The broad spectrum of Christianity VERSUS the narrow-minded view

[St. SteVen]

Having been raised Protestant Evangelical Christian,
there was always this perspective that we had it right
and those outside our mindset had it wrong.

As an adult I discovered things that led me to re-evaluate that mindset.

Catholics had a completely different way of approaching Christianity.
But I couldn't deny that they had a relationship with God. Even though it dismissed
some of the core tenets of Protestantism. Things that previously led me to
the conclusion that they weren't "saved". (whatever that means)

Similarly, liberal and progressive Christianity were viewed with skepticism.
As were those with the Protestant liturgical tradition. Barely distinguishable from Catholicism.
And I had yet to encounter anyone in the Orthodox tradition. Those in groups
considered to be religious cults were another issue.

All this has led me to a rather open position about
what constitutes Christianity. How have you dealt with this issue?
A broad view, or a narrow view?

[

 

[Jesus Wept]

Having been raised Protestant Evangelical Christian, there was always this perspective
that we had it right and those outside our mindset had it wrong.

As an adult I discovered things that led me to re-evaluate that mindset.

Catholics had a completely different way of approaching Christianity.
But I couldn't deny that they had a relationship with God. Even though it dismissed
some of the core tenets of Protestantism. Things that previously led me to
the conclusion that they weren't "saved". (whatever that means)

Similarly, liberal and progressive Christianity were viewed with skepticism.
As were those with the Protestant liturgical tradition. Barely distinguishable from Catholicism.
And I had yet to encounter anyone in the Orthodox tradition. Those in groups
considered to be religious cults were another issue.

All this has led me to a rather open position about what constitutes Christianity.
How have you dealt with this issue? A broad view, or a narrow view?

[

I take the broad view.

Christianity, is a relationship. Christ will commune with whomever He chooses, in whatever way He chooses. If he could save me and keep me as He has so faithfully done throughout the years, he can save anyone, even Catholics, maybe even dispensationalists. ;-)

 

[Bob]

Thank you for the perspective and questions.

Whether we accept the fact or not, all the major religions (not just Christianity) have “denominations” or “sects.” Since that must be a feature of God’s design for humans, we should find a way to work with it, and not rail against it.

One perspective: since two of the characteristics of Love Your Neighbor are (1) employ persuasion (not coercion) to change minds and hearts and (2) be committed to helping others, we can weigh Christian denominations by their fruits.

Some claim to be helping others, but they remind us of those who think giving addicts clean needles is compassion.

So: I take a broader view, not just for Christianity, but all religions and cultures: do they inculcate and practice all of the characteristics of Love Your Neighbor? (In Romans 2: 14-15, Paul relates a perhaps surprising discovery among pagan gentiles, who became those ripe for the Gospel.)

Peace.

 

[quietthinker]

The broad spectrum of Christianity VERSUS the narrow-minded view​

I have a narrow mind; it bypasses all the theological mumbo jumbo and trusts that I am loved enough to die for.

 

[St. SteVen]

Having been raised Protestant Evangelical Christian,
there was always this perspective that we had it right and those
outside our mindset had it wrong.

As an adult I discovered things that led me to re-evaluate that mindset.

Catholics had a completely different way of approaching Christianity.
But I couldn't deny that they had a relationship with God. Even though it dismissed
some of the core tenets of Protestantism. Things that previously led me to
the conclusion that they weren't "saved". (whatever that means)

Similarly, liberal and progressive Christianity were viewed with skepticism.
As were those with the Protestant liturgical tradition. Barely distinguishable from Catholicism.
And I had yet to encounter anyone in the Orthodox tradition. Those in groups
considered to be religious cults were another issue.

All this has led me to a rather open position about what constitutes Christianity.
How have you dealt with this issue? A broad view, or a narrow view?

[

 

[Jack]

Mt 7 Narrow is the way to Life and FEW there be who find it.

IOW, BILLIONS of humans will burn "Forever and ever".

 

[NotTheRock]

All this has led me to a rather open position about what constitutes Christianity.

In my view a Christian is one who emulates Christ every day in their thoughts and actions. Be humble. Help others. Praise our Father daily for the gift of life and demonstrate gratitude by living a life pleasing to him.

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

Mt 7 Narrow is the way to Life and FEW there be who find it.

IOW, BILLIONS of humans will burn "Forever and ever".

A Child growes up and is demanded of such, This is the way ?

So one truly knows no better in fact !

I became best mates with Prot and RC and even Freemasons Sons ! I got on real well with all of their mum's and dad's. They were free to talk to me at anytime of their views. all were good people !
Sure my mates and all did not all agree on everything, but fact is no one ever does !
I would have full on barny's with one good mate because he was a Socialist ! I would drive home thinking that he would never want to see me again, but No ! he was always open arms when I seen him again ! he has growen up out of that Socialist stupper ! for he knows and understands such things much clearer for debating ! where as before all was just a blind faith ego driven responce that his dad ranted on about. His dad was correct on many things tho. and looked after number one 100% himself ! and did well for himself in bringing up 5 children and all. I did not look down on him for demanding his rights at work place.
But everyone had a different Job ? and all such must be understood ! That means a Broad outlook on life is a must, so as to have an informed value of opinion.
If I only looked at the opinions of my dad, that would not be a broad view !

So having a broad view is like being above looking down !
So having a narrow view is like being in a hole and looking up out of the man hole in a road say ? you know bugger all.

But lets say an Eagle ? she looks dowen and can narrow it's intent on something very well !

Narrow is the Gate ! for sure and their be few that find it ! because they can not see due to a narrow view ?

A narrow minded person is not worth talking to, because they have no real conection worthy so as to bring anyone into understanding ! Just Dictating to others does no good truly ! Communism is a Religion as well ! as is Islam the same ends ? to dominate over all with their gods ! they claim not to have gods but they sure do ! just as most Chrisians have gods that they clearly Idolise ! because they are not truly born again in fact !

I have my arms ready to be open wide to welcome. just like a old mates Son and daughter ask questions, now they can have come from a weard concept of the Bibe ? but I do not shut them down. but go about such in another way.
Why such as the topic was brought up for etc ? what is the real reason for bring me to such an issue. then we can hopefully make real headway ? and not just get bogged down on something that goes no where.

So when I was Young I was more wide on a topics overall in myself ? because I may not of had a handle on such truly my self.
Many People have an oppinion on Subjects but I will listen, does not mean that I will agree totaly. I do not have anyone Tell me what such is ! I have a mate up the road who demands Narrow mindedness is the way ? He only Dictates and does not listen, for he may learn if he did listen. he is only regurgitateing what he has been toled to say by his guru period !
Narrow minded people are shallow people ! and ignorant !
One who is broad minded is no ones fool ? for they may know where one is truly coming from ?

 

[mailmandan]

Mt 7 Narrow is the way to Life and FEW there be who find it.

IOW, BILLIONS of humans will burn "Forever and ever".

Either we are trusting 100% in Jesus Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation or else we are 100% lost. (John 3:15,16,18; 6:40,47; 10:9, 11:25,26; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 10:43; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-26; 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9 etc..). It does not get any more narrow than that.

 

[shepherdsword]

Having been raised Protestant Evangelical Christian, there was always this perspective
that we had it right and those outside our mindset had it wrong.

As an adult I discovered things that led me to re-evaluate that mindset.

Catholics had a completely different way of approaching Christianity.
But I couldn't deny that they had a relationship with God. Even though it dismissed
some of the core tenets of Protestantism. Things that previously led me to
the conclusion that they weren't "saved". (whatever that means)

Similarly, liberal and progressive Christianity were viewed with skepticism.
As were those with the Protestant liturgical tradition. Barely distinguishable from Catholicism.
And I had yet to encounter anyone in the Orthodox tradition. Those in groups
considered to be religious cults were another issue.

All this has led me to a rather open position about what constitutes Christianity.
How have you dealt with this issue? A broad view, or a narrow view?

[

is the road to eternal life broad or narrow?

 

[St. SteVen]

is the road to eternal life broad or narrow?

I would say broad.
Because broad is welcoming, narrow is restricting.

The scripture in question says life, not eternal life.
If you claim it refers to eternal life...
Then God is making sport with our souls. (few find it)

Is that what salvation is?
A high-stakes game of hide-and-seek? (few find it)

 

[shepherdsword]

I would say broad.
Because broad is welcoming, narrow is restricting.

Jesus said the Broadway leads to destruction

The scripture in question says life, not eternal life.
If you claim it refers to eternal life...
Then God is making sport with our souls. (few find it)

No matter how you define life in that verse you are still left with this: Jesus said the Broadway leads to destruction

Is that what salvation is?
A high-stakes game of hide-and-seek? (few find it)

Because the way is narrow and broad is the path to destruction.

 

[Jack]

I would say broad.
Because broad is welcoming, narrow is restricting.

The scripture in question says life, not eternal life.
If you claim it refers to eternal life...
Then God is making sport with our souls. (few find it)

Is that what salvation is?
A high-stakes game of hide-and-seek? (few find it)

Is there anything in the Bible that is God's Word? Anything?

Who is your god. Do you have a clue?

These are very simple questions. Why won't you answer? A true Christian would have no problem answering!

 

[Jack]

I would say broad.
Because broad is welcoming, narrow is restricting.

The scripture in question says life, not eternal life.
If you claim it refers to eternal life...
Then God is making sport with our souls. (few find it)

Is that what salvation is?
A high-stakes game of hide-and-seek? (few find it)

Another totally unBiblical and DANGEROUS answer!

 

[St. SteVen]

The broad spectrum of Christianity VERSUS the narrow-minded view​

Having been raised Protestant Evangelical Christian, there was always this perspective
that we had it right and those outside our mindset had it wrong.

As an adult I discovered things that led me to re-evaluate that mindset.

Catholics had a completely different way of approaching Christianity.
But I couldn't deny that they had a relationship with God. Even though it dismissed
some of the core tenets of Protestantism. Things that previously led me to
the conclusion that they weren't "saved". (whatever that means)

Similarly, liberal and progressive Christianity were viewed with skepticism.
As were those with the Protestant liturgical tradition. Barely distinguishable from Catholicism.
And I had yet to encounter anyone in the Orthodox tradition. Those in groups
considered to be religious cults within Protestant evangelicalism.

All this has led me to a rather open position about what constitutes Christianity.
How have you dealt with this issue? A broad view, or a narrow view?

 

[Lizbeth]

I would say broad.
Because broad is welcoming, narrow is restricting.

The scripture in question says life, not eternal life.
If you claim it refers to eternal life...
Then God is making sport with our souls. (few find it)

Is that what salvation is?
A high-stakes game of hide-and-seek? (few find it)

The alternative to the narrow way is destruction. Think you need to ponder that.

The prophet cried, 'though the number of the Israelites be as the sands of the seashore, only a remnant will be saved'. This is true of the Gentiles/nations/world as well....Israel is our example that we are to take warning from. We have a strong sense from scripture that the Lord is "choosing" His bride/people from OUT of the world, not making the whole world His chosen.

"Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers.....come out from among them and be ye separate says the Lord, that I might receive you. " His betrothed bride/people is holy, set apart from the world unto Him, a virgin...awaiting the Bridegroom's return to collect her and receive her in marriage.

 

[St. SteVen]

The alternative to the narrow way is destruction. Think you need to ponder that.

The prophet cried, 'though the number of the Israelites be as the sands of the seashore, only a remnant will be saved'. This is true of the Gentiles/nations/world as well....Israel is our example that we are to take warning from. We have a strong sense from scripture that the Lord is "choosing" His bride/people from OUT of the world, not making the whole world His chosen.

"Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers.....come out from among them and be ye separate says the Lord, that I might receive you. " His betrothed bride/people is holy, set apart from the world unto Him, a virgin...awaiting the Bridegroom's return to collect her and receive her in marriage.

That's a terrible plan.
Is that the best a benevolent loving God could come up with?

 

[David in NJ]

That's a terrible plan.
Is that the best a benevolent loving God could come up with?

The BEST is = "for GOD so loved the world that HE gave His only begotten SON"

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

[Bob]

The broad spectrum of Christianity VERSUS the narrow-minded view​

Having been raised Protestant Evangelical Christian, there was always this perspective
that we had it right and those outside our mindset had it wrong.

As an adult I discovered things that led me to re-evaluate that mindset.

Catholics had a completely different way of approaching Christianity.
But I couldn't deny that they had a relationship with God. Even though it dismissed
some of the core tenets of Protestantism. Things that previously led me to
the conclusion that they weren't "saved". (whatever that means)

Similarly, liberal and progressive Christianity were viewed with skepticism.
As were those with the Protestant liturgical tradition. Barely distinguishable from Catholicism.
And I had yet to encounter anyone in the Orthodox tradition. Those in groups
considered to be religious cults within Protestant evangelicalism.

All this has led me to a rather open position about what constitutes Christianity.
How have you dealt with this issue? A broad view, or a narrow view?

Good discussion question.

Two views: salvation and culture.

Clearly, the different Christian denominations are vehement concerning the one and only path to salvation.

Alternatively, different Christian denominations with a common view of Love Your Neighbor may find they can work and socialize with the other comfortably.

More broadly, Christians may (will) have strong opinions at where Buddhists, Sikhs, Shintos, and Jewish peoples are headed, but may find common cause in work/social interactions because of strong overlaps in the understanding and practice of Love Your Neighbor.

Blessings.

 

[shepherdsword]

That's a terrible plan.
Is that the best a benevolent loving God could come up with?

Can you love God for who he really is?