Is it really that important?

[abcgrad94]

Is it really that important that everyone else agree with our various opinions about Christianity? I'm not talking major issues like the virgin birth, death of Christ and salvation through Him alone, etc. I'm referring to trivial, minor things that cause huge divisions between God's people.

There are some Baptist groups in particular that think we all must agree 100% of the time on things like Bible versions, dress, music, homebirth, childhood immunizations, headcoverings, and even whether or not one should take medication for brain illnesses. Why on earth should such things cause people to break fellowship with each other? Why is Christian liberty looked at as a "bad" thing?

On another board, I recently read where one person has an issue with KJV-preferred folks as being "fake" or lacking "conviction" as compared to the KJV ONLY folks. We have people who love God, serve him, win people to him, but they can't stand to be around each other because one is KJVO and another is KJVP. Seriously? Another poster on the board is "convicted" to never let her children get immunizations. A CONVICTION? Honestly, this sounds like a simple personal preference, but since it's phrased as a Holy Ghost CONVICTION that came about through PRAYER, I guess everyone else who gets their kids' shots must be less than spiritual.

Why are we so full of pride that a simple difference of opinion (of very minor issues) must be considered a lack of spiritual maturity? Why can't we as believers love each other and agree to disagree on matters that have no bearing on eternity?

 

[TisMe]

Why can't we as believers love each other and agree to disagree on matters that have no bearing on eternity?

Because, the Wolves don't want that.

 

[beameup]

I think a lot of folks, without realizing it, get their "convictions" from other Christians rather than the Holy Spirit.

 

[Mexdeaf]

I think some of it is a reaction to the "casual (or carnal) Christianity" that we see practiced al around us, or to "easy believism", or to the parody of Biblical fundamentalism that limits itself to critiquing Bible versions, women's dress styles, and musical choices.

Then there's the fact that some folks are wrong and I am right...:laugh:

 

[Salty]

... Then there's the fact that some folks are wrong and I am right...:laugh:

I would say you are right - as long as you agree with me:smilewinkgrin:

 

[InTheLight]

Why are we so full of pride that a simple difference of opinion (of very minor issues) must be considered a lack of spiritual maturity? Why can't we as believers love each other and agree to disagree on matters that have no bearing on eternity?

I think the underlying reason must be pride. People think they have a corner on the truth, no matter how arcane or trivial it might be.

I sure hope this behavior doesn't carry over into Heaven.

In the meantime, I suggest we all defer to MexDeaf, who obviously is correct in everything, except TULIP. :laugh:

 

[quantumfaith]

I think the underlying reason must be pride. People think they have a corner on the truth, no matter how arcane or trivial it might be.

I sure hope this behavior doesn't carry over into Heaven.

In the meantime, I suggest we all defer to MexDeaf, who obviously is correct in everything, except TULIP. :laugh:

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[saturneptune]

Is it really that important that everyone else agree with our various opinions about Christianity? I'm not talking major issues like the virgin birth, death of Christ and salvation through Him alone, etc. I'm referring to trivial, minor things that cause huge divisions between God's people.

There are some Baptist groups in particular that think we all must agree 100% of the time on things like Bible versions, dress, music, homebirth, childhood immunizations, headcoverings, and even whether or not one should take medication for brain illnesses. Why on earth should such things cause people to break fellowship with each other? Why is Christian liberty looked at as a "bad" thing?

On another board, I recently read where one person has an issue with KJV-preferred folks as being "fake" or lacking "conviction" as compared to the KJV ONLY folks. We have people who love God, serve him, win people to him, but they can't stand to be around each other because one is KJVO and another is KJVP. Seriously? Another poster on the board is "convicted" to never let her children get immunizations. A CONVICTION? Honestly, this sounds like a simple personal preference, but since it's phrased as a Holy Ghost CONVICTION that came about through PRAYER, I guess everyone else who gets their kids' shots must be less than spiritual.

Why are we so full of pride that a simple difference of opinion (of very minor issues) must be considered a lack of spiritual maturity? Why can't we as believers love each other and agree to disagree on matters that have no bearing on eternity?

It is called those who major on the minor. We all pretty much agree on the doctrine that binds us together as Christians and Baptists. Yet, the threads that go on the longest and most vicious are the ones that do not amount to a hill of beans. The two worst issues are Calvinism and KJVO, or issues associated with the two areas. I have long felt that those who harp on those two areas and never discuss anything else are not playing with a full deck.

 

[Mexdeaf]

I think the underlying reason must be pride. People think they have a corner on the truth, no matter how arcane or trivial it might be.

I sure hope this behavior doesn't carry over into Heaven.

In the meantime, I suggest we all defer to MexDeaf, who obviously is correct in everything, except TULIP. :laugh:

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

[Arbo]

There are some Baptist groups in particular that think we all must agree 100% of the time on things like... homebirth,...

Not intending to be facetious, but this is a doctrinal issue with some? Never heard of it being one. How is the belief justified?

 

[abcgrad94]

Not intending to be facetious, but this is a doctrinal issue with some? Never heard of it being one. How is the belief justified?

Arbo, I never heard of it as a doctrinal issue, but recently I've seen it touted as a "conviction" because the couple says they have FAITH their pregnancy will proceed normally. The doctor said otherwise so they are convicted he is a dumb, money hungry unbeliever for wanting to run tests and give medical advice. Their "conviction" and "faith" will give them a perfect, healthy pregnancy resulting in a healthy baby. . .or so they believe.

Another couple is "convicted" not to get their kids immunized.

Isn't a CONVICTION when the Holy Spirit shows us something is a sin? I keep hearing the word tossed around for personal preference touted as Biblical truth. Why do people do this? Just because someone has a certain opinion or belief doesn't make it a Biblical conviction, and there's no need to call it that or criticize others who don't share that opinion.

 

[Arbo]

ABC- Thanks.

 

[agedman]

Often folks get principle and conviction mixed up.

Principle is something to live by.

Conviction is something to die over.

I hold very few convictions.

I hold very many principles.

 

[Arbo]

Often folks get principle and conviction mixed up.

Principle is something to live by.

Conviction is something to die over.

I hold very few convictions.

I hold very many principles.

Well said.

 

[Oldtimer]

Is it really that important that everyone else agree with our various opinions about Christianity?

-----

Why can't we as believers love each other and agree to disagree on matters that have no bearing on eternity?

Because the devil still has the ability to say: Hath God said?

 

[saturneptune]

Aside from all of the trivial issues debated ad nauseum on this board, what is important is my relationship with Jesus Christ and how I am being molded into His Image. What is also important is how we relate to each other as Christians, as Christ loves us.

ABC, I must say you are a great example of keeping your posts respectful. I have improved, but still need work with a few posters.

Thanks for posting, great thread.

 

[saturneptune]

Often folks get principle and conviction mixed up.

Principle is something to live by.

Conviction is something to die over.

I hold very few convictions.

I hold very many principles.

I never heard it put that way before, but a great thought to ponder.

 

[preacher4truth]

Is it really that important that everyone else agree with our various opinions about Christianity? I'm not talking major issues like the virgin birth, death of Christ and salvation through Him alone, etc. I'm referring to trivial, minor things that cause huge divisions between God's people.

There are some Baptist groups in particular that think we all must agree 100% of the time on things like Bible versions, dress, music, homebirth, childhood immunizations, headcoverings, and even whether or not one should take medication for brain illnesses. Why on earth should such things cause people to break fellowship with each other? Why is Christian liberty looked at as a "bad" thing?

On another board, I recently read where one person has an issue with KJV-preferred folks as being "fake" or lacking "conviction" as compared to the KJV ONLY folks. We have people who love God, serve him, win people to him, but they can't stand to be around each other because one is KJVO and another is KJVP. Seriously? Another poster on the board is "convicted" to never let her children get immunizations. A CONVICTION? Honestly, this sounds like a simple personal preference, but since it's phrased as a Holy Ghost CONVICTION that came about through PRAYER, I guess everyone else who gets their kids' shots must be less than spiritual.

Why are we so full of pride that a simple difference of opinion (of very minor issues) must be considered a lack of spiritual maturity? Why can't we as believers love each other and agree to disagree on matters that have no bearing on eternity?

I've seen fights in churches over trivial things to where persons have left. I've heard of many where the same result happened. One instance a newer family had just started attending a certain church and on a Sunday there was a food fellowship so they brought some jello and cool whip mix. One woman took the lady who brought the dish aside and to the kitchen sink. She then spooned it down the drain and told her don't bring that to this church again. They didn't, because they never came back.

I don't see any example in the OP that is worth dividing over, because each are doctrines of man and not of God.

However, sound doctrine is to be contended for:

Jude 1:3; Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

2 Timothy 3:16; All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,


2 Timothy 4:1-5; I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Timothy 1:3-5; As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

1 Timothy 4:16; Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Philippians. 1:16; The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

Titus 2:7-8; Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

2 John 1:9; Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Ephesians 4:11-14; And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Sound doctrine is worth defending against error, and we are called to do this.

Myths and fables such as KJVO, and personal opinions on sundry matters, (some of which are in the OP) aren't to be fought over, and after these are found to be merely doctrines of man (by examining them in the light of Scripture) and subsequently found to be false, the teachings should be avoided. At a point those who continue to teach these things, cause division and discord may reach a point where they need to be avoided.

- Blessings

 

[Oldtimer]

One instance a newer family had just started attending a certain church and on a Sunday there was a food fellowship so they brought some jello and cool whip mix. One woman took the lady who brought the dish aside and to the kitchen sink. She then spooned it down the drain and told her don't bring that to this church again. They didn't, because they never came back.

You've got to be kidding!

I know you aren't, but just had to say it.

Surely, if any other member of the church was witness to that happening, this woman was soundly corrected. Wonder if she was "talked to" and if the church tried to make amends to those who left? Sure hope that woman isn't still doing things like that to others who don't meet HER standards.

Lord, help us, please.

 

[Aaron]

Is it really that important that everyone else agree with our various opinions about Christianity? I'm not talking major issues like the virgin birth, death of Christ and salvation through Him alone, etc. I'm referring to trivial, minor things that cause huge divisions between God's people.

There are some Baptist groups in particular that think we all must agree 100% of the time on things like Bible versions, dress, music, homebirth, childhood immunizations, headcoverings, and even whether or not one should take medication for brain illnesses. Why on earth should such things cause people to break fellowship with each other? Why is Christian liberty looked at as a "bad" thing?

On another board, I recently read where one person has an issue with KJV-preferred folks as being "fake" or lacking "conviction" as compared to the KJV ONLY folks. We have people who love God, serve him, win people to him, but they can't stand to be around each other because one is KJVO and another is KJVP. Seriously? Another poster on the board is "convicted" to never let her children get immunizations. A CONVICTION? Honestly, this sounds like a simple personal preference, but since it's phrased as a Holy Ghost CONVICTION that came about through PRAYER, I guess everyone else who gets their kids' shots must be less than spiritual.

Why are we so full of pride that a simple difference of opinion (of very minor issues) must be considered a lack of spiritual maturity? Why can't we as believers love each other and agree to disagree on matters that have no bearing on eternity?

In this post, you have set yourself as the arbiter of major and minor issues, of that which is important and that which is not.

My answer to the question is this: Yes, it really is that important that everyone agree. It may never happen till all Christians are in prison, but it doesn't negate the importance of agreement over the truth. The constant dialogue and exchanges are necessary and part of the great commission and obedience to the command "learn of me."