Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!psuvax1!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: gross@dg-rtp.dg.com (Gene Gross) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: Communion and Religiosity (was Re: Communion without alcohol? Message-ID: Date: 1 Mar 90 08:10:33 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: Data General Corporation, Research Triangle Park, NC Lines: 45 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu In article howard@53iss6.waterloo.ncr.com (Howard Steel) writes: > >I find it difficult to understand the spreading of a message of Love when the >terms employed are those of Conflict. The perception of ourselves as warriors >for God, rather than emmissaries of love is mis-guided in my mind, and >does not particularly serve us well in seeking our god. I re-iterate that >in so far as intolerance alienates us from each other, it is inappropriate. >I can not tolerate intolerance (now there is a fine little paradox for you :-) Howard, I understand how you feel about this, but reading through the Bible, both OT and NT, I find that we are in a fight, a war of major universe-shattering proportions. Paul says we are fighting. And in a number of other verses we can see this same thing. Granted we are supposed to be ambassadors for Christ, but that doesn't take away from the fact that we are in a war. The call to Love one another is clear as a bell, and I agree that we should more often demonstrate this Love than we do. And I can agree that we should demonstrate this Love toward others who are not Christians. But at some point we need to draw a line and say that we will not tolerate crossing of that line. I think we might want to discuss what that line is, but I have to agree in part with Ken that tolerance is not always the goal--at least not of beliefs that are clearly anti-Christian. Just so you kinda know where I'm coming from. I spent two years in combat. I know and value peace, now--thanks to Jesus Christ. I personally prefer a more peaceful life, but I am not willing to compromise my Faith just preserve peace. But inasmuch as is possible, I will live at peace with all around me. I discuss my Faith with people of different religions and those without a religious point of view (a.k.a., atheists). So far I've not seen any need to smack them up aside the head with my Bible. I understand how their belief systems were formed. In that understanding, I gain a measure of tolerance and patience. And who knows whether or not this patience, tolerance, and perseverance on my part will pay off!? I'll leave it in the hands of Him who did the impossible with me. Again, I would remind you that we are in a war. But that doesn't mean that we must act like the world in the conduct of this war. Peace and Blessings, Gene