Holiness Is Still Important

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

This is true, but not really what Mirth was talking about. She's talking about the idea that we are to accept whatever comes across the pulpit as gospel. To even scratch your head and think... hmmmmm, I just don't agree with that..... is considered disrespectful by many.

There are many preachers who truly don't want a congregation of people who really think.

I don't think thats the way most preachers think about it. They want people to accept the gospel and they believe they are preaching the gospel 100% truth. When someone questions what they are saying they are questioning both the validity of the preacher and the validity of what the preachers thinks is the gospel. This is disrespectful. It's not something that can be avoided. It is something that can be handled gently by both sides.

I don't think there is any preacher (very few preachers) who don't want their congregation to think.

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by jfrog

I don't think there is any preacher (very few preachers) who don't want their congregation to think.

I know several who don't want their congregation thinking differently than they think.

My current pastor is the only one I've ever had who didn't mind independent thinkers in his congregation.

[Mirth1981]

Originally Posted by jfrog

I don't think there is any preacher (very few preachers) who don't want their congregation to think.

As long as they are thinking along the same lines as the preacher, and are in agreeance with the the doctrinal positions of the organization. Otherwise, a person is labelled "rebellious" or even worse "of a reprobate mind", regardless of the Biblical merit their independent thoughts have.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I know several who don't want their congregation thinking differently than they think.

My current pastor is the only one I've ever had who didn't mind independent thinkers in his congregation.

No offense because I do understand where you are coming from. I think such statements are made more from our perception than they are from objectiveness. I've made those same statements and probably will again. I'm in an understanding mood right now though.

[mfblume]

I try to ensure our congregation knows they are not meant to check their brains in at the door. If they cannot see what I am saying in scripture in their honest assessment, I tell them to forget what I said. It's not our church or my church, it is Christ's!

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by jfrog

No offense because I do understand where you are coming from. I think such statements are made more from our perception than they are from objectiveness. I've made those same statements and probably will again. I'm in an understanding mood right now though.

Then you're being too understanding today, because what Mirth and I are describing happens way too often.

I think this is more the case in some circles than others.

I also see that trend changing in other circles.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Mirth1981

As long as they are thinking along the same lines as the preacher, and are in agreeance with the the doctrinal positions of the organization. Otherwise, a person is labelled "rebellious" or even worse "of a reprobate mind", regardless of the Biblical merit their independent thoughts have.

Oh yes I agree.

Search your heart though and think about what you think of those people that believe those doctrines and refuse to see the truth. I'm sure it's not very highly. The question I always asked myself was why they couldn't see. (In other words I was asking what was wrong with them that they couldn't see the truth about those doctrines.)

I'm just trying to say, don't trade one form of spiritual superiority for another. You know that you are not rebellious. You know that you are not reprobate. Live for God. Be like that baptist woman that every pentecostal secretly wonders, how could she be damned.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

Then you're being too understanding today, because what Mirth and I are describing happens way too often.

I think this is more the case in some circles than others.

I also see that trend changing in other circles.

hahaha, maybe so. Sometimes you gotta try to understand the other side though

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by jfrog

hahaha, maybe so. Sometimes you gotta try to understand the other side though

I mean that is what we ask them to do toward us right?