This type of discussion is a perfect example of how labels such as Conservative, Liberal, Open minded, close minded, can have polar opposite meanings depending on the context.
Some of the most closed minded, stubborn people I know happen to be members of the liberal, "far left". I also know some extremely conservative relatives that also fall into that category ("Yup, I don't believe that because I was always taught this.... Yup yup yup" or "If it ain't in the bible it don't happen! So take you 'dinio-sores' and 'black holes' and 'super-novas' and put them where they belong -in satans pit!").
THEN there are those who I consider extremely open minded and liberal, yet politically (and spiritually) are some of the most conservative I know.
So Randy, are you open to anything and everything, or do you set limits?
I think if I could name ONE limit that I will not ever turn from is that belief that God cannot lie. (He can send a delusion but that is different for purposes of this discussion.)
Everything I read, hear, and witness is filtered though that basic principle.
I think if I could name ONE limit that I will not ever turn from is that belief that God cannot lie. (He can send a delusion but that is different for purposes of this discussion.)
Everything I read, hear, and witness is filtered though that basic principle.
What about people who are open-minded enough to think child abuse (I'm being vague here) is okay?
Ok, just to play devils advocate, what if you take a country where it is common for 12 and 13 year olds to marry. Now, enter an apostolic church in one of those countries. Would the church automatically take on an Americanized view of adulthood and marriage? Or would they look at it through the filter of that countries culture as to the age of consent? Just a thought.
As far as "abuse" goes, it sorta falls into the 2nd greatest commandment of "loving you neighbor as yourself" or in the case of "abuse", NOT loving them -then applying the modifier as it pertains to children -"It would be better to put a millstone around your neck....".
I see what you're saying, PP. If we aren't all inclusive and tolerate the lifestyles of others we, as Christians, are called closed minded but that is the world's definition not the Bible's.
That's different from what the God would call closed minded....stiffnecked and obstinate, unwilling to listen or obey the truth of the word of God.
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
How do you know Thomas's doubt was sin? The others got to see Jesus first, and they had the exact same reason to believe he had risen that Thomas did: they saw him! When Thomas saw Jesus, he believed, too. Thomas doubted what he heard the others tell him. Not what Jesus told him.
Bump for PP.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Conservatives are very open minded to anything that makes them more close minded!
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
I see what you're saying, PP. If we aren't all inclusive and tolerate the lifestyles of others we, as Christians, are called closed minded but that is the world's definition not the Bible's.
That's different from what the God would call closed minded....stiffnecked and obstinate, unwilling to listen or obey the truth of the word of God.
Exactly.
I also think that there are some so-called "Christian" doctrines that, after initial consideration, we should close our minds to. Nothing wrong with questioning, but some things just are.