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  • So focused on exposing error? Or … "more" on divisive issues?

    • Posted Aug 6, 2006 12:12 AM

      Chris,

      This is what you said in assessing my “focus”—

        If you recall, Donnie, I stated that it appeared “to me that you are so focused on exposing error that you see error in everything.” I recognize that type of “always on guard, can’t read anything without dissecting it, critical approach” because that was something that characterized me for several years.

      I think you should have left out the part—“because that was something that characterized me for several years.” The simple reason is that such approach still characterizes you. Perhaps, you don’t realize that and need to be reminded?

      Chris, I am so glad that you took the time to visit John Waddey’s website—we’ve always encouraged this effort. I am also glad that you quoted him verbatim in your post above and that both you and I agree on the same premise about non-issues that unfortunately lead to becoming issues … and controversial and divisive at that.

      Let me just get to the point. Where we differ is how we look at both sides opposing each other. [I’m going to ignore your itemized list because at the outset you have already drawn your own conclusion. But I’ll use one of your examples….] To simplify our discussion, let us use the lifting of hands for illustration.

      I’ll be brief: The lifting of hands has not been a resident practice in churches of Christ. The lifting of hands has been a charismatic practice in their churches in their respective areas and on TV.

      As far as I have observed, no member in any of our [I hope you’re still with us, Chris] congregations has ever approached any visiting arm-lifter to stop from arm-lifting. So, where is the imposition taking place in this particular situation—from the non-lifter upon the arm-lifter? NONE! Now, it is possible for that member to simply leave because he is offended by the display of arm-lifting.

      To reiterate—I know of no one who is offended ever telling the arm-lifter to “Stop it!”

      The discernment in consideration here is the nature or history of the congregation that is being adversely affected by this type of display of behavior that had been previously NON-EXISTENT. Your analogy in comparing both sides is unreasonable. Why? You are trying to compare [in your own mind] a resident-practicing arm-lifting congregation of the Lord’s church, which does not exist to my knowledge, with a resident-non-practicing arm-lifting congregation of the Lord’s church. See how illogical that comparison is?

      My point is simply, and John Waddey is saying the same, that if a non-issue practice causes division in the congregation or alienation of many brethren, the elders of that congregation must be so discerning as to ensure that God’s family in that locality is protected FIRST—not accommodate the desire of a visiting arm-twister who is more likely aware of the history of that congregation in the first place. In most instances, the situation is that the arm-lifters are the trouble-makers. You must see this, Chris!!! You can’t tell me that most of these folks are not aware of anything about the congregation before “treading the waters.” If they’re not aware of it, I hope and I believe that no Christian is going to tell them to “stop it.”

      The crux of the matter in regard to arm-lifting is that arm-lifters are not likely to be offended by non-arm-lifting except perhaps in charismatic churches. On the other hand, it can be expected that non-arm-lifting members of a non-arm-lifting congregation may be offended by the display of arm-lifting. NO … there’s no double-standard in this set of circumstances.

      Why can’t an arm-lifter do his/her arm-lifting at home or alone instead of waiting until the congregation meets and display the arm-lifting exercise? If he/she doesn’t do so in private, but does so in public … what would be your conclusion?

      Donnie

      P.S.: It appears that I have over-extended my “brief” explanation—that was not my intent. But, then, I’m not likely to spend any more time than this. If you disagree, that’s certainly your prerogative.
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