lab@seismo.css.gov (Lance Beckner) (06/28/89)
I was thinking (even before our moderator posted the article about differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants) about how often we as "Christians" disagree about so many issues. There are obvious differences between Catholics and Protestants, but there are also many differences between the various Protestant denominations. I even find my views differing from some others in my own (nondenominational) church. I'm not sure that it is necessarily wrong for Christians to disagree. In fact, I believe that there is at least one positive result: The Christians in disagreement often end up searching the scriptures for answers to their "opponent's" questions. What often is wrong, is the way that we handle the disagreement. (BTW, this is true more of things I've seen in t.r.m than in this news group). I, being a child of God, am CONVINCED that I am right about subject X. At the same time however, someone else, also a child of God, is CONVINCED that he is right. Yet our opinions are completely opposite. Who is right? Maybe one of us, but maybe neither. Of course scripture is the final authority on these matters. But often, I find scripture to support my position, while he finds scripture to support his position. There are three things that we need to keep in mind when we have a theological/doctrinal disagreement with someone. First, we need to remember that if the person is someone who has put their faith in Jesus Christ, they are our brother/sister! Second, we need to be willing to admit, that we are just as likely to be wrong as they are, since we are BOTH children of God. And third, we need to discuss our differences in a loving manner. John said, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; for everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." and "...let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 4:7, 3:18, NKJV). Let us also remember Paul's words: "Grace be with ALL those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." (Ephesians 6:24) [emphasis mine]. I believe we need to give ALL those that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity a chance, even if their thoughts are different than ours. This is not directed toward anyone in this group. I sometimes need to be reminded of these things, and I thought someone else could benefit as well. In Christian friendship, Lance -- Lance A. Beckner INTERNET: lab@fibercom.com FiberCom, Inc. UUCP: ...!uunet!fibercom!lab P.O. Box 11966 FAX: (703) 342-5961 Roanoke, VA 24022-1966 PHONE: (703) 342-6700