Bias, Bias, Bias

[Paul33]

We're not supposed to use words like heretic. I would assume that would be the same for apostate.

Yet in this forum, both heretic and apostate are used.

But talk about the nature of honorary doctorates and its abuse among independent fundamental baptists stirs the ire.

Same for asking why using the KJV isn't considered ecclesiastical compromise since it was produced by the Church of England, a church that persecuted our separatist forefathers.

That thread, in the "Fundamental" forum was immediately shut down with prejudice.

Bias, bias, bias!

 

[EdSutton]

Originally posted by Paul33:
We're not supposed to use words like heretic. I would assume that would be the same for apostate.
.........
.........
Bias, bias, bias!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the word "heretic", in a non-pejorative manner. The word, from 'heresy', from the Greek "`hai'resis ", meaning to choose, refers to an adherence to religious truth, contrary to ...; or an opinion or doctrine contrary to 'church dogma'; or a dissent from the above; an opinion or doctrine contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs.
An heretic, (dissenter) therefore, is one who dissents froman accepted belief or doctrine; a nonconformist; or a schismatic.

Likewise, there is nothing wrong with using the term 'apostate' in a similar, non- pejorative manner. An apostate is one who commits apostasy. That, by definition, [from a similar root word as apostle, and the same root as translated "falling away" (II Thes. 2:3, NKJV)] is a 'stand' which is an abandonment of a previous loyalty; a defection; or a departure.

Neither 'heretic' nor 'apostate' are pejorative by definition, although the terms MAY be prejudicial. They are merely descriptive. (Certainly no member of the BB would EVER use them in either a pejorative or prejudivial manner! NOT!!)
Outta' curiosity, are you really saying that two of YOUR heroes from church history are 'Marcion, the Heretic' and 'Julian the Apostate?'
You have previously insulted any and every one who has ever been awarded a doctorate from anywhere. (Not to mention the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore The Holy Spirit, IMO) I shall not dignify that any further by commenting on a thinly veiled attempt to keep a thread going after it was shut down.

Oh, yeah! You said: "Bias, bias, bias!"

I, at least, am glad to meet someone who has no biases. Pleased to meetcha'! I didn't catch the name; Did someone say 'Nathaniel'?

In His grace,
Ed

[ February 11, 2006, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: EdSutton ]

 

[Paul33]

Ed,

The user agreement has been interpreted to mean no name calling. Therefore, asking if Billy Graham is an apostate is probably outside the boundaries of the user agreement.

I've posted part of it here for your benefit.

"By clicking the Agree button, you warrant that you will not post any messages that are knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, hateful, harassing, libelous, pornographic, abusive, obscene, profane, invasive of a person's privacy, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws. We reserve the right to delete any message, topic, to ban a username, IP address, domain name, or email address for *any reason* that we feel is deserved."

While I agree with your assessment of heretic and apostate, applying it to folks like Billy Graham does appear to be in violation of the rules.

On other threads, you are quick to accuse me of painting with a broad brush. Where's your same concern for the Billy Graham thread?

Your repsonse is hateful. There is nothing gracious about it. In fact, you are now painting with a broad brush.

I believe the thread was shut down precisely because I asked the question, "Why hasn't Jesus Christ received an honorary doctorate?"

It's a good question that gets to the heart of the issue. We may be so full of pride that we desire the honor and praise of men more than the glory of God and the lifting up of Jesus.

I'm sorry that you can't see that. You persist in supporting a practice, or at least an attitude, that Jesus condemned in the gospels when he pointed out the attitude of the Pharisees and how they liked to be seen by men.

You don't think "Dr." rises to that level of hypocrisy. I do.

Thanks for the conversation. I trust that you truly are in God's grace today.

Blessings,

Paul33

 

[Keith M]

Hi, Paul33...

Apparently you view an honorary doctorate and a doctorate degree as being the same thing. They aren't the same. An honorary doctorate can be conferred on someone who has done something to benefit a certain university or college. A doctorate degree shows the public that someone has successfully completed a course of study in a given field and has demonstrated a thorough understanding of that field. Someone conferred a doctorate degree will necessarily have a good understanding of the field of study, while someone who is conferred an honorary doctorate may have very little knowledge of the field in question.

That said, my question to you is why should Jesus Christ be given an honorary doctorate in anything? Jesus Christ, as God, completely knows all things. To give Him an honorary doctorate could be considered as a slap in the face.

 

[Paul33]

Hi Keith,

No, I understand the difference between an honorary doctorate and a doctorate degree.

Since we are supposed to walk as Jesus walked and live like Jesus lived, I thought it might shed some light on the practice of giving and receiving honorary doctorates to ask the question, "What would Jesus do?"

Since my dear independent fundamental Baptist brothers have made it a practice to call each other doctor I wondered why they haven't awarded one to Jesus.

Of course it's silly. Just like awarding each other honorary doctorates is and then going by such!