Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Does anyone play tennis?

Does anyone play tennis? I've only tried it a few times - each time with disastrous results.

Ever played with one of those practice tennis ball shooter things??? I don't know what they're called.

Moderating Suite101 Protestantism is like standing at one side of a tennis court - and having to field dozens of tennis balls being fired at me in rapid succession with no let-up.

For time sake, I'm not going to be able to respond to all the tennis balls being shot at me.

And frankly, sometimes, I'm just going to get a little crabby (like I am today) because I feel the motive sometime (for one discussion board participant ESPECIALLY) is just to see me run and dance. I don't appreciate that.

And for those who may not have that motive, it's still SOMETIMES frustrating, because your minds are already made up - and nothing I say is going to change anything. I'm not expecting that I'll be able to persuade everyone of everything I believe in. But...

I'd like to think that whoever comes to this site would approach the subject of "Protestant Christianity" with at least SOMEWHAT of an open mind and some degree of respect and cordiality.

In other words, rather than just coming in here and bashing Jim Dobson, Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, etc. - why not take the tack: "Why does Billy Graham believe this?" "Why do Baptist pastors teach this?" "Why do some Christians believe in Hell?"

More questions. More of an honest, respectful inquiry.

Does this make sense? Can we all try to proceed along those lines???

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» paper_turtle - Does anyone play tennis?

In response to Does anyone play tennis? posted by BrianTubbs:

First of all, what I'm going to say is intended to be taken as generalizations, without having any particular person (or persons) in mind. I will use "we" because my perception is that, at least occasionally, everyone who participates in these discussions is, well, guilty.

What I see is that we devote a lot of time and energy talking about how others are wrong, and we are right. Sometimes we are vociferous in our condemnation. We are not always kind, nor do we always devote a great deal of time or energy to a dispassionate consideration of why, or how, another person might think or believe as he/she does.

It is not wrong to think about, or discuss, what is wrong in the world/church/Bible/whatever. But if that is all we ever discuss, our focus tends to become skewed so that we cannot see what is right.

And, IMHO, spirituality is not about what others are doing wrong. Nor is it about trying to make someone else think as we think or believe as we believe. It is about asking, in all circumstances:

what do I need to change in myself?

what can I do to make a difference in the world?

And, in relation to passages in the Bible, we need to look at those passages relating to human conduct as lessons for ourselves instead of points to prove another wrong or have an opportunity to condemn them/God/the Bible/spiritual practice.

There is tremendous appeal in condemning others. It makes us feel energized and empowered (not to mention wise and virtuous). But the truth is, it changes nothing--at least not for the better.

peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle

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» HeadZenCards - Love to zero

In response to Does anyone play tennis? posted by BrianTubbs:

Jer. 25:32 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

25:33 And THE SLAIN OF THE LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they SHALL NOT BE LAMENTED, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be DUNG UPON THE GROUND.

Babies and infants were "the slain of the LORD" in 1 Sam. 15 and will, no doubt, get in the way of His wrath again, if you believe in the LORD GOD.

Being slain of the LORD, they shall not be lamented. They shall not be gathered.

Therefore, your assertion that, scripturally, all infants and babies get to heaven is untrue.

Why do you believe in the LORD GOD?

-- posted by HeadZenCards

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» Migisi - Does anyone play tennis?

In response to Does anyone play tennis? posted by BrianTubbs:

.
I hope you're still not crabby.
.
because your minds are already made up - and nothing I say is going to change anything. I'm not expecting that I'll be able to persuade everyone of everything I believe in. But...
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Why pursuade? How 'bout just explain our understandings to the best of our abilities (that's not an easy thing to do sometimes)? Sometimes I think when we voice our beliefs, it helps ~us~ sort our own ideas even better. But when our goal is to pursuade, I often wonder who we really are trying to convince... others or ourselves.

-- posted by Migisi

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» pink101 - Does anyone play tennis?

In response to Does anyone play tennis? posted by Migisi:
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I agree with you on this one, Migisi.
.

-- posted by pink101

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» _Boanerges_ - Does anyone play tennis?

In response to Does anyone play tennis? posted by BrianTubbs:

hey Brian...
I think now you can see why the M*S section is pretty well deserted..... For several years, it was active...

However, I would say that in your case, its a special situation as the Suite has discontinued to forum.. Resulting in all old-timers here moving into your section..

So, in a way, its a good thing... And, I hope all will stay and dog it out.. (so to speak)...

but.. nonetheless.. welcome to Suite101 Mind and Soul discussions...

-- posted by _Boanerges_

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» HeadZenCards - Does anyone play tennis?

In response to Does anyone play tennis? posted by Migisi:

I'm in it to win it. "It" being my own damm self, of course.

I assume that others post here to clarify matters for themselves as well, but I guess not.

Pardon me, if I have made anyone think things they might not want to.

However, when people say things like "all babies go to heaven; the Bible and my invisible friend tell me" you should back it up with words from the Bible or we Protestants will hammer some language on your termite-infested church door.

-- posted by HeadZenCards

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