I have heard preachers who voice hatred and arrogance similar to (although never as extreme) as the WBC. However, to compare any Christian who believes that __________ will send you to hell to the WBC simply for
possessing that belief is a stretch at best. If I read scripture and I see something in black and white, and then do NOT share that with a lost and dying world, it means I don't truly care about their souls. Now, should that *truth* as I see it be screamed at them? Shoved down their throats? Coupled with curse words and curses? Spoken in hatred? Or even rudely?
Of course not. But it has to be shared. Simply put, if you don't share it, you don't believe it's important. Or you don't truly care. The things that I believe are truly heaven-or-hell deal breakers--I share. As kindly, politely, lovingly and tactfully as possible, but I get it out there. An obligation to God and to a lost world requires it.
The WBC isn't wrong for believing that homosexuality is a sin or that it will send people to hell. They're wrong for refusing to allow Christ to dictate how they interact with a sinful world. They're wrong for being proud and arrogant and hateful and mean and for tarnishing the reputation of the Church in the eyes of the world. It has nothing to do with the fact that they possess strong beliefs. It has nothing to do with them preaching strong beliefs.
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Originally Posted by Chateau d'If
...I think most of us would consider this well beyond extreme, but it's really not that different from some preachers telling people that they are going to Hell because they wear jewelry and/or make up. They justify this "teaching" by saying that those things are rooted in pride.
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I completely disagree. Preachers (and Christians) have a responsibility to preach the truth of God's Word, and being only human, they can only preach the truth as they understand it. If they read the Word--or even if they simply observe our present society--and believe that jewelry and make-up are vices that will send people to hell, then they should preach about it. It would be irresponsible and uncaring of them to do otherwise.
Whether a person is right or not (assuming
your assessment is the correct one--obviously that is very subjective) is not the point here; the point is that in order to preach and teach with integrity, you must share what you truly believe, reflected in God's Word. Speaking the truth in love. Having a good reputation both within and without. But still--speaking the truth.
I have encountered a few preachers with nasty attitudes over the years, but none of them have ever come close to the WBC, even at their meanest. No comparison. WBC is the most hateful sect of "Christians" I have ever heard of.
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