Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!rex!ukma!seismo!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: math1h3@jetson.uh.edu Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: A first cut at Tolerance (long - sorry) Message-ID: Date: 12 Feb 91 09:21:02 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: University of Houston Lines: 74 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu In article , lvron@saturn.lerc.nasa.gov (Ronald E. Graham) writes: > Having a definition, and a scope, we turn next to types of Biblical text > aimed at tolerance. These would be teachings and examples. Teachings are > given concerning the treatment of neighbors and the disposition of > controversies. The treatment of neighbors is of concern here because the > accounts of neighbors generally do not indicate the views of the neighbor. > Where the view of a neighbor is considered, such as the case of the Good > Samaritan, it is generally a worst-case view, relative to that of the > observer. > TEACHINGS > Regarding controversies: > > o But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and > strivings about the Law, for they are unprofitable and vain. (Titus 3:9) > I only gave one passage regarding controversies, because I thought it was > clear. My only problem is one of application: I have trouble keeping from > jumping into the fray, especially if I see Christians getting beat up on > by "tolerant" people. That really frosts me. I think I would agree with Ron. We should not let disputes and controversies interfere with doing the work of the kingdom. But on the other hand, we are told very clearly not to tolerate teachers of false doctrine in the church. "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." --Romans 16:17-19. Clearly arguments about genealogies are useless to the christian--except perhaps the genealogy of Christ; that might have some interest. Similar useless arguments that have occurred in various churches include one about the exact moment the real presence of the Lord's body and blood takes place in the Lord's supper. Controversies on such matters are useless. In the case of the Lord's supper, it is much more important to know that we actually receive the Lord's body and blood, as he said, than it is to know *when* it happens. Exactly *how* it happens is not terribly important either, except that our senses tell us that we are eating bread and drinking wine together with the body and blood. What is important is that we believe what is taught in the Bible and that we do what Christ commanded. But we cannot be tolerant of teaching that is contrary to 'the teaching we have learned'. For us the 'teaching we have learned' is that found in the Bible. So if, for instance, someone teaches that we are saved by a combination of works and faith, I cannot tolerate that person as a teacher in my church. I cannot practice fellowhip with him. I may yet tolerate him as a neighbor, but not in my church. Simlilarly if someone insists that the real presence takes place through transubstantiation, which is not taught anywhere in the bible, I must reject him as a teacher for he goes beyond what scripture clearly teaches. He is stirring up controversies by teaching false doctrine. What is more, he is directing my attention away from what Christ has done for me, and towards what his priest does. We must teach and defend those doctrines which are clearly taught in the Bible and reject those that are not. We must be tolerant and careful not to violate the conscience of the weak christian, regarding that which is neither commanded nor forbidden by God. That is what Romans 14, 15:1-13 is all about. David H. Wagner a confessional Lutheran My opinions and beliefs on this matter are disclaimed by The University of Houston.