My Thoughts On Things

[Brother Price]

Apostolic Friends Forum, when I originally joined, was a place I could come and bash liberals, and feel I was doing the will of God. I saw this place as a liberal haven, where the backsliders would talk about their carnality and worldliness. And, I felt it was my job to trash them down until they repent.

Much has changed in me over the years, including my own perception. Things I once saw as backslidden and liberal, I have come to see as godly and living in the freedom of Christ. The ‘conservative’ stances I once took I now see as overbearing and unnecessary. But, I see AFF as a place where ideas can openly be cast across and discussion is made over issues and beliefs.

I still also see AFF as a place where I experienced the love of God during the darkest days of my life, and where many showed me great and undying love. And, as my vision has changed in this, so have I.

Many ask why the cons have left AFF. I have heard reasoning from they are tired of their views being challenged to down right disgust with someone having differing opinions over issues of standards and salvation. In all this, though, I have seen the same religious spirit which segregates the Body in the Church on AFF.

The libs (I am a moderate lib myself) believe that cons are just as saved as we are, but they are in the bondage of religion and legalism. This does not negate their salvation, but makes us want to speak to them about coming out from that. The cons, however, do not see us as saved. They do see us damned to Hell over clothing and hair. Because of that, they separate themselves from people who will not go into what they see as bondage.

Please, please do not take this as a shot at anyone. These are my thoughts, and are being spoken in compassion and love to all.

The Body in general is in disunity. One group segregates from another, and there is no unity. AFF is no different it seems. So, what to do?

Those who stay should keep on and do what they do. If some want to leave, let them. The door is always open for them to come back and fellowship with us again, seeing how AFF does not delete memberships. If they desire to stay away, that is their decision. But, I would hope they reconsider and return so we can have honest, civil, and open discussions on the topics that affect one and all today.

Just my thoughts.

[RandyWayne]

Good post.

I think I've actually gone a bit of the other way over the past several years posting (only been here a little less then a year). Some who consider me a liberal, backslidden reprobate already probably find that remark a bit incredulous, but it is true.

[Sister Alvear]

I personally have never liked labels...

[SDG]

Great post ... Billster.

I am just glad to be back from exile.

I'm hoping the pussyfooting and whining stops so we can engage in the discussions that have made this the best Apostolic forum.

[bishoph]

Originally Posted by Brother Price

Many ask why the cons have left AFF. I have heard reasoning from they are tired of their views being challenged to down right disgust with someone having differing opinions over issues of standards and salvation. In all this, though, I have seen the same religious spirit which segregates the Body in the Church on AFF.

The libs (I am a moderate lib myself) believe that cons are just as saved as we are, but they are in the bondage of religion and legalism. This does not negate their salvation, but makes us want to speak to them about coming out from that. The cons, however, do not see us as saved. They do see us damned to Hell over clothing and hair. Because of that, they separate themselves from people who will not go into what they see as bondage.

Herein lies the problem as I see it, the "religious spirit knows no boundaries lib/con etc. The "libs" feel it their responsibility to enlighten their brethren who are still in "bondage," and the "cons" feel compelled to "fight" against the ever encroaching abyss of compromise. The reality is that both side are trying to evangelize the other. This at times leads to personal attacks and or defense, which is never good.

IMO most of what is "debated" on this forum is not in the interest of growth most of the time, but rather in the interest of "exposing" some doctrinal "error" and righting the proverbial ship in the right direction, which becomes a contest of the "preferred" direction con vs lib.

If we could ever "debate" the issues without having an underlying evangelistic agenda, we may be able to "enlighten" one another, and become unified to reach our world, instead of trying to reach each other.

To the liberal I'm a conservative and to the conservative I'm a liberal, I think that leaves me somewhere called..........balanced.