My friend, you seem to be a devout person who believes what they believe sincerely, and I can respect that. In fact, I'm actually quite impressed with you. You have demonstrated a measure of courage by joining in the discussions posted on this forum. Cheers to you.
However, let me be very clear about something. I didn't call you, or anybody else a fool. In reading this thread, you may have inferred a personal attack on
your intelligence, (and you'd be wrong btw) but it still doesn't equate to being labeled a fool. Foolishness denotes lack of wisdom, not intelligence. (I've been accused of lacking both
)
Now, what was the point of this thread anyway??
In some obscure, twisted way, I think the general message is actually a rather noble one. I'm simply challenging folks to think,
independently! With a certain few, maybe that isn't a good thing, but it's generally a good rule of practice for the rest of us. Of course, the reality is, we all have our limitations (see original posts 1-2), and ultimately, our worth as an individual is not really contingent on whether we're a brainiac or not. If you feel differently, then I'm obliged to respectfully disagree.
If you hang around, I think you''ll develop an appreciation for a lot of the good folks that make AFF great. Don't know what you've been told, but there exists a great wealth of knowledge, wisdom and faith among its members (typing from the bottom of the totem pole here). I don't know of any formal rules, but I suspect that original, well thought out contributions are respected by everybody that reads here. I certainly welcome them. Most of us can sniff up posts that smell of organizational propaganda before you click on the submit button. Unscrupulous and dubious doctrines do not go unchallenged in this realm, (if we have time to log on of course).
Bottom line: We want you to win. Period.
Here's something to consider. Ask your pastor (assuming you have one) for a list of criteria which helps him to determine "outward holiness standards" in his congregation, (again, assuming he holds them). Before he goes off prooftexting a bunch of gobbly gook, stop him in his tracks and respectfully ask "Wasn't the earthly Jesus Christ our standard? If he insists on adding to the "inadequacy" of the proposal by undermining the work of the Spirit in our complex lives, it may be the impetus you need to write a book on, "Christian Standards That Eclipse Jesus Christ," which is no doubt destined to become a best seller. Just cut me a little of the top for the idea.
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