Protestantism

» jlthomp - Out of Context?

I hope you don't mind if a newbie jumps in here. There are no "sides" to this issue, just truth and untruth. I'm as guilty as you or Brian of using the Bible dishonestly, of picking and choosing a verse here or there to prove a point. The only one not guilty of that is Jesus, because he wrote the Book. Any extraction of scripture, to the exclusion of the balance, is risking error. Some may get lucky and pick a few verses that actually do properly represent truth, but neither they, nor I, nor anyone else in the cosmos can make that judgment with complete authority.

That is not to say the Bible has no value to mankind because mere mortals aren't qualified to interpret it. God has the power to serve up his truth through his word to anyone with a heart open to it. And he often does that. One will not find such a person bragging on his own, personal truth, but that person will say little--and change much. That "fruit of the Spirit" is the one reliable indicator of ones grasp of truth.

We can argue 'til we're blue-in-the-face, or 'til the air's blue, and we won't convince anyone of something they've already decided is false. That's why I don't debate. I'm always happy to participate in a spirited discussion, but it ends when sarcasm, intimidation, name-calling or anger enters.

You see, Brian, I too am phobic about confrontation.

-- posted by jlthomp