I find this "debate" quite interesting... although I generally don't jump into any of them. I'll be quick to say that I am a Christian, not that that matters, and point out that I commend qacwac for his/her zeal for the Lord... though I must also agree with Whitedog that overstepping our bounds as Christians (or whatever) to "correct" someone is not called for.
Speaking from a Christian point of view, I find that more often than not, when I am "pushing" my views, people are generally less responsive, but when I apply what my Lord Jesus says, "They will know you are Christians by your love"... (and that they will know Him by those who represent Him. I find that character is most important to sharing views and Truth.) ... they are more receptive to what I say.
Don't get me wrong... I believe 1) God loves all, but 2) all have sinned and 3) needs a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ... but saying things like "YOU are going to hell"... yadda yadda yadda is uncalled for, and blatantly offensive. There seems to be an obvious contradiction in what I say, but I submit to this thread, that speaking the truth does not necessarily need to sink to a personal attack to anyone.
To those who are Christians, I can just say continue being zealous in sharing your faith, but I think Jesus' primary concern is not in the legalistic areas of life, but rather in reconciliation and love. What is the value of truth if not spoken in love?
To those who are not, well, I am not here as a mediator, but rather as an ambassador, since I am a Christian... and all I will say is that, I have found peace and life through Jesus Christ, and I personally pray that you all do too, but if you guys are happy in the way that you are, I can not and will not denounce nor debase that opinion.
"Hate the sin, love the sinner" (Disclaimer: and no, this is NOT directed to any group in particular, nor is it directed to those that are not Christians, but rather to all. Sin is a hated word, but if we really sit down and think about it, there is a kernel of truth in that statement.)
Peace and grace to you all.
Speaking from a Christian point of view, I find that more often than not, when I am "pushing" my views, people are generally less responsive, but when I apply what my Lord Jesus says, "They will know you are Christians by your love"... (and that they will know Him by those who represent Him. I find that character is most important to sharing views and Truth.) ... they are more receptive to what I say.
Don't get me wrong... I believe 1) God loves all, but 2) all have sinned and 3) needs a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ... but saying things like "YOU are going to hell"... yadda yadda yadda is uncalled for, and blatantly offensive. There seems to be an obvious contradiction in what I say, but I submit to this thread, that speaking the truth does not necessarily need to sink to a personal attack to anyone.
To those who are Christians, I can just say continue being zealous in sharing your faith, but I think Jesus' primary concern is not in the legalistic areas of life, but rather in reconciliation and love. What is the value of truth if not spoken in love?
To those who are not, well, I am not here as a mediator, but rather as an ambassador, since I am a Christian... and all I will say is that, I have found peace and life through Jesus Christ, and I personally pray that you all do too, but if you guys are happy in the way that you are, I can not and will not denounce nor debase that opinion.
"Hate the sin, love the sinner" (Disclaimer: and no, this is NOT directed to any group in particular, nor is it directed to those that are not Christians, but rather to all. Sin is a hated word, but if we really sit down and think about it, there is a kernel of truth in that statement.)
Peace and grace to you all.