- I will and do readily admit that I don’t know everything and I’m likely to be wrong about some things. So cut some slack you heresy hounds. You’re probably right. There! How’s that?
- I like to play with the use of words – as you all know. I think “getting saved” is not a bad phrase, just not as helpful as “beginning a life of following Jesus.” These two men, and many of my critics, are so used to hearing certain phrases spoken in a certain sequence, that if you mess that up – well, you must be teaching heresy. Let’s be sure we’re critiquing the heart of the matter, rather than judging the words used to describe the matter.
- Hunting heretics doesn't seem to be particularly scriptural and for sure isn’t very helpful to the clear commands of Christ – to love your neighbor and your brother (not to mention, your enemies).
- The arrogance that heresy hunters manifest is disturbing at best. It suggest that the one has figured out full and final revealed truth, and the other hasn't. Throughout the years I've seen several examples of the one who preached most powerfully against a certain sin, be the one who fell into that sin. Not loving may be the greatest heresy of all.
To the two Wheaton students – may God bless you in your passionate search for truth. May it be full of all of life’s joys and bumps that will form you into the gracious and godly men you want to be. And to the other heresy-hunters out there….as well-meaning as you are: Get another Job. One that bears fruit.
They always seem to forget that Jesus was considered a heretic. I wonder what the students would think of this cartoon: http://i.imgur.com/B7R9t.jpg
ReplyDeleteGreat cartoon Mike. "Jesus is so lucky to have us" - that says it all!
DeleteI was raised a Baptist, with the concept that we become Christians to be assured of Heaven, and of escaping Hell. "Once saved, always safe."
ReplyDeleteSince then, things have changed for me. What is important in life are the relationships one makes, both with others and with God. If those relationships change lives for the better, then life has been well spent. I no longer worry about Hell nor particularly long for Heaven, because death will arrive soon enough. I'm concerned about the Kingdom of God, right here and now.
"What is important in life are the relationships one makes, both with others and with God."
DeleteWell said Duane!
Great article, I really enjoyed it, and I agree. Let's bear fruit:)
ReplyDeleteAgree Ma! Hard to bear fruit when we are distracted.
DeleteHi Bob,
DeleteIn discussions with a Christian friend, I have sometimes become annoyed and not a little discouraged with his attitude over doctrinal error. There resides a very fine line between Christian apologetics and heresy hunting, a distinction that is sometimes lost on my friend. While I agree with him in many ways, I think he wastes his time (and likely shortens it) by going on the attack with such anger it raises his blood pressure!
The truth of it is, how can anyone say they have the only right doctrine when it comes to Christianity? Other than believing in Christ, His crucifixion, and His bodily resurrection, how can anyone say who is or isn't a believer? Oh, I am putting it much too simply, I know, but I tire of arguing over split hairs. I would much rather wear myself out loving people to Jesus, than banging the gong (Corinthians 13) and achieving nothing. If LOVE covers and multitude of sins, surely it can cover a multitude of mostly minor doctrinal differences between people who all love the Lord too.
"how can anyone say they have the only right doctrine when it comes to Christianity?"
DeleteGreat insight and wonderful comment crownring. Sad that so many believe that they have all the "right" answers.