Better Safe Than Sorry?

Socialite · #1 02-03-2011, 06:14 PM

This desperate, and last-ditch argumentation is used by many standards-preaching churches, as a way to justify a position that some find unreasonable.

Two primary objections:

1) The position can be turned right back on them by someone much more conservative. I guess they aren't too safe after all! You can see the extremes...

2) Such a statement makes the Grace of God seem fragile, God's control weak and His Providence lacking.

Do we ever hear ourselves sometimes?

jediwill83 · #2 02-03-2011, 06:48 PM

yeah....you hear the whole"slippery slope" argument I have a pastor friend who was approached by another pastor and told " Brother we need to decide whether this internet is a heaven or hell issue" to which my friend replied "Brother...WE dont decide whats heaven or hell....God does."

Socialite · #3 02-03-2011, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jediwill83

yeah....you hear the whole"slippery slope" argument I have a pastor friend who was approached by another pastor and told " Brother we need to decide whether this internet is a heaven or hell issue" to which my friend replied "Brother...WE dont decide whats heaven or hell....God does."

But you're better safe than sorry!

MissBrattified · #4 02-03-2011, 06:51 PM

IMO, people use this approach when they aren't sure of something themselves. I can think of one particular issue right now that bothers me because of how I was brought up, and I can't shake it even though logically I know it isn't scriptural. Therefore, I have to take the "better safe than sorry" tact because I can't have a clear conscience otherwise.

I guess that would be one of those areas where I'm weaker than my brothers/sisters. Generally, when I hear people saying stuff like that, I think that it's something that bothers their conscience, and if they can't do it with a clear conscience, they can't allow others the freedom to do it without it bothering their conscience. Does that make any sense at all?????

jediwill83 · #5 02-03-2011, 06:54 PM

they sense a great disturbance in the Force.hehe

Socialite · #6 02-03-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

IMO, people use this approach when they aren't sure of something themselves. I can think of one particular issue right now that bothers me because of how I was brought up, and I can't shake it even though logically I know it isn't scriptural. Therefore, I have to take the "better safe than sorry" tact because I can't have a clear conscience otherwise.

I guess that would be one of those areas where I'm weaker than my brothers/sisters. Generally, when I hear people saying stuff like that, I think that it's something that bothers their conscience, and if they can't do it with a clear conscience, they can't allow others the freedom to do it without it bothering their conscience. Does that make any sense at all?????

That definitely makes sense. And a clear conscience is important!

But... I'm framing this in terms of how people pastor churches, lead others, etc.

MissBrattified · #7 02-03-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socialite

That definitely makes sense. And a clear conscience is important!

But... I'm framing this in terms of how people pastor churches, lead others, etc.

That's what I mean, though. If a pastor can't do something with a clear conscience, how can he endorse it for the congregation with a clear conscience?

Socialite · #8 02-03-2011, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

That's what I mean, though. If a pastor can't do something with a clear conscience, how can he endorse it for the congregation with a clear conscience?

To me, this violated the Romans 14 principle of pushing your lack of conscience on someone else. You don't have to endorse to abstain yourself.

Probably better if we talk specifics.

Either way... don't you think it sounds fragile on grace? Like, man if you get that wrong, you may be TOAST!?

A pastoring elder should also be mature and approachable about what exactly is troubling his conscience.

MissBrattified · #9 02-03-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socialite

To me, this violated the Romans 14 principle of pushing your lack of conscience on someone else. You don't have to endorse to abstain yourself.

Probably better if we talk specifics.

Either way... don't you think it sounds fragile on grace? Like, man if you get that wrong, you may be TOAST!?

Quote:

A pastoring elder should also be mature and approachable about what exactly is troubling his conscience.

I agree, but I'm just saying that I understand (and empathize with) the mindset. I experience it. I don't know how you eliminate that kind of "weakness" from your psyche.

Socialite · #10 02-03-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I agree, but I'm just saying that I understand (and empathize with) the mindset. I experience it. I don't know how you eliminate that kind of "weakness" from your psyche.

Well, at least admit it's a weakness. Submit it to God -- that you believe fully in His cross. That He is in control. That He is most glorious in your life.

Hard to say without knowing exactly what we are talking about.

If it's a pastor -- they need to not try to play God for others and see that in the cross. God is in control. Great moment to reflect on the Gospel.