Like I said, I'm doing this bi-weekly-ish right now. So this isn't a church review. It's actually a re-run article from a blog I was going to start but never went with. So if you've read it, skip it. If not, enjoy!
This Sunday I attended Akron Baptist Temple, where as a part of Ed's sermon on commitment, he noted that he packs heat. A gat. A heater. A bullet dispenser. No, he doesn't carry it with him but he keeps one in the house, just in case someone were to break into his house he would be able to protect his family.
I disagree with this idea 100%. I'm of the firm opinion that no Christian should ever have to carry a gun, for it is written (I just like using that term), Ephesians 6:10-18 that our "armor of God" is that of spiritual armor, and our weapon is the Word of God, not a physical sword. Not to mention killing an unbeliever would send that person to Hell, something I could never live with.
Pastor Ed disagrees. He believes that a man must provide and protect his family, as that is his God given role in the family. He quotes 1 Timothy 5:8, which states that anyone who does not provide for their family is worse than an unbeliever. Pretty strong words, for sure.
So which is worse, sending an unbeliever prematurely to an eternity in Hell or not protecting your family?
With that, however, my point is not about gun control or whether or not a Christian can kill someone. It's about disagreement.
This applies mostly to me, as I can be quite the argumentative guy. As Christians, we're never going to agree with one another on every topic and issue of Scripture. It's just not going to happen. We have strong views on baptism (how and when), communion (how often), pre-destination (Arminianism or Calvinist), and a slew of other topics.
I mean, what is one to do? What if your church takes a stand on a doctrine that you find wrong or maybe you find it heretical?
First, I'd start reading and researching. More than likely, your leaders/preacher is not the only Christian to have such a belief. As the Good Book says, there is nothing new under the sun. There are so many different flavors of Christianity right now and they all have their own little seasonings that make them all a little different.
And if you do your research, you'll find that a lot of them have a few verses of Scripture to back them. They might even have a more firm backing than you do on your side of the issue. Which would suck, cause now you've gotta eat that crow.
Also, you should look at the intent of the person making the argument. Are they using the Scripture in order to get away with something sinister? Or are they simply stating a belief based on Scripture that they find true? And in all things, is based in love?
Did I mention prayer? Nope, but I should have. A little confession, I was doing my re-read of this before I remembered that I should put this in here. Isn't that how we always are? We do everything else first before we go to God and ask Him. What a bunch of ding dongs. Anywho, start with God. He'll give you some direction and insight on where to go. And since he's the boss, you're starting in the right place.
A fews years ago at my old church, the Pastor Naterob7 (that's his X Box Live tag) gave a sermon in support of the death penalty and of Christians going to war. I was livid. Not only was I having a bad day (oh, was I), but this ding dong is up there on the pulpit preaching what I thought was completely anti-Gospel! If not for my stance on non-violence, I would have gone up on that pulpit and knocked him out.
I was ticked, to say the least.
However, not too long later, the Weekly Standard ran an article about the arguments on both sides for going to war and whether Christians should be for or against. Both sides rattled off Scripture and early Church Fathers writings on the subject to make their argument (I, of course, thought the pro-war argument was weak) but it was interesting to see both sides of the argument examined and stated.
As I stated, I still disagree with him on this subject but I can now see his point of view and how he came to such a conclusion (no matter how wrong it is. Ha ha). Not to mention, since he's a good friend, I know that his intent was based in love, not in some pursuit of revenge or anger. Oh, and not to mention, he's got degrees in religious studies I don't even have a chance of getting!
Patience, love, and solid research are the key to effectively addressing the issue. Rushing to judgment and anger will get you nowhere and fast.
Salutations,
The Reverend
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