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timf -> RE: What is a Christian? (4/29/2008 9:22:41 AM)
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How can they say such a thing about people they don't even know?
It is easier for people to make black and white statements than qualify their words with shades of gray. One trades accuracy for ease of communication. Most people understand that when you are talking about the qualities of a group, there are few instances when what is said will apply to 100% of the people in the group.
A problem exists in describing the salvation status of an individual in that it is difficult to measure someone and determine their salvation if we cannot see into the heart. This problem is only made worse as one talks about group characteristics.
Statements about groups tend to be generalizations concerning estimates of probability. In regard to Christianity, one might say that there could be some saved Mormons, but the likelihood of salvation may be inversely proportional the the amount of false doctrine.
Another explanation for the description of a group as "not Christian" can be made from official declaration of a group. For example, some Muslims might declare that the forgiveness of sins does not even exist and certainly is not to be found in Jesus. It would be fair to say that such a group is not Christian.
One might find many reasons for describing another group as "non-Christian".
1. The official position of the group is antithetical to Christ. (ie. Muslim, Hindu, etc.)
2. The members of the group live lives that are inconsistent with Biblical principles.
3. A group of Christians practice false or bad doctrine that hinders their life in Christ.
While it would be nice if everyone who wrote an opinion used razor sharp clarity as they expressed themselves, the reader does occasionally have to exercise some discernment in the determination of the writers meaning.
People who are just as sincere in their beliefs as everyone else?
Christianity is about truth and both Jesus and the Bible are truth. Sincerity may be a laudable trait, but it does not define truth. It would be better if sincerity were put into the service of the search for truth as this would lead all Christians closer to Christ. Sincerity put into the service of tradition, ritual, and custom can tend to direct the Christian away from his Lord.
1. Christians can snipe at each other and condemn each other as being further from the truth.
2. Christians can come together in peace and unity that accepts all error and elevates feeling good over truth.
3. Christians can adopt humility and ask the Lord to draw them closer in truth and come together in true unity.
Rather that responding indignantly to other Christians who we perceive as insulting us, we may want to consider counter-proposing to them what they feel would be corrective steps to a path of truth. For example, a Christian who says my playing cards is wrong and a sign that I am not a true Christian could be challenged to answer the following questions;
1. Does the Bible specifically or indirectly prohibit card playing.
2. Is my card playing leading me away from my Lord.
3. Is my card playing harming other Christians.
4. What work for the Lord is not being done because of my card playing.
5. Is your condemnation of me helpful or hurtful to the pride it might raise in yourself.
6. Are you concerned that I may be spending too much time in recreation at the expense of my spiritual life.
7. Do you think that prohibitive lists may lead to the danger of Phariseticalism.
There are people who just condemn others for not following the rules they follow and it may not be possible to reason with them. However, for those whose comments are from true concern and their own sincere desire to help us, we might be able to reason together and both draw nearer our Lord.
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