Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Bondage

In response to Response to Pink re: Bible posted by pink101:

My answer was aimed more at your implied charge that Christianity preaches an external 'bondage' or coercion. If you're talking spirituality, then the message of Paul is that we escape the bondage of sin and become truly free by making ourselves servants to Christ. Freedom through servanthood is a tough concept for many to accept, but that's what Paul is preaching.

» Migisi - Bondage

In response to Bondage posted by BrianTubbs:
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Freedom through servanthood is a tough concept for many to accept, but that's what Paul is preaching.
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Not only tough to accept, but understand. How does slavery equal freedom? Doesn't 'servanthood' limit/remove one's free will?

-- posted by Migisi

» redback - The Chief Warden

In response to The Chief Warden posted by pink101:

Your zero-based "?" refers. Pink...you ask questions here and other places re Jesus against that comment of yours that I cited.

My post was simply reflective not argumentative. I might know how to reply to you better if I was Brian or Migisi or PT et al. But then, maybe your ? meant.....and a reply was not needed.

-- posted by redback

» pink101 - Bondage & Coercion

In response to Bondage posted by BrianTubbs:
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"...your implied charge that Christianity preaches an external 'bondage' or coercion. "
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That depends on what you mean by Christianity as I DO mean to say that is the case.
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To the degree churches teach liberation from strict coctrinal interpretations of Scripture are, most generally, described as liberals in the most negative sense of the word. Almost ever church I have ever heard of has a set of rules to which the individual must be securely tied in order to be seen as a member in good standing. That is spiritual coercion.
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Being in servanthood to Christ is far different than being tied to any church rules. I know that it is a tough call; but, the more liberal acting a group is the less respect they get from Fundamentalist types and Evangelicals.
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Corercion is a way of impeding a person's freedom.
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-- posted by pink101

» pink101 - ERATA

In response to Bondage & Coercion posted by pink101:
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the spelling error, coctrinal, should have read, doctrinal.
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But, you knew that.
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Sorry.
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-- posted by pink101

» Brian Tubbs - Bondage & Coercion

In response to Bondage & Coercion posted by pink101:

Migisi, at least we agree it's a tough call. The Bible for example teaches that adultery is wrong. Are you suggesting that I shouldn't encourage and exhort my church members to remain faithful to their marriage partners? It IS a tough balance.

But...Paul is clear about this. He repeatedly exhorts believers to "test" things, to "examine yourselves," to "hold fast that which is good" (implying we should jettison the rest). And the book of Acts commends the Berean church for "searching the Scriptures" (in making sure that what they were being taught was the truth).

The problem is IGNORANT Christians being manipulated and commandeered by their leaders --- leaders who are often corrupt and self-serving. THAT is a big problem.

Christians should do what Paul told Timothy: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim 2:15 - KJV)

If they would do that, things would be much better - and some of the problems you're talking about would go away.

» pink101 - Bondage & Coercion

In response to Bondage & Coercion posted by BrianTubbs:
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Do you have assumptions regarding what it was that Paul wanted Timothy to study?
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Was it a pure study of what was seen as Scripture at that time?
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Could it possibly have been the experiences of life itself?
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-- posted by pink101

» HeadZenCards - Bondage & Coercion

In response to Bondage & Coercion posted by BrianTubbs:

The Bible teaches not only that people who call on Jesus without doing his father's will (see 1 Sam 15) will not get to heaven (Matt. 7:21-23) but that adulterers are to be stoned to death.

-- posted by HeadZenCards

» Brian Tubbs - Stoning

In response to Bondage & Coercion posted by HeadZenCards:

Oliver, I let a lot of your postings go without responding, because it's obvious you're just here to pick fights and/or vent your hatred of all things "Christian." You are the perfect example of what PaperTurtle called "verbal violence." But...

Against my better judgment, I'll respond to this comment of yours. God does not command His followers in this day and age to stone adulterers. The Old Testament Mosaic Code was intended for a certain people at a certain time in history. The underlying principles are still applicable - i.e., adultery is still wrong. But other than that, we are no longer under the Mosaic Law. In fact, non-Jews never were.

» Brian Tubbs - Study

In response to Bondage & Coercion posted by pink101:

I think Paul meant study in a broad sense. Obviously, a pastor's study (and Timothy was a pastor) should be grounded in the Scriptures. But I don't think a pastor, Christian, or anyone should LIMIT their studies to the Scriptures alone. Paul was well versed in Greek philosophy, Jewish law, Christian doctrine, and more.