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From: maggie@apollo.uucp (Margaret Daniel)
Newsgroups: talk.religion.misc
Subject: RE:RE: resurrection (really, what's a true Christian?)
Message-ID: <3020a0bd.33cd@apollo.uucp>
Date: Mon, 15-Sep-86 16:20:49 EDT
Article-I.D.: apollo.3020a0bd.33cd
Posted: Mon Sep 15 16:20:49 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 22-Sep-86 23:28:37 EDT
Organization: Apollo Computer, Chelmsford, Mass.
Lines: 81


Awhile back, I made the following statement 

>> In my mind, the TRUE Christian plants the seeds of love and acceptance
>> in others -- and lets God take care of the rest. We should not be overly-
>> critical of each others ideas, because this shows a lack of respect for
>> the persons involved. As a true Christian, I feel that I must learn to 
>> love others regardless of their beliefs. In fact, I must accept each one as
>> a personality created in God's image and for whom Christ died. I can't 
>> think of a single instance in the Bible where Jesus forced himself on 
>> anyone. Furthermore, He never preached down to anyone or belittled their 
>> personhood. He was firm and frank, and He did it all in humility and love...
>> we could > learn *alot* from His actions if we'd just take that direction.

to which Harry Plantinga (planting@colby.wisc.edu) replied:

> I certainly agree that we must accept each person as one created in
> God's image and for whom Christ died.  True, too, that Jesus didn't
> force himself on people.  But neither did he suggest that they might
> consider his ideas, even though theirs had merit too.  He didn't pull
> punches in his criticism of them.  Consider for example his criticism
> of the pharisees!  These were the "most religous" jews of the day!
> If you read about Paul's preaching, you would not be tempted to call
> him non-critical, a peace maker, or one who accepts other people's
> ideas as a sign of respect to them.  Neither did he leave "converting"
> people to God.  He boldly preached and converted people.  Could your
> reluctance to do the same be a way to relieve yourself of a
> threatening job?
     
This is most thought-provoking. It's true what Harry says about Paul and his
ministry. He was bold, assertive, and dedicated -- a man whom I greatly admire
(in spite of his slightly :-) anti-female opinions). I know that I have alot 
of spiritual growth ahead, but I think each one of us has a unique gift of 
witness that is ours alone. Though I deeply respect the man that St. Paul was,
my way of "ministering" to others is not quite so bold. This does not mean 
that my faith is weaker, only that I must use my gift as it is. 

To better explain why I choose a message of love and acceptance over more 
"forceful" means of helping people find God, you should know that it was
through these same things that I myself found Him. Though I was baptized at 
an early age and attended church off and on throughout my life, it was only 
two years ago that the message of God's love really got through to me. All I 
had ever experienced before was ritual and dogma -- a *meaningless* spiritual 
existence to say the least. This disintigrated into agnosticism, and then 
a total rejection of God. 

Only through the love, patience, and understanding of others who cared for me
did I finally face the reality of Jesus Christ. These people I refer to did 
not put me down for my lack of faith; they did not threaten me, patronize me,
or belittle me for my lack of direction toward God. Instead, they told me 
that I was created in the image of the Lord, who loves me. They told me about
how Jesus died so that I might know forgiveness and mercy. I remember thinking
"Surely he didn't do it FOR ME!", but then they said yes, *for me*. No matter
what my past had been (yes, even my rejection of Him!) -- all forgiven. The 
price was already paid. NOBODY had ever talked to me about Jesus like that! I
never really knew that God was alive and with us always -- I'd never before
considered it, as I thought of Him as detached, with better things to do than
to be my friend. As my heart softened, I realized that I would never get 
anywhere without first seeking forgiveness and accepting it as my own. 

The point I'm trying to make is this. It is not so much *how* we lead others
to Christ, but the fact that we *do* ultimately share that Good News with
them. This, of course, means that we must live our lives in a way that
does not contrast with the words we speak (i.e., no hypocrisy, please!)
So, to Harry's question

>> Could your reluctance to do the same (boldly preaching and converting
>> people as Paul did) be a way to relieve yourself of a threatening job?

I would have to say no. I'm willing to suffer the criticism and spite of 
others for the sake of my faith, but I will continue to be a worker for the 
Kingdom who still believes that much-quoted verse from 1 Corinthians: 

                       "Love never fails." (LIVE IT)
--
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 Maggie Daniel
 Apollo Computer
 Chelmsford, Mass.   {yale,uw-beaver,decvax!wanginst}!apollo!maggie
 617-256-6600 (x7820)
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