslim, not Christian.

Now, if I was to rant and rave spewing hate-filled words about Muslims, that would be intollerant.

I believe we can have conversations with those of other faiths. We can do so civilly and honestly. Obviously we will view things differently. I think that in these conversations and relationships, if something is brought to the table that is explicitly against the Word of God, then we need to take a stand. Taking a stand does not equal making a scene, it only means that we explain why we will not engage in certain behavior/attitude. Do so with respect, not demeaning the other person because they have no qualms regarding the topic at hand. Simply explain youself and move on. They should respect you for it. It is far better than claiming to be a Christian yet living just like everyone else. It is no wonder that the world sees us all as hypocrites.

[cg81]

Originally Posted by simpleton

trying to truthfully represent the Word

That statement caught my eye... hmmmm..

I guess that has to do with how much we ourselves are submitted to God, doesn't it? If I'm at odds with God in some way, it will probably reflect in my message.. because the truth would hurt me too.

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks..."

[simpleton]

Originally Posted by dojilynn

I think a lot of this boils down to being PC all of the time. It has gotten to a point when it isn't PC for us to even state a belief. We are immediately labled as being intollerant. I don't understand this.

For example:

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do not believe that Muhammad was a prophet of God. This is not being intollerant, it is being honest. If I believed that Muhammand was a prophet, I would be Muslim, not Christian.

Now, if I was to rant and rave spewing hate-filled words about Muslims, that would be intollerant.

I believe we can have conversations with those of other faiths. We can do so civilly and honestly. Obviously we will view things differently. I think that in these conversations and relationships, if something is brought to the table that is explicitly against the Word of God, then we need to take a stand. Taking a stand does not equal making a scene, it only means that we explain why we will not engage in certain behavior/attitude. Do so with respect, not demeaning the other person because they have no qualms regarding the topic at hand. Simply explain youself and move on. They should respect you for it. It is far better than claiming to be a Christian yet living just like everyone else. It is no wonder that the world sees us all as hypocrites.

Agree for the most part. Sometimes we might have to make a spectacle of ourselves though, or we will be made a spectacle of when professing Truth. So long as God is leading us to do so, there's nothing to worry about. Gotta not be timid about expressing the Truth, as Christ didn't give us a spirit of timidity - but one of power.

[simpleton]

Originally Posted by cg81

That statement caught my eye... hmmmm..

I guess that has to do with how much we ourselves are submitted to God, doesn't it? If I'm at odds with God in some way, it will probably reflect in my message.. because the truth would hurt me too.

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks..."

Yup. That's why everything must be "Thy will be done." and we must pray that God helps us mean it too.

Stephen

Edit: You know there are some things that would come out of my mouth which could often times be damning to myself in my own walk. As my Love for Truth goes, I just speak what comes from the heart - God's Word despite what it says about me. Blessed are those who don't take offense.

[dojilynn]

Originally Posted by simpleton

Agree for the most part. Sometime we might have to make a spectacle of ourselves though, or we will be made a spectacle of when professing Truth. So long as God is leading us to do so, there's nothing to worry about. Gotta not be timid about expressing the Truth, as Christ didn't give us a spirit of timidity - but one of power.

I didn't mean to imply that I would be timid about taking my stand. We can be firm about our position, yet convey it with gentleness. What I meant in my earlier post, was that we shouldn't make the other person a public spectacle because their views don't perfectly align with ours. (I am thinking of religious differences here in a one-on-one relationship.)

However, if it is something more wide-spread, like our freedom to worship or something like that, a more public scene is required to make our voice heard. In this case, I would not hesitate or show timidity at all.

[simpleton]

Originally Posted by dojilynn

I didn't mean to imply that I would be timid about taking my stand. We can be firm about our position, yet convey it with gentleness. What I meant in my earlier post, was that we shouldn't make the other person a public spectacle because their views don't perfectly align with ours. (I am thinking of religious differences here in a one-on-one relationship.)

However, if it is something more wide-spread, like our freedom to worship or something like that, a more public scene is required to make our voice heard. In this case, I would not hesitate or show timidity at all.

I see what you're saying. I'm just stating to not worry about presentation, and let God take the lead. If you let him take the lead, it will always be done out of gentleness and Love, despite whether or not others view it to be that way.

In Christ,

Stephen

[cg81]

Originally Posted by dojilynn

I think a lot of this boils down to being PC all of the time. It has gotten to a point when it isn't PC for us to even state a belief. We are immediately labled as being intollerant. I don't understand this.

For example:

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do not believe that Muhammad was a prophet of God. This is not being intollerant, it is being honest. If I believed that Muhammand was a prophet, I would be Muslim, not Christian.

Now, if I was to rant and rave spewing hate-filled words about Muslims, that would be intollerant.

I believe we can have conversations with those of other faiths. We can do so civilly and honestly. Obviously we will view things differently. I think that in these conversations and relationships, if something is brought to the table that is explicitly against the Word of God, then we need to take a stand. Taking a stand does not equal making a scene, it only means that we explain why we will not engage in certain behavior/attitude. Do so with respect, not demeaning the other person because they have no qualms regarding the topic at hand. Simply explain youself and move on. They should respect you for it. It is far better than claiming to be a Christian yet living just like everyone else. It is no wonder that the world sees us all as hypocrites.

Great post, dojilynn!

Regarding your point about things being too PC, I agree. Logic seems to have flown out the window many times, to the point that even to say "I believe this and don't believe that" is labeled intolerant, as you stated. If I am a Christian, it should be only logical that I won't be following Muhammed.

[cg81]

Originally Posted by simpleton

Edit: You know there are some things that would come out of my mouth which could often times be damning to myself in my own walk.

I hear ya!

(talking about myself!)

[xxGreyFalconxx]

Joh 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Joh 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Joh 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Joh 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.
Joh 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

seems a little intolerant