DCF
Okay, here we go...
<<What I am NOT sure about is acceptance of others views. By that I mean certainly acceptance of those WITH the views, without compromising my own belief BY the views of others. Does that sound clear?
That is not to say I am above learning,far from it, but all I learn I will "test" with the use of God's Word.>>
I think you(in a general sense, again) should always test what others say against the background of your own belief system. I see nothing wrong with that. I dont think that accepting others views in any way shape or form comprimises your views. Let me give a real life example.
You and I have different belief systems. I totally accept your viewpoint and your right to have it. I dont agree with some of it, but dont feel that our disagreement compromises my viewpoint in any way shape or form.
<<As I speak with you, I will not "draw and quarter" you like old time inquisitionists, but at the same time, if you say something that is in direct opposition with the Word,I will say what the Word says also.By saying the Word, I mean that in sense of what John recorded.(John 1:1) <<In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,and the Word was God>> >>
I think yo should use any reference you want to to underscore a point inour discussions. That is well within your right to do so, and makes for a better discussion. However, please realize that in my belief system does not begin and end with what is in the Bible. YOu dont have to agree with me, but it helps if you recognize my right to believe that.
<<You mentioned in your post about "spreading Gods word" and the real approach to doing that. I would like to go back to a prev. post where I asked you how you learn about God's word, and ask that again.And I would like to also ask you if you believe in only one God ? (don't take that wrong, I am sincerely asking)>>
This is where words become tricky. I say that because we are bound to have different interpretations of the same circumstances. This is usually where religous intolerance or difference of opinion become exaggerated.
The answer is Yes, I believe in one God. I believe in a God that has the same values of Jesus Christ(fromw what I can tell). I believe that All the major religions are speaking of the same God. It is man's interpretation through the filter of his own ethnocentric perspective that causes the differences in perspective and ritual. I do not care of Jesus was the Messiah the Jews were looking for or not. I do not care If Allah or Buddah hold the secrets to bliss and enlightenment.
I believe that there is only one God and he is the God of All people.
You also asked about How I learn about god's word. I learn from within and from without. I learn every day. I learn from you and Emile and Graystone. Most of what I know(in the form of morals) is somewhat inherent. Even small kids know what is is right and wrong on a basic level. they may not always follow it, but I think they know.
The one major tenet I try follow is this. If any action/emotion springs from the feeling of Love it is God's way. If it comes from fear, it is not. I know that yo think that makes me "my own god" as you once put it.(I think that was how you phrased it) I dont believe that. I think you follow that tenet, you are doing Gods work.
If I have missed anything, ask again, I'll come back to it.:-)
Mark |
