How to handle heretics?
- Thread starter Lifelong_sinner
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If you were running your own church, then you could be in charge of teaching what you believe to be good theology.
This forum on the other hand, welcomes people with many views. If that bothers you, I would suggest finding a different online venue that suits your preferences.
This forum on the other hand, welcomes people with many views. If that bothers you, I would suggest finding a different online venue that suits your preferences.
I don't like to debate as I already know my beliefs. But if I see something heretical and I feel inclined, I will post my beliefs in there so anyone reading it can get some better doctrine than what is being presented.
Michiah-Imla
Well-Known Member
Start your own forum, make your own rules, and ban whoever violate your rules.
ChristisGod
Well-Known Member
I will share my belief of how all of us having different views on theology will one day glorify God, but first i want to hear what others think.
Lambano
Well-Known Member
One man's heresy is another man's orthodoxy. The Catholics think all us Protestants are heretics, and they're the largest Christian denomination in the world.
ChristisGod
Well-Known Member
Lambano
Well-Known Member
I got over the need to correct other people's bad theology. I just need to be able to coherently explain what I believe and why I believe it.
Lambano
Well-Known Member
**long answer warning**
Despite what some are expecting, this is not a gloomy type question. This may even surprise some of you. The question was how do we deal with heretics, and the best answer i can come up with is, we dont unless primary doctrines are involved.
the WCF larger catechism first question asks “what is the chief and highest end of man?”
Answer: “Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.”
How can our disagreements lead us to that?
I believe we all want to be as correct as we can concerning God. We want to do right by Him in everything. This is a good attitude, and i do think everyone on here wants to do what makes God happy. I also think we are a fallen people who still deal with pride and want to be correct as to prove others wrong.
i believe the answer to the question is the same no matter what the disagreement is; by us arguing over who is right, it will eventually glorify God in that only He can solve such problems. While we argue, imagine the glory God will get when He fixes all the problems, and we’ll all watch and think “wow, God is like the smartest guy ever.” He will get the glory in the end.
Yet, at the same time, we read in Galatians 2:11 paul “corrected” peter. Now clearly both men were saved, they were apostles, they were smart, and yet both were still fallen men capable of doing wrong. The way that i look at it, if peter and paul made mistakes, any of the rest of us can. Do i think its ok to “correct” wrong theology? Yes, but not at the expense of anothers salvation unless its a primary doctrine of our faith. Baptism isnt a primary issue of salvation, yet people argue over baby baptism. Im ok with that, but not to the point where we would call someone a heretic over it.
Despite what some are expecting, this is not a gloomy type question. This may even surprise some of you. The question was how do we deal with heretics, and the best answer i can come up with is, we dont unless primary doctrines are involved.
the WCF larger catechism first question asks “what is the chief and highest end of man?”
Answer: “Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.”
How can our disagreements lead us to that?
I believe we all want to be as correct as we can concerning God. We want to do right by Him in everything. This is a good attitude, and i do think everyone on here wants to do what makes God happy. I also think we are a fallen people who still deal with pride and want to be correct as to prove others wrong.
i believe the answer to the question is the same no matter what the disagreement is; by us arguing over who is right, it will eventually glorify God in that only He can solve such problems. While we argue, imagine the glory God will get when He fixes all the problems, and we’ll all watch and think “wow, God is like the smartest guy ever.” He will get the glory in the end.
Yet, at the same time, we read in Galatians 2:11 paul “corrected” peter. Now clearly both men were saved, they were apostles, they were smart, and yet both were still fallen men capable of doing wrong. The way that i look at it, if peter and paul made mistakes, any of the rest of us can. Do i think its ok to “correct” wrong theology? Yes, but not at the expense of anothers salvation unless its a primary doctrine of our faith. Baptism isnt a primary issue of salvation, yet people argue over baby baptism. Im ok with that, but not to the point where we would call someone a heretic over it.
This is actually a very thoughtful post, and I thank you for that, even as I disagree.
I believe that correction of faith comes through the Holy Spirit speaking to that person's heart. It's not by flawed men on an internet forum arguing. In fact, I find that arguing too often breeds entrenchment in each person's stance, feelings of bitterness, pride, and distracts from the most important things. Rather than arguing, I would take a nurturing stance, celebrating in scripture & love, showing a person charity, and bring good things to the table for people to feast on.
GEN2REV
Well-Known Member
Just as Jesus handled the prideful Jews, the Pharisees, Sadducees and the scribes; and just as all the countless martyrs handled the heretic Roman Catholic teachers of False Doctrine.
They should be diligently and boldly corrected with Scripture.
quietthinker
Well-Known Member
Aunty Jane
Well-Known Member
"What is "bad theology"? And who says so?
What if the ones yelling..."heresy!" are themselves the heretics? How do you identify "heresy"?
If Jesus said that "weeds" would infiltrate the Christian faith and promote a counterfeit version of what Christ taught, and these were sown by the devil in the early centuries....then how would you know?.... Since the counterfeit is convincing and had crept in unassailed by those who were weak in faith and bereft of God's spirit, can you tell the truth from the lies? The liar is a master of deception.
Those whom Jesus rejects at the judgment obviously think that they are true Christians and cannot believe that Jesus is telling them that he "NEVER" knew them......."never means "not ever". (Matthew 7:21-23)
So, not all that pretends to be truth, actually is.....
JohnPaul
Soldier of Jehovah and Christ
JohnPaul
Soldier of Jehovah and Christ
I think this is a great forum with great people on it, even if we view things differently, the admin is not quick to ban unless you've done or said something really bad, like insult someone or flame someone.
I think it is good that we are allowed to express what we think is right and our religious beliefs, some forums ban you for the slightest of things.
You have two options: (1) ignore them and (2) rebuke them. But since you are a dyed-in-the-wool Calvinist, you would not be taken seriously. Calvinism is essentially heresy.
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