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Perplexing question
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Gerry R.C. Wright says:
I don't want to "flame up" anything but I have a genuine question for the group. I recently received a member whom I had requested as a friend. This person said he could not be my friend because I have some friends on SBF who are "practicing witches." I am presuming he meant Wiccan and Pagans.
My response to him was that Jesus Himself was condemned for the company He kept (prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners). I believe our Lord and Savior does not intend for us to separate ourselves from the world. He wants us to engage the world, even those whose beliefs are counter to our own. As long as we are honest and do not back down from our beliefs why should we NOT be friends with those of 'other faiths?'
I also do not believe that we have to 'beat them over the head with the Bible.' Just living an honest and sincere life is one of the biggest weapons we have against the darkness. That doesn't mean acting superior, but admitting our faults and foibles and being humble in our weakness. If there is anything that turns off the non believer it is a believer who acts like they have it 'all together' and tries to tell YOU how to live your life. Instead, I submit to you that we are drawn to genuine Christianity like a moth to a flame. We seek the brightest light. At least that's how my conversion came about. It was just by watching my wife and wanting what she had, a dynamic peace and genuine happines.
Anyway, long story short (too late for THAT one!!) I would like your input. Am I way off base here? Or should we be "spiritually xenophobic" so we don't taint our beliefs by being in relationship with non-believers?
Feb 5, 2009
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Gerry R.C. Wright says:
No he would not, and the reason for that is simple. He never made claim to be anything BUT the Son of God. In all of history He is the ONLY one to make that specific claim.
Aug 24, 2008
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Gerry R.C. Wright says:
No offense taken. :-)
There were some very dark pages in history, Salem was just one of the most noted. Nowdays, however you are more likely to be put to death for being a Christian than a witch. Look at the human rights abuses in China, if you are not a "government approved" i.e. censored Christian, you are locked up. In middle eastern and African countries it is routine to kill Christians for no other reason than they are Christian. Where is the tolerance here???
I can separate a person from their beliefs. The Bible even commands us to "love the sinner, but hate the sin." I can accept the person without having to accept their beliefs. Unfortunately, many "special interests" are not content with that, they insist that in order to accept them you HAVE to accept their beliefs as well. I don't tell my Pagan, Wiccan, Jewish, Native American Spiritualist, Universal Unitarian friends that they HAVE to accept my faith to be my friend.
Aug 24, 2008
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redgrannydragon says:
Thank you GerryWright for being what I feel is a true christian ! Thank you for already being my friend.
Aug 24, 2008
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Gerry R.C. Wright says:
A passage mentioned in Church today really fits well with all of this, from the sermon on the mount. Matthew 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neibor and hate your enemy,' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecure you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Luke 6:32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that.
Aug 24, 2008
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Jes says:
If we condemn those that are dif. Then us won't we too be condemned too?!?
I feel it is not for us to judge, but to be tolerant of others and what they belive. It is not as if one has to be a part of what goes agents what one belive's. Just a thought. I hope all goes well with you and yours!
Aug 29, 2008
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tthallsc says:
I believe that we should love our neighbors as Christ said. I also believe that in order to show the love of Christ we have to be in the world around others who are not Christian. However, we must be prepared to always give the gospel to them that they might be saved. Christians beleive that Jesus Christ is the only way to God, but we know that all people will not believe. We should still show love and kindness and pray for them to come to know the truth because that is the very nature of Christ. God loved mankind enough to send his Son. We just have to remember that love rejoices in the truth. We love our neighbor enough to share the truth that saved us, so that they can also have eternal life. If this is what you are doing, then I believe you are emulating Christ Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost!
Just be careful not to compromise your faith in Christ.
Feb 5, 2009
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