Can't we all just get along?

[My Own Eyes]

Brother OA, once again you have given us a post that is both heart-felt and thought provoking.

I for one, know that I personally have been guilty in the past of putting my quest for the "right answer" above all else, including most importantly my relationship with God. Until I eventually reached a place where I realized that I knew where I stood on so many different issues, but that I no longer had any idea who Jesus even was.

Many now would consider me to be doctrinally bankrupt, and I can't necessarily argue with that label. It seems this search for Jesus takes up the bulk of my thoughts now.

[dizzyde]

OA, great post and I totally agree. I think that some genuinely enjoy arguing, and some even think it is funny.

Personally, I find it to be very counter-productive and divisive. If you are truly trying to convince someone of your position, OK, but I don't think that will ever be achieved by hurling insults back and forth. And I think the Bible speaks of it being inadvisable to continue in pointless repetition.

Arguing for the sake of arguing is something I will never understand. I have enough tension in my real life without needing to add to it.

[OneAccord]

Originally Posted by My Own Eyes

Brother OA, once again you have given us a post that is both heart-felt and thought provoking.

I for one, know that I personally have been guilty in the past of putting my quest for the "right answer" above all else, including most importantly my relationship with God. Until I eventually reached a place where I realized that I knew where I stood on so many different issues, but that I no longer had any idea who Jesus even was.

Many now would consider me to be doctrinally bankrupt, and I can't necessarily argue with that label. It seems this search for Jesus takes up the bulk of my thoughts now.

Oh, I don't know... I don't think you're as bankrupt as some might think. In fact, I think you are transitioning from knowing ABOUT Jesus to really knowing Him. As I read your post, I thought of Peter. He had been in the Lord's inner circle. He was given the "keys of the Kingdom" when He declared his revelation that Jesus was the Son of the Living God. He ate with Jesus, slept beside Him and walked on water with Him. He defended Jesus at His arrest. But...

,,, when Jesus was gone and buried, Peter was one of the first to turn away. He said, "Im going fishing..." (John 21). But Peter found it wasn't so easy to walk away from the Lord and return to his old life. Peter "transitioned" from following the Lord from afar to being a leader of men. (Mat 26:58)

I think you, too, are transitioning from what religion tried to make you into what God intends for you. Keep searching... its those that seek who find!