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Ian Grant Spong
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Where is the Line
2 stars|4 comments|October 29, 2008|310 reads
 
How far does the bond peace with other believers go for you? The verse we were asked to blog is
4:2 with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, 4:3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
How willing are you to forbear for unity and peace? Pick a number or add your own.

1. Completely, none of us knows the absolute truth.
2. Almost completely, as long as a person accepts the Nicene Creed and is not a heretic.
3. Maybe, but I don't tolerate wacky, way out Christians.
4. Mostly, but not allowing gross sins like homosexuality or abortion as some churches do.
5. Not at all; my church is the only right one.

Maybe you have some other comments as to how you put this verse into practice and where you draw the line.

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Cheryl Whit
 Cheryl Whit
October 29, 2008
Excellent brother
Mike n Laura
 Mike n Laura
October 30, 2008

Grant, I suppose this verse includes application to doctrinal purity, but can it also be applied to things like political views (maintaining unity between Christian supporters of different political parties), or holiday celebrations (maintaining unity w/Christians who celebrate non-Christian holidays we disagree with like Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc. -- tongue in cheek), or maintain unity w/Christians who disagree w/us on global warming, education (homeschooling vs. public ed.), and on and on. None of your categories above are very flattering, LOL! Except maybe #1. How far do you go to maintain peace? Is it ok to ignore heresies, blasphemies, vulgarities, etc. for the sake of peace?

BTW, I will answer #6 (Not only is my church the only right one, but I'm the only right one in my church! LOL!! just kidding!)

Caleb
 Caleb
October 30, 2008

May I have number 1 please? Supersize it please!

HERESY 

1 a: adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma b: denial of a revealed truth by a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church c: an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma2 a: dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice b: an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heresy
 
According to this definition we all have been or still are heretical. Heresy is defined by those whose views are the predominant (orthodox) views. 

 

Ian Grant Spong
 Ian Grant Spong
October 30, 2008
Thanks Cheryl. Which one would you choose, or would you add one of your own? Good comments guys! I would personally apply this verse mostly within the one congregation, where it is easier than say, trying to have peace with untenable doctrines or opinions of a vastly different version of Christianity. Even in our little congregation, we have tongues and non-tongues people, followers of guru apostles and prophets and avoiders of same, hand-lifters and non-raisers, those who believe that Benny Hinn is God's anointed and those who believe he is a scheister, etc. Keeping the peace often boils down to agreeing to disagree agreeably. LOL.