 Posted Tuesday, November 13, 2007 11:12 AM
|
|
|
|
The following message was posted in another area of the forums. It presents some good questions. It was not appropriate for where it was originally posted, so I've moved it here.
Do Go Be Man
<><
Post by Anonymous November 13, 2007 @ 12:54:15 PM
How does anyone really know for sure that what they believe is actually the real truth? Does it really matter if you prove your correctness over someone else? I mean there are so many religions out that that could be either right or wrong. Why is it so important to have a religion where the sole purpose appears to be the conversion of Christian Scientists? I would just as well let people believe in what works for them. I have been reading a fair number of these forums recently and much of what I see seems to lots of arguing. Does that help anybody all that much?
|
|
|
Posted Friday, November 30, 2007 7:15 PM
|
|
|
|
I'm surprised that Anonymous November 13, 2007 @ 12:54:15 PM got no response. I've held back because I often say too much and thereby suppress discussion. With no response, however, I'm ready to throw in my 3 cents worth.
How does anyone really know for sure that what they believe is actually the real truth?
The empirical method is probably the most generally accepted way to validate truth. I believe in God and see evidence of Him all around. I believe in prayer and constantly receive answers consistent with requests and what the Bible tells me to expect. Whether everything God's word says is "real truth" is matter of faith until we reach that ultimate point of proof when we stand before Him (or not, if you chose to belief that for now). He has been faithful in the "little" things, so I put my faith in Him for the rest.
Does it really matter if you prove your correctness over someone else? I mean there are so many religions out that that could be either right or wrong.
Not important at all. There are a lot of religions. Regarding whether they are right or wrong, we can only be sure that they cannot all be right.
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Philippians 2:12-13 (English Standard Version)
MBE quotes the passage above three times in S&H - S&H 22:11, S&H 98:31, and S&H 442:16.
According to Paul, it's not important whether we are correct over anyone else. It is only important that God is correct over me.
When asked whether he believed God was on the side of the Union, Abraham Lincoln is said to have replied, “I have never once asked God to be on my side. Every time I pray, I prayed that I am on God’s side.” I don't pray to be right over anyone, just that I am on track as best I can to be on God's side. God will look after everyone far better than I can imagine.
Why is it so important to have a religion where the sole purpose appears to be the conversion of Christian Scientists? I would just as well let people believe in what works for them. I have been reading a fair number of these forums recently and much of what I see seems to lots of arguing. Does that help anybody all that much?
I'm not aware of any religion whose sole purpose is the conversion of CSists. It is not within my power to convert (or condemn) anyone. According to my reading of the Scriptures, The Holy Spirit elects and converts those who are lost. I'm simply one Christian who was once a CSist that shares what I believe rather than keeping secret what I believe is good news that works. I suspect I have that in common with my fellow Exers.
Letting people believe in what works for them sounds very high minded and gracious. History provides many examples of that in the extreme. Hitler, Atilla the Hun, Nero, and their followers certainly believed in what worked for them. I'm glad, however, that other folks also believed in what worked well for them. For example, I'm happy that the Founding Fathers of the United States shared what worked well for them. Simply letting well enough alone is sometimes not the most moral or ethical choice.
No longer following the teachings of CS works well for me, as does sharing lessons learned. I do not demand or expect anyone to change their lives or their beliefs because I find life as a conservative, Bible-believing Christian to work better than other alternatives I experienced or explored.
Christianity works. Should we keep that a secret to avoid offending those who disagree? I choose to share good news rather than keep it to myself. Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, also instructed me to do so:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (English Standard Version)
Jesus did not commission us to wage war against those who would not listen. He's got that worked out and that works for me.
Do Go Be Man
<><
|
|
|
|