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| Author | Topic: Final thoughts on the book |
| Pastor Eric |
posted 6/19/06 2:47 PM
I am sorry it has taken this long to continue the discussion. I had some problems with my computer where I would lose everything I would type in -and that is when I could get this window up.However, before we leave this book, We never discussed the character of Dr. Melvin Morris Merton. He is the religous conservative leader who brands our heros frauds and enemies of the church. He represents a large portion of the religious culture in our country that conservative and fundamentalist, but not apostolic or sacramental. How do you react to him and the hoards that follow him both in the book and in real life? |
| Trish |
posted 6/28/06 3:56 PM
I don't much follow the TV evangelists but I do worry about the impact they have on people. Some people are searching so sincerely and I feel they are taking advantage of them. Too many people are willing to follow someone who makes them feel good and they don't take the time and effort to study the Bible for themselves and let the Spirit guide them. It's hard sometimes understanding points in the Bible, I worry about anyone who has "all" the answers. Some things we just won't understand until Christ returns. |
| Frank |
posted 7/16/06 2:34 AM
An interesting question, "How do you respond to the ultra-conservative?" What do you say indeed to someone who knows God so well that they can speak with authority on his wishes, but obviously hates most of God's children? How does one adress someone who can tell you exactly who God is and yet can't figure out who Luther's "God of Love" must be? What would impact someone so intent on protecting "his" church that he is willing (and eager) to throw out most of those he brands as sinners? My first reaction is to respond in humor but it's often foolish to laugh at a dangerous enemy. I would suggest that perhaps we respond as Jesus would; with compassion and authority (and perhaps a little righteous indignation). We could pretend he is a Pharisee confronting an adulterous woman (John 8) and ask him, "And why indeed do you think that you are blameless enough to judge others?" Perhaps we could also throw in a little of Paul by "standing firm in our faith as we give glory to God" (Romans 4)and then firmly refuse to accept or convey a message of hate. Pr. Eric; perhaps I should stop here before this becomes a 10,000 word thesis. Best Regards,Frank |
| Pastor Eric |
posted 7/16/06 3:33 AM
First of all we must be careful not to follow the old proverb that says we will become that which we hate. Often in our rejection of the pharisees, we become pharisaical.Secondly, ten thousand word dissartations are welcome, particularly if they are borken down and can be plagarized for sermons.Thanks for the post. |
| Frank |
posted 7/16/06 8:34 PM
Good point! Of course, this is the place where the "compassion" part comes to the fore. If we fail to see his actions as no more or less of a sin than our own judgment of him, then we too don the robe of the Pharisee. Indeed, that may be God's final exam for Christians. If we can say, "Your actions are hurting God's childern and his church but, I love and forgive you for hurting them and yourself." then we truly are showing the world the difference between a true believer and a religious extremist. It would appear that you're getting my thesis on the installment plan. Also; if you intend to break the thesis down into usable parts; does that mean that you have begun to shorten your sermons? Regards again, Frank |
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