Heavenly Pilgrim
New Member
I appreciate those that have attempted to educate me on the so-called ME doctrine. I have read many posts by some of those evidently believing at least something close to what they are evidently being accused of, but had never really put it all together as some on the list evidently have. I will have to give the conflicting ideas some serious thought in order to really get a grip on the doctrine.
Let me say this as far as the Administrative Council post concerning the doctrine and their decision to revoke the membership of those they see as spreading what they feel is heresy. How can we affectively debate ideas if in fact some that are clearly held within the corpus of Christianity are considered as off limits? This is not a Sunday School, nor does it overshadow any church and their beliefs directly, but is a group of believers with differing ideas from different denominations, debating truth as each one sees it. If nothing else, it informs those such as myself, that do not have a firm grip on the notion of some doctrines such as ME, to be enlightened as to what it is, and what it is that they believe. It is in the end, advantageous to all and to the church as a whole to have such an open format for discussion and debate, away from the one on one personal contact within the church body itself. Have we learned anything from the attitudes of those that have either tried or accomplished the silencing of others views, even going as far as burning their books, banning them from society, or in many cases killing them?
There are plenty of venues for the lynch mob mentality to exist, and boy do they ever exist. This list has been a blessing to me in many ways, as I converse with so many of differing ideas. It allows me to discover, educate myself, and weigh out different ideas. It allows me the opportunity to sharpen my abilities in refuting ideas I end up believing are contrary to the Word of God. It sets in place the opportunity to practice the Scriptural admonition to be ready to give to everyman an answer to the hope that lieth within me.
Certainly with a list such as this, there will always be those that differ with the Council that runs the list. As I understand it, this portion of this web site was developed to allow debate between differing denominations. It should not surprise anyone to find ideas here contrary to their own, and as such contrary to the way one interprets Scripture. I would hope that the governing Council might reconsider their actions, and allow this opportunity of freedom of expression and debate to continue as it has in the past on this one single portion of this web site in spite of what might be viewed by some as the ‘down side of debate.’ Who knows? Possibly those that have erred from the truth may just receive the impetus for rethinking their position due to the generosity of the Council members allowing them to contribute openly without reprisal.
I have heard some say that no one has changed their minds about anything due to the participation on this list. If in fact that is the case, odds have it that those one might even consider ‘heretical’ will influence no one, and that by allowing them to air their views in this format may in the long run prove effective in sharpening the skills of others to refute what they deem as error.
Would it be so difficult, on this one solitary portion of the board, to take the approach shared with us in the NT, that if it really is of God no one can stop it, and if in fact it is not, it will come to an end anyway? If open and honest debate and discussion is what is really desired on this one portion of the board, I can see merit in reversing the Councils decision and allowing all to freely voice their opinions if it is done decently, in order, and with a good spirit, allowing God to be the final judge.
I am grateful to this list, and the opportunity to learn and interact among God’s people. I wish to thank all responsible for making this one portion of the site available to us all. May God bless your insight, patience, and generosity, and may you have the vision to continue the mission as it was evidently established. . Thank you.
Let me say this as far as the Administrative Council post concerning the doctrine and their decision to revoke the membership of those they see as spreading what they feel is heresy. How can we affectively debate ideas if in fact some that are clearly held within the corpus of Christianity are considered as off limits? This is not a Sunday School, nor does it overshadow any church and their beliefs directly, but is a group of believers with differing ideas from different denominations, debating truth as each one sees it. If nothing else, it informs those such as myself, that do not have a firm grip on the notion of some doctrines such as ME, to be enlightened as to what it is, and what it is that they believe. It is in the end, advantageous to all and to the church as a whole to have such an open format for discussion and debate, away from the one on one personal contact within the church body itself. Have we learned anything from the attitudes of those that have either tried or accomplished the silencing of others views, even going as far as burning their books, banning them from society, or in many cases killing them?
There are plenty of venues for the lynch mob mentality to exist, and boy do they ever exist. This list has been a blessing to me in many ways, as I converse with so many of differing ideas. It allows me to discover, educate myself, and weigh out different ideas. It allows me the opportunity to sharpen my abilities in refuting ideas I end up believing are contrary to the Word of God. It sets in place the opportunity to practice the Scriptural admonition to be ready to give to everyman an answer to the hope that lieth within me.
Certainly with a list such as this, there will always be those that differ with the Council that runs the list. As I understand it, this portion of this web site was developed to allow debate between differing denominations. It should not surprise anyone to find ideas here contrary to their own, and as such contrary to the way one interprets Scripture. I would hope that the governing Council might reconsider their actions, and allow this opportunity of freedom of expression and debate to continue as it has in the past on this one single portion of this web site in spite of what might be viewed by some as the ‘down side of debate.’ Who knows? Possibly those that have erred from the truth may just receive the impetus for rethinking their position due to the generosity of the Council members allowing them to contribute openly without reprisal.
I have heard some say that no one has changed their minds about anything due to the participation on this list. If in fact that is the case, odds have it that those one might even consider ‘heretical’ will influence no one, and that by allowing them to air their views in this format may in the long run prove effective in sharpening the skills of others to refute what they deem as error.
Would it be so difficult, on this one solitary portion of the board, to take the approach shared with us in the NT, that if it really is of God no one can stop it, and if in fact it is not, it will come to an end anyway? If open and honest debate and discussion is what is really desired on this one portion of the board, I can see merit in reversing the Councils decision and allowing all to freely voice their opinions if it is done decently, in order, and with a good spirit, allowing God to be the final judge.
I am grateful to this list, and the opportunity to learn and interact among God’s people. I wish to thank all responsible for making this one portion of the site available to us all. May God bless your insight, patience, and generosity, and may you have the vision to continue the mission as it was evidently established. . Thank you.
