A Little Clarification is in Order

[racer]

A Little Clarification . . . . . . .

I just wanted to take a minute to point something out to lurkers, searchers, unbelievers, or fellow Christians in general.

Comments have been made regarding the fact there is less unity in the Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical (P/R/E) forum than in the One Bread One Body (OBOB) and the Orthodox forums. Many people ask or wonder, why?

Here’s why, the title of the forum is your first reason. Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical. You have what could be considered three different movements or theologies which in-and-of themselves, encompass many, many different denominations. Then you have the OBOB and the Orthodox forums. Each of these faiths have their own forum. If the Christian Forums Message Boards had decided to combine the OBOB forum with the Orthodox forum, you would see a little disunity. There wouldn’t be as much disunity, because you would still only have two different faiths as opposed to the numerous faiths who fellowship together in the P/R/E forum.

I feel it is important to note this, because many people have unfairly harped upon this aspect of the P/R/E forum in a negative way. If each separate denomination had their own forum as does the Catholics and Orthodox, people would see that each different faith is unified within its own structure. The comparison continually and repeatedly made in this regard is unfair and unbalanced.

Just wanted to point that out.

God Bless!!!

Lisa

[Isaiah 53]

I agree!! I would love to see a Southern Baptist forum.

PEACE IN CHRIST!!

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

You would want to split up the Baptists? Wouldn't that take like 50 extra forums alone ;) Just kidding, I love my Baptist brothers and sisters!

[dsdumpling]

Comments have been made regarding the fact there is less unity in the Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical (P/R/E) forum than in the One Bread One Body (OBOB) and the Orthodox forums.I think the reason there is less unity in the P/R/E is because we all believe something different. Don't get me wrong, we believe in God and how to get to heaven, etc., but I don't even agree with my own churches tradition. I'm Methodist and I don't agree with babies getting "sprinkled", it's not biblical. And that's just one example of many for me.

I think when Martin Luther pulled back from the RCC and said hey, this isn't right, we all since then have formed our own opinions about our beliefs. The RCC have the catechism and "tradition" with which they believe in and they "all" do it, therefore there is unity there.

Don't worry too much about what others think about our beliefs, just hold fast to the truth that God Loves you!

[Ron S]

1Cor 6:17
He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit

Acts 2:44
And all that believed were together, and had all things in common

[Greeter]

Good points by all. :)

[Ron S]

I started a prayer thread which I hope more people will contribute in, I think prayer and reflection together will help us to unite.

[Lotar]

Hey, atleast we are the only group that still gets to debate in the Congregation forums ;)

[Oblio]

Hey, atleast we are the only group that still gets to debate in the Congregation forums ;)

:D

That deserves some blessings Lotar !!

[InquisitorKind]

I think when Martin Luther pulled back from the RCC and said hey, this isn't right, we all since then have formed our own opinions about our beliefs.
This wasn't a problem that started with Luther:

Basil of Caesarea (Ad 329-379): Liberated from the error of
pagan tradition through the benevolence and loving kindness
of the good God, with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
by the operation of the Holy Spirit, I was reared from the very
beginning by Christian parents. From them I learned even in
babyhood the Holy Scriptures which led me to a knowledge of
the truth. When I grew to manhood, I traveled about frequently
and, in the natural course of things, I engaged in a great many
worldly affairs. Here I observed that the most harmonious
relations existed among those trained in the pursuit of each of
the arts and sciences; while in the Church of God alone, for
which Christ died and upon which He poured out in
abundance the Holy Spirit, I noticed that many disagree
violently with one another and also in their understanding of
the Holy Scriptures. Most alarming of all is the fact that I found
the very leaders of the Church themselves at such variance
with one another in thought and opinion, showing so much
opposition to the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, and so
mercilessly rendering asunder the Church of God and cruelly
confounding His flock that, in our day, with the rise of the
Anomoeans, there is fulfilled in them as never before the
prophecy, ‘Of your own selves shall men arise speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.’
Witnessing such disorders as these and perplexed as to what
the cause and source of such evil might be, I at first was in a
state, as it were, of thick darkness and, as if on a balance, I
veered now this way, now that—attracted now to one man,
now to another, under the influence of protracted association
with these persons, and then thrust in the other direction, as I
bethought myself of the validity of the Holy Scriptures. After a
long time spent in this state of indecision and while I was still
busily searching for the cause I have mentioned, there came to
my mind the Book of Judges which tells how each man did
what was right in his own eyes and gives the reason for this in
the words” ‘In those days there was no king in Israel.’ With
these words in my mind, then, I applied also to the present
circumstances that explanation which, incredible and
frightening as it may be, is quite truly pertinent when it is
understood; for never before has there arisen such discord
and quarreling as now among the the members of the Church
in consequence of their turning away from the one, great, and
true God, only King of the universe. Each man, indeed,
abandons the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and arrogates
to himself authority in dealing with certain questions, making
his own private rules, and preferring to exercise leadership in
opposition to the Lord to being led by the Lord. Reflecting
upon this and aghast at the magnitude of the impiety, I
pursued my investigation further and became convinced that
the aforesaid cause was no less the true source also of secular
difficulties. I noticed that as long as the common obedience of
the others to some one leader was maintained, all was
discipline and harmony in the whole group; but that division
and discord and a rivalry of leaders besides proceeded from a
lack of leadership. Moreover, I once had observed how even a
swarm of bees, in accordance with a law of nature, lives under
military discipline and obeys its own king with orderly
precision. Many such instances have I witnessed and many
others I have heard of, and persons who make profession of
such matters know many more still, so that they can vouch for
the truth of what I have said. Now, if good order with its
attendant harmony is characteristic of those who look to one
source of authority and are subject to one king, then universal
disorder and disharmony are a sign that leadership is wanting.
By the same token, if we discover in our midst such a lack of
accord as I have mentioned, both with regard to one another
and with respect to the Lord’s commands, it would be an
indictment either of our rejection of the true king, according
to the Scriptural saying: ‘only that he who now holdeth, do
hold, until he be taken out of the way,’ or of denial of Him
according to the Psalmist: ‘The fool hath said in his heart:
There is no God.’ And as a kind of token or proof of this, there
follow the words: ‘They are corrupt and are become
abominable in their ways.’ Fathers of the Church, Vol. 9,
Preface on the Judgment of God (New York: Fathers of the
Church, Inc., 1950), pp. 37-39.

The RCC have the catechism and "tradition" with which they believe in and they "all" do it, therefore there is unity there.
Compare the beliefs between Liberal and Conservative Roman Catholics, or the differences in doctrinal beliefs between Roman Catholic Scholars and Roman Catholic Apologists. The unity is miles wide and only an inch deep.

~Matt

[BBAS 64]

Great Quote Matt!

Bill

[countrymousenc]

Thanks for providing that quote, Matt; it's a side of the story we don't often hear. Sad, though. I guess we've been a feudin' family from a long way back.

[Phoebe]

Maybe each denomination could have their own thread. ;) :P

Thanks racer. :)

[Job24]

I believe with all my heart, that if we all believe in salvation where Jesus died on the cross for our sins and raised up again in 3 days to wash our sins away then the rest of that stuff is merely semantics :)

[racer]

Maybe each denomination could have their own thread. ;) :P

In a most ideal situation, that would be a blessing. However, I do understand the difficulties it would cause to the CF boards. I'm not asking for that, just wanting people to keep this in mind when it looks like many of us disagree. :pink:

Thanks racer. :)

You're very welcome. :angel:

[BBAS 64]

A Little Clarification . . . . . . .

I just wanted to take a minute to point something out to lurkers, searchers, unbelievers, or fellow Christians in general.

Comments have been made regarding the fact there is less unity in the Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical (P/R/E) forum than in the One Bread One Body (OBOB) and the Orthodox forums. Many people ask or wonder, why?

Here’s why, the title of the forum is your first reason. Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical. You have what could be considered three different movements or theologies which in-and-of themselves, encompass many, many different denominations. Then you have the OBOB and the Orthodox forums. Each of these faiths have their own forum. If the Christian Forums Message Boards had decided to combine the OBOB forum with the Orthodox forum, you would see a little disunity. There wouldn’t be as much disunity, because you would still only have two different faiths as opposed to the numerous faiths who fellowship together in the P/R/E forum.

I feel it is important to note this, because many people have unfairly harped upon this aspect of the P/R/E forum in a negative way. If each separate denomination had their own forum as does the Catholics and Orthodox, people would see that each different faith is unified within its own structure. The comparison continually and repeatedly made in this regard is unfair and unbalanced.

Just wanted to point that out.

God Bless!!!

LisaGood Day, Lisa

How have you been? Great observation on your part. In thinking of your post I am aware in the realm of the P/R/E and how they are explained by the indivals that hold to a definitive thoughts of each P/R/E respectively I may not completely fall into any of these catogories. This is due to a real lack of understanding of the root of such "catogories".

This much I do know and believe Jesus Prayer that "we all be one" as he and the father is one does not depend on my uderstanding of their one-ness. So I affirm that his Prayer was effective to bring about the one-ness that he sought with out my being able to comprehend and define the perfect one-ness we have in Christ.

Just My .02

Bill

[JVAC]

Here’s why, the title of the forum is your first reason. Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical. You have what could be considered three different movements or theologies which in-and-of themselves, encompass many, many different denominations. Then you have the OBOB and the Orthodox forums. Each of these faiths have their own forum. If the Christian Forums Message Boards had decided to combine the OBOB forum with the Orthodox forum, you would see a little disunity. There wouldn’t be as much disunity, because you would still only have two different faiths as opposed to the numerous faiths who fellowship together in the P/R/E forum.

I feel it is important to note this, because many people have unfairly harped upon this aspect of the P/R/E forum in a negative way. If each separate denomination had their own forum as does the Catholics and Orthodox, people would see that each different faith is unified within its own structure. The comparison continually and repeatedly made in this regard is unfair and unbalanced.
The Lutherans have thier own place ;)

-James



(ps it is eccumenical)

[BBAS 64]

The Lutherans have thier own place ;)

-James



(ps it is eccumenical)
Execpt when Lotar is awake he does not like the Baptist ;) or the Fundies much.:D

BBAS

[racer]

Good Day, Lisa

How have you been? Great observation on your part. In thinking of your post I am aware in the realm of the P/R/E and how they are explained by the indivals that hold to a definitive thoughts of each P/R/E respectively I may not completely fall into any of these catogories. This is due to a real lack of understanding of the root of such "catogories".

This much I do know and believe Jesus Prayer that "we all be one" as he and the father is one does not depend on my uderstanding of their one-ness. So I affirm that his Prayer was effective to bring about the one-ness that he sought with out my being able to comprehend and define the perfect one-ness we have in Christ.

Just My .02

Bill

You know what, Bill? I don't fit in a nice neat little package either?

God Bless!!

[Terri]

Execpt when Lotar is awake he does not like the Baptist ;) or the Fundies much.:D

BBAS
Yeah, I've seen several ugly comments in there by different people about people that believe as I do about the rapture. :eek: Can't say I feel very welcome in there.

But, I do enjoy getting to know how people really feel!! :D

[Terri]

You know what, Bill? I don't fit in a nice neat little package either?

God Bless!!
Well, I come all wrapped up in a pretty little package with a pretty little bow on top!! ;) :D

[BBAS 64]

You know what, Bill? I don't fit in a nice neat little package either?

God Bless!!
:hug: :hug:

Bill

[BBAS 64]

Well, I come all wrapped up in a pretty little package with a pretty little bow on top!! ;) :D


Terri,

How darn cute are YOU?

:hug: :hug:

Bill

[Terri]

Terri,

How darn cute are YOU?

:hug:

Bill:blush:

Awwwwww I bet you just like pretty bows Bill!! :D

Well, I was called "Cutesy Poo" over in IDD once, but I don't think it was meant as a compliment. ^_^

But, it was nice to know that my personality can annoy people on the internet as well as it can in real life. :D

[ej]

Comments have been made regarding the fact there is less unity in the Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical (P/R/E) forum than in the One Bread One Body (OBOB) and the Orthodox forums. Many people ask or wonder, why?

Here’s why, the title of the forum is your first reason. Protestant, Reformed and Evangelical. You have what could be considered three different movements or theologies which in-and-of themselves, encompass many, many different denominations. Then you have the OBOB and the Orthodox forums. Each of these faiths have their own forum. If the Christian Forums Message Boards had decided to combine the OBOB forum with the Orthodox forum, you would see a little disunity. There wouldn’t be as much disunity, because you would still only have two different faiths as opposed to the numerous faiths who fellowship together in the P/R/E forum.
Hey Lisa :)

This was a good point to make.
I strongly believe that people worship God in the way which most suits them, and most convinces them of God's power and love.

You didn't mention the 'Charismatic Movement' forum, which is a separate entity within 'Congregation.' Why do you think they have a forum of their own? :confused:

Keep the peace, and remember what we all have in common!
Emma :prayer:

[Col]

Yeah, I've seen several ugly comments in there by different people about people that believe as I do about the rapture. :eek: Can't say I feel very welcome in there.

But, I do enjoy getting to know how people really feel!! :D
Yeah I am with you Terri, PRE and the Fundies are great because you can actually find out what people think and not what they are told to think. (I too am a little hard to categorise...I think we all are really). Even though we have many denominations we can still discuss very deeply and even at times with opposing views without resorting to name calling. This ability to openly discuss (often passionately) our grasp of Christianity with a view to furthering our knowledge from the input of others is something we should celebrate.
Now some may have a quick scan of threads and with a closed-mind write us off as argueing, when in fact we are simply challenging our own faith and each others in an effort to better understand and strenghten it. What better way to truly know what you actually believe, than to have it challenged and have to answer. Isn't that what we have to do everytime we share our faith out there in the everyday "real world". This is a great practice ground for evangelism when you think of it.
I think it would be a mistake to segregate the denominations too much, or else we would simply be preaching to the choir. Exchanging ideas and each other's views is much more exciting, if nothing else it gives us food for thought. Afterall no one here has all the answers, we are all simply struggling to know God, the only one who does have all the answers

Bless Ya
Col :) <><

[racer]

:wave: Well, I come all wrapped up in a pretty little package with a pretty little bow on top!! ;) :D



Terri,

Wellll . . . . . aren't you special . . . ;)

(note: I'm sure you know I'm just kidding :holy: )

[racer]

:hug: :hug:

Bill

Backatcha, Bill. I needed that. :kiss:

[racer]

Hey Lisa :)

This was a good point to make.
I strongly believe that people worship God in the way which most suits them, and most convinces them of God's power and love.

You didn't mention the 'Charismatic Movement' forum, which is a separate entity within 'Congregation.' Why do you think they have a forum of their own? :confused:

Keep the peace, and remember what we all have in common!
Emma :prayer:

ej,

Oooops, didn't mean to leave anybody out. :sorry: Actually, I was just pointing out the differences between threads relating to only one faith as opposed to threads covering numerous threads.

Really can't say why the Charismatic Movement has it's own forum, though? :scratch:

[racer]

I think it would be a mistake to segregate the denominations too much, or else we would simply be preaching to the choir. Exchanging ideas and each other's views is much more exciting, if nothing else it gives us food for thought. Afterall no one here has all the answers, we are all simply struggling to know God, the only one who does have all the answers

Bless Ya
Col :) <><

Col,

I agree wholeheartedly, however there are those who like to present challenges, but get a tad nasty when the challenge is not only met, but huge gaping wholes get poiked in their arguments. :rolleyes: That's when things get ugly. :sick:

[Col]

Col,

I agree wholeheartedly, however there are those who like to present challenges, but get a tad nasty when the challenge is not only met, but huge gaping wholes get poiked in their arguments. :rolleyes: That's when things get ugly. :sick:
Ah, yes I know where you are coming from. There are always going to be the exceptions of those who do not understand the purpose and benefits of discussion and the exchanging of ideas, or cannot take constructive criticism. Who knows, maybe these angry dispruptive people are just "sent to test us". I think the best way to deal with people spoiling for a fight is, not to give them one. It is a bit like toddlers throwing tantrums, if you ignore them they soon get tired of it.
I think that all in all these unhelpful souls are in the minority, however it is wise to remember that ugly arguments can develop, and it is then that we must display the wisdom and presence of mind to graciously retire from an unfuitful exchange.

Bless Ya
Col :) <><

[Terri]

Terri,

Wellll . . . . . aren't you special . . .

(note: I'm sure you know I'm just kidding )

No need to tell me you are kidding! I always assume people are kidding. I have missed alot of insults I'm sure with my assuming that though. :D So if you ever want to insult me please put it in insult tags so I will know it! :D

Place insult here :D

OK, I know I am silly!! I will shut up now!! :sorry: It's amazing what lack of sleep can do to the old brain!! :D

[Terri]

Yeah I am with you Terri, PRE and the Fundies are great because you can actually find out what people think and not what they are told to think. (I too am a little hard to categorise...I think we all are really). Even though we have many denominations we can still discuss very deeply and even at times with opposing views without resorting to name calling. This ability to openly discuss (often passionately) our grasp of Christianity with a view to furthering our knowledge from the input of others is something we should celebrate.
Now some may have a quick scan of threads and with a closed-mind write us off as argueing, when in fact we are simply challenging our own faith and each others in an effort to better understand and strenghten it. What better way to truly know what you actually believe, than to have it challenged and have to answer. Isn't that what we have to do everytime we share our faith out there in the everyday "real world". This is a great practice ground for evangelism when you think of it.
I think it would be a mistake to segregate the denominations too much, or else we would simply be preaching to the choir. Exchanging ideas and each other's views is much more exciting, if nothing else it gives us food for thought. Afterall no one here has all the answers, we are all simply struggling to know God, the only one who does have all the answers

Bless Ya
Col :) <><
Great Post Col!! :clap:

I just love PRE. The people here are great. :clap: Even if not all of their beliefs are as right as mine. :D