Christians: Where do you draw the line? (Jesus, Creator, Moses)

[Khale]

To be a Christian I don't think you even need to believe in the divinity of Jesus. You simply need to follow his example of compassion and love.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Khale

To be a Christian I don't think you even need to believe in the divinity of Jesus. You simply need to follow his example of compassion and love.

I'm just curious then, Khale, are loving, compassionate Muslims Christians? Are loving, compassionate Hindus Christians? Are loving, compassionate atheists Christians? I see what you're getting at, but a lot of people demonstrate many of the qualities Christ exemplified without believing that He was the Son of God. That kind of sounds to me as if you're saying that all good people should be called Christians.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

You don't think it's important to resist Satan?

Of course I do.

Is not trying to avoid sin a personal thing for you, or is this an LDS concept?

Of course trying to avoid sin is a personal thing for me.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

NIV

If something hinders you in becoming a better person, by all means throw it off. Just don't assume that the same things that hinder you hinder me.

Or maybe, you don't see legalism as a sin?

Maybe I don't even understand what you're getting at, Pete. Maybe that's my problem.

I Corinthians 8:1 We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But the man who loves God is known by God.

NIV

Again, you lost me. Are you saying that knowledge is a sin?

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by sojourner

Except that one can become so myopic in "resisting Satan" that one forgets to focus the vision on God.

Well it beats the anal myopia of following others so closely and without question that your nose is up their butt!

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

Part of that learning involves the ritual and structure that you seem to disparage in your posts. Organized, structured, and ritualized worship, baptism, communion, and confession (among other disciplines) help us to learn the craft of forgiveness (and being forgiven) that is at the heart of Christian love.

You just don't get it. The Pharisees had this to the MAX. I can't believe that you would exchange the FREEDOM found in Christ for another set of man made rules!

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

[font=Comic Sans MS][color=navy]Again, you lost me. Are you saying that knowledge is a sin?

What I say is of little consequence. The scripture says it rather nicely: Knowledge often leads to arrogance. Love is a far better way to deal with others.

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

You just don't get it. The Pharisees had this to the MAX. I can't believe that you would exchange the FREEDOM found in Christ for another set of man made rules!

It's not me who misunderstands. When Paul railed against "the law", he wasn't saying that we ought to jettison standards for behavior or useful spiritual disciplines to train us in righteousness. He was saying that all people, Jews and Greeks alike, are counted as people of God not based on pedigree (descent from Abraham) or on the marks of circumcision, but on the basis of their confession of faith in Jesus. Having done that, we ought not to once again set the boundaries of the community of faith based on particular practices. Thus, the community of faith is defined not by adherence to Mosaic law (or to any other) but by commitment to Jesus. That is entirely compatible with that community setting forth standards of behavior and expecting its members to toe the line. It's also consistent with that community training itself with spiritual disciplines. Failure to engage in those spiritual disciplines is a recipe for license. And scripture tells us not to allow our freedom to become an excuse of licence.