[deacon blues]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

There are many good reasons to not shred people in public, including the fact that their families will be hurt by it.

That said, I understand pointing out inconsistencies for the sake of discussion; it just makes a lot more sense to do that when the other person is present to discuss it with you. Otherwise it might be backbiting.

I also understand the desire to strike back at someone who has hurt a lot of people with their hypocrisy and immorality. My thought is, it's really hard to drag someone through the mud without getting mud on your own boots.

I'm not saying that because they're preachers; I'm saying that because Jesus told us to love our enemies and do good to those who despitefully use us. There are times when something is public knowledge and it can and should be addressed, and saints should draw a public line between themselves and the errant person. If, however, something hasn't been made public (and isn't something that MUST be made public), we have a biblical guideline that tells us to settle things in-house.

So the question is: What comprises "in-house?" Can we discuss things going on in our own ranks? Well, the simple answer is--not in public. (which might explain one of the benefits of a private forum) And then you're back, full circle, to the problem of discussion turning into gossip and backbiting.

Really, really great post here MB. Thank you.