Jon, what I haven't quoted you can view as our being in agreement on. Just trying to keep the response down a little, because I'd much rather be having a doctrinal discussion, lol.
I agree, brother (except in the part where you think I may be "encouraging a mocking tone).
And keep in mind that is just my opinion, and I don't mean to imply you are being malicious, but humorous, which is something I can appreciate greatly.
It's probably more a matter of not seeing discouragement of attitudes which do nothing but make it harder to witness to those involved in false doctrine.
There is no reason we cannot keep an open, friendly, and beneficial dialogue with people we believe engaged in false doctrine, and it is discouraging to see often those who have come here (or any forum) who are likely here because God has brought them here...treated like family.
Our arguments (in this context) are not attacks on other faiths or denominations, but instead a solidification of our own doctrine (even those points where we may be mistaking).
I don't see that. We can't "solidify" doctrine if Scripture is never brought into the equation. And I am speaking about this thread primarily. Let's be honest, this thread is nothing more than a Catholic and SDA bashing thread. It serves no purpose.I think only two people have offered Scripture. Reformed did a post which was dead on concerning the OP and all he got in return was another exclamatory outburst.
I stand firm when I say that RCC doctrine is a corruption of the Christian faith. But I also have RCC friends I believe to be Christians.
And that is the exact point I tried to make. While the Doctrine is in error, we do not assume to condemn everyone involved in those groups.
Not all Catholics embrace everything Catholicism teaches. I agree, they have doctrines which depart from Scripture (as well as practice), but how often doe a congregation actually know what it is their group actually teaches? Probably about the same as your typical Baptist congregation, lol. Not very many.
I believe CoC doctrine is a corruption of biblical doctrine. But I also have CoC friends I believe to be Christians.
I do as well, but, being ignorant doesn't disqualify one from being saved. Lucky for me, lol. I could retire if I had a nickel for everything I have been wrong about in my walk with the Lord.
It was a CoC forum that is the first forum I ever left before doing my usual 1,000 posts or so in my visit. They could not defend Baptismal Regeneration so the Moderator told me I couldn't debate it any more. I told them it was an abuse of power and that if they were so confident in their doctrine they should be able to defend it, and that I would not waste time on a forum that didn't have the fortitude to do so, and simply shut down anyone presenting opposition to their doctrine. Moderation later recanted, but I don't think I returned. Besides, my thread is still there, so that was good enough for me.
We talk about these things and yet we are still friends because we are discussing doctrines where we disagree and not insulting each other.
Right, its a little different when we are face to face with those we witness to. Not true on forums, anonymity seems to bring out the beast in some (myself included at times, lol, I've been guilty of losing my cool a time or two).
But again, you are making my point for me. Its not a matter of getting more flies with honey, because I don't think I would be accused of sugar-coating my responses to people. But, I try very hard not to belittle people, though that might seem to be the case sometimes, because no-one likes to be told their doctrine is wrong, and they definitely do not like seeing Scripture that proves it, lol.
We don't need to belittle people, period.
Amen. Let Scripture do that, lol. Scripture shows all of us our error.
When we disagree with a brother in Christ, they are still a brother in Christ.
Well, you know what they say, "You can pick your nose..."
When we disagree with the faith of a non-Christian, they are still a person made in the image of God and they are no worse off than we were before we believed.
Amen.
And again, it is quite probable God has brought some of these people for the purpose that their doctrine be placed in light of what Scripture states. The question is, are we up to the task.
I think that what you are pointing to is not the lack of manners, or the lack of civil discussion, but the lack of love which is very much an indictment for many who profess the name of Christ.
That's part of it. The other part is the lack of showing them why their doctrine is wrong in light of a Scriptural presentation. And I don't mean everyone. One forum I used to be a part of (when I first found forums) had a Moderator that would come on a thread and say one thing...
Address the Post and not the Poster!
It was kind of irritating but he was right, lol. In other words, address the content of the post rather than who wrote it. That meant not making things personal or specific to the poster, but addressing the issue being discussed.
So, don't think my comment meant to imply you always encourage a mocking or belittling tone, it was more because of irritation with someone who has a habit of interjecting exclamatory and derogatory statements into discussions, and telling you "Don't encourage the peanut gallery!" All this doe is inflame the one who receives that type of treatment and it is hard enough trying to get people to focus on the Scriptures being presented as it is. I would say your the best Moderator this forum has, but I don't want to swell your ego or give the impression I am a respecter of persons.
God bless.