Well, you're creating a false dichotomy for one. Me (or anyone else) being nice to someone does not equate to flattery.
The whole problem is that people come on here, speak perfectly religious sounding words, and finally claim the religious high ground as they seek to target people who simply don't agree with them. (If you don't get my point, my point is just like this thread right now, right here.) The problem is, the whole Jesus part gets drowned out. You're not sacrificing any ground by handling things in a cordial manner, particularly when you're speaking to fellow Christians on here who might have it wrong (or right) on a couple of issues. Simply restated, there are ways to be polite and cordial and still easily and firmly hold to the truth.
Calling someone an idiot in the name of Jesus does not make it a holy insult. When someone comes to me and starts the "I'm speaking in the Spirit (you idiot)!" stuff, I know to tune them out. Yes Jesus did reserve a harsh rebuke for certain population segments. However, he never spoke to everyone along the way like this, and he kinda, sorta spoke from a position of a good bit of authority. Someone is not a snake, viper, or idiot if they disagree on infant vs. adult baptisms, etc.
What I think the OP is merely trying to point out is that instead of trying to berate the person into repentence, time is better spent politely and lovingly addressing the error. Particularly when dealing with fellow Christians who you happen to have a disagreement with over an interpretation of a word.
It absolutely amazes me that a thread where someone says "hey let's be a bit nicer" becomes an argument over watering-down the Gospel. Unfortunately, it illustrates the point.
Agree with me, or else! :wacko:
