tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11918100.post6225246279591105966..comments2023-08-23T03:49:23.364-04:00Comments on Christian Thought: Who's In Your Church?Julian Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16090211379574469969noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11918100.post-10491997912480652722007-08-28T08:49:00.000-04:002007-08-28T08:49:00.000-04:00Julian,The argument that drives you nuts looks a l...Julian,<BR/><BR/>The argument that drives you nuts looks a little familiar. However, I think you have oversimplified it in an effort to make it look absurd. <BR/><BR/>Here's what I mean: In your discussion of what constitutes "aberrant theological views" you blur the classic distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary issues. You talk as if differences in millenial positions are equal to disagreements over the meaning, mode, and proper subjects of baptism.<BR/><BR/>You <I>do</I> raise the distinction, however,when you present us with the following option:<BR/><BR/>"So whether we like it or not, we're either (a) saying that we hold no aberrant views on any secondary issues, or else (b) what we've already done is drawn a line in the sand, saying that there are certain aberrant views we will accept and others that we won't."<BR/><BR/>It seems like you are making distinctions in option a (since you restrict the discussion to "secondary issues.") However, in b, you seem to disparage the line drawing that you yourself did in option a.<BR/><BR/>Your answer to the question "who do you want in your church" strikes me as a bit confused. Though I share your desire to have all sorts of people will all sorts of mixed up beliefs under the preaching of the Word, whether they should be members of the church is a totally separate issue.<BR/><BR/>The answer to that is not as simple as you make it sound. We have to bring into the discussion such questions as congregational vs. elder rule, primary/secondary/tertiary distinctions, the role of the conscience, and all sorts of other fun stuff.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10582957289248070011noreply@blogger.com