Why do so many Christians vehemently disagree?

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Soverign Grace

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I've been in churches that have broken up and those that have remained stable. Yet one theme I see constantly running through churches and Christian forums are Christians who vehemently disagree - about Scripture, about prophecy, about whether we're to act or be passive, and about the color of the moon.

I know that not all have the Holy Spirit and that there are false brethren. But why so much disagreement among professing believers?

I'm curious to know others' beliefs about this.
 
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Enoch111

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But why so much disagreement among professing believers?
For the simple reason that Satan is actively at work sowing (a)seeds of spiritual confusion, (b) false doctrines, (c) false practices, and (d) the works of the flesh (carnality) (Gal 5:19-21).

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery,
fornication,
uncleanness,
lasciviousness,

Idolatry,
witchcraft,
hatred,
variance,
emulations,
wrath,
strife,
seditions,
heresies,
Envyings,
murders,
drunkenness,
revellings, and such like:
...of the which I tell you before, as I have also told
you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
 
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Prayer Warrior

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For the simply reason that Satan is actively at work sowing (a)seeds of spiritual confusion, (b) false doctrines, (c) false practices, and (d) the works of the flesh (carnality) (Gal 5:19-21).

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery,
fornication,
uncleanness,
lasciviousness,

Idolatry,
witchcraft,
hatred,
variance,
emulations,
wrath,
strife,
seditions,
heresies,
Envyings,
murders,
drunkenness,
revellings, and such like:
...of the which I tell you before, as I have also told
you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

I would add that it seems that so many Christians have not been taught to identify the flesh (sin nature) when it's at work. We are to count the flesh as crucified, but how can we do this if we don't understand it?

Also, Christians need to be taught to walk by the Spirit (i.e. submit to the Holy Spirit's working in our daily lives) so that His fruit can be developed in us. If all Christians were to walk by the Spirit and not the flesh, there would be no dissensions in the body of Christ. This is something we can learn to do as we grow in Him through the process of sanctification.

Galatians 5:15-- So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
 
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Heavenbound

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Perhaps if we didn't search out hundreds of negative things to post, declaring them as "FACTS", we wouldn't incite argument?

You have a problem and I don’t know why the admin doesn’t put you off dude. I was reading post after post of yours and you’re the negative one. Jesus condemned the hypocrites. Blame another for a sin you commit. Clever. Not
 
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justbyfaith

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Personally, I believe that having many different Bible translations has something to do with it.

There is enough of a difference from translation to translation that if one person holds to one and another holds to another, the message on certain doctrines is lost in some translations and in some perhaps even the opposite message is relayed to the reader.

Having recently purchased a New Living Translation, I have noticed how certain things that have ministered to me in the past in the kjv are simply taken away through the rendering given in the NLT.

One example of this is in the following:

First, the kjv:

Tit 2:11, For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14, Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.


Now, the NLT:

Tit 2:11, For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.
Tit 2:12, And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,
Tit 2:13, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
Tit 2:14, He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

While in the latter rendering, one might still be able to retain the understanding that it is the grace of God that teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, it seems to me that the message is not as clear as in the kjv; which clearly shows this truth.

In fact, I would say that in order to glean this truth out of reading the NLT, one would have to know what the kjv says and apply it to the NLT when they read it.

Thus, reading the NLT alone would cheat a person out of a specific Bible truth when it comes to this passage. And that is not the only passage that is like this.
 
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Willie T

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Personally, I believe that having many different Bible translations has something to do with it.

There is enough of a difference from translation to translation that if one person holds to one and another holds to another, the message on certain doctrines is lost in some translations and in some perhaps even the opposite message is relayed to the reader.

Having recently purchased a new Living Translation, I have noticed how certain things that have ministered to me in the past in the kjv are simply taken away through the rendering given in the NLT.

One example of this is in the following:

First, the kjv:

Tit 2:11, For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14, Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.


Now, the NLT:

Tit 2:11, For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.
Tit 2:12, And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,
Tit 2:13, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
Tit 2:14, He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

While in the latter rendering, one might still be able to retain the understanding that it is the grace of God that teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, it seems to me that the message is not as clear as in the kjv; which clearly shows this truth.

In fact, I would say that in order to glean this truth out of reading the NLT, one would have to know what the kjv says and apply it to the NLT when they read it.

Thus, reading the NLT alone would cheat a person out of a specific Bible truth when it comes to this passage. And that is not the only passage that is like this.
Taking just one of those verses as an example, I think NLT is much clearer. For instance, in the KJV, just what is "living godly?" The NLT tells us some of what that entails. Frankly, what some people exhibit, walking around proclaiming that they are "living godly", scares me. The hypocritic snobbery is staggering.

In truth, I have found TPT probably comes closest to saying what was originally intended than anything I have yet read. (Considering we really don't know what that was.)

Bible Gateway passage: Titus 2:11-14 - The Passion Translation
 

justbyfaith

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I like the TPT; but have been unable to obtain one: I have seen the way that it renders some verses in a devotional that I purchased for my wife.

As for the situation with the NLT vs. the kjv, I really think that the whole concept of the grace of God being the catalyst that teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, is lost in the translation of the NLT.

I will not deny that other translations can make some things clearer; but I think that reading them alone, without the authorized version as a standard, can lead to missing out on a lot of what the Lord has for you to understand.

I do like the NLT's rendering of Romans chapter 6 though.
 
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Jane_Doe22

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I've been in churches that have broken up and those that have remained stable. Yet one theme I see constantly running through churches and Christian forums are Christians who vehemently disagree - about Scripture, about prophecy, about whether we're to act or be passive, and about the color of the moon.

I know that not all have the Holy Spirit and that there are false brethren. But why so much disagreement among professing believers?

I'm curious to know others' beliefs about this.
Because Christians are human. Humans enjoy arguing, believing they're right and the others wrong, and respect doesn't come natively.
 
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FHII

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I've been in churches that have broken up and those that have remained stable. Yet one theme I see constantly running through churches and Christian forums are Christians who vehemently disagree - about Scripture, about prophecy, about whether we're to act or be passive, and about the color of the moon.

I know that not all have the Holy Spirit and that there are false brethren. But why so much disagreement among professing believers?

I'm curious to know others' beliefs about this.
It's an interesting question, especially when the Bible clearly says it shouldn't be that way. One thing I am convinced in my studies of Christian history is that it's nothing new. There were far more controversies in the New Testament than people like to admit. Furthermore, after NT times bickering and opposing doctrines persisted, often times leading to deaths of many up through the middle ages. Even before the emergence of Protestantism, there were controversies and dire consequences for coming up on the wrong side.

Exploring why these things happen is easy to brainstorm, but hard to pinpoint. So I will just brainstorm, but ultimately, I think it comes down to Man's ego.

Brainstorming:

The Bible was divided into verses, this leading to focus on one particular verse instead of the overall point. For example, many can quote John 3:16 but few can discuss what the overall discussion was about.

Doctrines arose to try to explain what the Bible doesn't fully explain. For example, the Trinity, Birth of Christ and Easter (the latter two on when exactly they occured).

Pet doctrines. For example, faith, Grace, water baptism, baptism, holiness, love, prophecy. Some folks focus heavily on them and believe they hold prescident over the others. I am probably guilty (even though I am right ) because I focus on Grace and faith heavily.

Ego. Some folks just have the need to be appreciated and look smart or spiritual. There is nothing wrong with jumping into a debate as iron sharpens iron. But some folks want to be a leading guru. That leads to other wanna be gurus challenging them.

(I love debating, but not as much I used to. I think it's healthy as long as your motive is right. Ask yourself, "what am I looking to get out of this exchange"? Then examine your answer.)

Hatred for God's chosen preachers/prophets or servants. They were persecuted all through the Bible and even today not many trust the pastor as much as they trust their own family.

Different translations and versions? Maybe up to a point. But I doubt that's as big a problem as other things.

Satan... Well, yea... He's behind it most of it. I just wonder how actively. He probably doesn't push every button that can be pushed; he just probably pushes the right ones and lets us do the rest.

Again, none of this is doctrine... It's just brainstorming, which is throwing ideas out there. And I will say I may be guilty of a few.
 

FHII

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You have a problem and I don’t know why the admin doesn’t put you off dude. I was reading post after post of yours and you’re the negative one. Jesus condemned the hypocrites. Blame another for a sin you commit. Clever. Not


I am sorry, But I don't get the same vibe as you do from Willie T. This is after a conversation we had where we clearly disagreed. It was about Halloween. I stand my ground as he does. I am befuddled and think he's wrong and stuff, but I don't count him as not a brother.

He may have even said mean things about me, but I am not looking at that specifically nor overall.

I ain't got a problem with Willie T. Sometimes he's pretty whimsical in his responses.
 

Pearl

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I've been in churches that have broken up and those that have remained stable. Yet one theme I see constantly running through churches and Christian forums are Christians who vehemently disagree - about Scripture, about prophecy, about whether we're to act or be passive, and about the color of the moon.

I know that not all have the Holy Spirit and that there are false brethren. But why so much disagreement among professing believers?

I'm curious to know others' beliefs about this.
Probably because there's to much 'me' and not enough 'Him'.
 

Hidden In Him

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I've been in churches that have broken up and those that have remained stable. Yet one theme I see constantly running through churches and Christian forums are Christians who vehemently disagree - about Scripture, about prophecy, about whether we're to act or be passive, and about the color of the moon.

I know that not all have the Holy Spirit and that there are false brethren. But why so much disagreement among professing believers?

I'm curious to know others' beliefs about this.

If by "vehemently" you meant zealously, passionately, with strong emotions, etc., it's primarily because of demonic influence. Evil spirits goad Christians to manifest resentment, anger, defensiveness, pride, self-ambition, etc when another presents an argument that counters their stance on a particular issue. They react according to demonic leading instead of the Spirit's. Only those who abide in a Spirit of Peace have the ability to search matters out with one another to a sound conclusion. And we still live in a time when most Christians give themselves to demonic influence rather than the Spirit of God.

Thankfully this will come to end eventually, when the church comes under severe judgment for it. The only ones left standing will be those who trained themselves to obey God's Spirit alone. How long till this judgment comes, only time will tell, but you can tell who will survive the judgment in your own circles by watching who abides by the rule of God and who does not (James 3:13). Granted, it's not an easy lesson to learn, but when you know there is going to be a heavy price tag attached some day, it sort of changes your perspective a little, LoL.

Blessings, sister, and good question.
 

Heavenbound

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I am sorry, But I don't get the same vibe as you do from Willie T. This is after a conversation we had where we clearly disagreed. It was about Halloween. I stand my ground as he does. I am befuddled and think he's wrong and stuff, but I don't count him as not a brother.

He may have even said mean things about me, but I am not looking at that specifically nor overall.

I ain't got a problem with Willie T. Sometimes he's pretty whimsical in his responses.
I don’t hate the dude but I don’t stand by when a so-called “Christian “ is abusing someone as he does. Followed this forum and saw him abuse three folks just with time I watched. He doesn’t start threads he jumps on others and picks and picks like he ain’t got nothing better to do.

Why doesn’t this guy start his own threads instead of barking at others who do?

I see unholiness. That’s the problem with Christianity nowadays it’s too lax.weak standards. If you look at posts nobody said nothing to Willie and he gets mean. Somebody who does that is sinning outright So if he’s going to abuse as long as it’s not you he’s abusing you’re ok with it then we read a different bible. I see you agree he’s wrong and nobody said he’s not a brother but if a brother sins he needs rebuke

what happened when sin was allowed with Israelites? Christians shouldn’t tolerate sin

maybe when Christians tolerate sin they share in it

people who are sinning don’t usually change their behavior until they face consequences

it’s like alcoholics and drug users don’t change until life hits them in the face and they’re arrested or whatnot

read Joshua 7 about achan. When there’s sin in the camp everyone suffers
 
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quietthinker

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I've been in churches that have broken up and those that have remained stable. Yet one theme I see constantly running through churches and Christian forums are Christians who vehemently disagree - about Scripture, about prophecy, about whether we're to act or be passive, and about the color of the moon.

I know that not all have the Holy Spirit and that there are false brethren. But why so much disagreement among professing believers?

I'm curious to know others' beliefs about this.
Wherever a seed is planted it is Satans determined effort to stamp it out. The Gospel is operative in the devils domain... any threat to it will get a reaction. He sows confusion.......the regular smoke screens of making mountains out of mole hills and mole hills out of mountains.

Among Satans agents are pliable, obstinate and worldly wise man not to mention civility and legality and of course there's the saboteur ....they are ever so nice but call them on their game and you'll see a different face, some slippery, some agro and some vindictive.

Jesus is no pacifist......as he steps up to the mark stiff resistance is experienced, he tells us it will be no different for his followers.

If we think God has an organisation which does not have Satans plants we need to awaken from slumber and pray for courage, discernment, discretion and wisdom.
 

Reggie Belafonte

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Personally, I believe that having many different Bible translations has something to do with it.

There is enough of a difference from translation to translation that if one person holds to one and another holds to another, the message on certain doctrines is lost in some translations and in some perhaps even the opposite message is relayed to the reader.

Having recently purchased a new Living Translation, I have noticed how certain things that have ministered to me in the past in the kjv are simply taken away through the rendering given in the NLT.

One example of this is in the following:

First, the kjv:

Tit 2:11, For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14, Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.


Now, the NLT:

Tit 2:11, For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.
Tit 2:12, And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,
Tit 2:13, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
Tit 2:14, He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

While in the latter rendering, one might still be able to retain the understanding that it is the grace of God that teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, it seems to me that the message is not as clear as in the kjv; which clearly shows this truth.

In fact, I would say that in order to glean this truth out of reading the NLT, one would have to know what the kjv says and apply it to the NLT when they read it.

Thus, reading the NLT alone would cheat a person out of a specific Bible truth when it comes to this passage. And that is not the only passage that is like this.
NLT is clearly the work of Satan, it's truly a bastardisation of the word.
 
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