Steve Finnell Posts In Response

Ha! Poking with a stick has its rewards. Mr. Finnell of christian-with-a-view posted not one but two posts aimed, maybe not specifically at my comment, but at the sentiment behind it. He posted one post on Truth/Liberalism and the other on where one finds answers to theological questions--from the Bible or writings of man. I'm glad he posted these posts, and I hope they will act to cause people to be thoughtful in their commentary.

Now, as to the posts themselves, I do agree that Truth can be a casualty of liberal thought. Liberals have difficulty with hard statements. To me, there are certain aspects of Christianity which are not negotiable. For example, Christology. the Bible is pretty clear on who Christ is. A body that defines him otherwise, or lays on extrabiblical stuff, is not a Christian church. Mormons and JW's both do not give Jesus Christ His proper status as fully God and fully Man. To me, they are both cults or separate religious systems. They are not Christian. Also the Truths in the Bible exist as they sit on the shelf. They do not require someone to experience them. (I remember the first time I heard this concept in seminary--I recoiled--that's the only way to describe it.) Also, the Bible is not a "Living Document"--changing with the times.

Truth has to be held to, whether or not it makes friends. There are ways to hold truth that are loving--those of us who call our selves Christians must always speak the Truth in Love. We are always conscious of the fact that people are watching our unwritten testimony. We don't compromise just to get along--but it's not about running over people, winning arguments and judging others. Remember we are finite, and God's in charge, and He is the last arbiter of salvation. We try to understand the Truth, as presented in the Bible, God's word, and live out its message and precepts.

The United Methodist Church went through a period where they were so open to anything, that some very sub and non Christian things were tolerated. My guess is the people rebelled. The people are usually more conservative than a church's leadership or academics. The Methodists got their chain yanked, and have returned to a more conservative outlook, although they certainly didn't turn into Nazarenes. It doesn't hurt that the UMC is starting to look back at John Wesley, examining his works and thinkings. Mr. Wesley was explicitly guided by the Bible, the source of all truth for Christians.

That is a nice opening for a few words on Mr. Finnell's second post, but it'll have to wait, as it is time for church!