The Via Media. The Middle Way. As a Christian by profession and a Wesleyan by denominational theology, I find that I often disagree with most of the posts I read on religion around on Xanga.
"In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity."
That's one of the philosophies that underly the way that my denomination handles itself. And, it's an idea that i've found is pretty useful for dealing with people inside of my religion who have different beliefs than myself.
Another Christian put it this way "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."(John 14:34-35).
As an affirmed follower of Christ, I do my best (i concede that sometimes i fail), to follow this principle and teaching of Christ. There are certainly times when I am sorely tempted to simply respond in anger. And, truthfully, I have to edit some of my posts or comments to be far more neutral than I would have responded without pausing to think things through.
However, as a moderate Christian, I stand firm in the fact that I am a Christian, and a person of principle. I have risked my life for the sake of the gospel (very literally), because I know that my firm foundation is in Christ, who died for my sins.
Further, I believe that the Bible is entirely accurate in all matters pertaining to the salvation of souls. Is it possible that there may have been some transcription errors of numbers in it? Yes. Does that mean that it destroyed the fundamental message of Christ? Certainly not.
I believe that the only way to heaven is in Christ Jesus. Is it possible that his grace and mercy will go farther than I could have ever hoped? Yes, but I do know that the only sure way is to throw ourselves on the mercy of Christ.
I believe that God is love, and that the teachings of Jesus are manifestations of that Love - both to love the Lord our God (Deut 6:4-9), and to love our neighbor (john 14:34-35) - and that our neighbor includes even those who wish us dead (matthew 5:44).
I further believe that Jesus literally rose from the dead, and that there will be a resurrection to eternal life of all those who are in Christ.
I also believe that calling others "foolish," "close-minded," "idiot," and other such words without a personal relationship are a sign of arrogance and hatefulness. I can call my friends these things - but only because i know them, and where they are coming from - and the same for all the other terms provided here. It takes a delicate hand to approach a person in lovingkindness, not a hateful rant.
I believe that as a Christian, I should share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that the Gospel includes, but goes beyond personal salvation. I believe the Gospel is the good news of Jesus for both individual sinners, and society as a whole.
I do not believe that litigating in the name of christian principles is an effective means of evangelization - and may in fact be a barrier to the spread of the gospel.
I further do not believe that the interpretatin of a poetic section of the Bible as poetry means that I am disregarding the scriptures.
Finally, I believe that regardless of the claims of anyone else, I know that I have given my life to Christ - and though I am far, far, far, from perfect, I know that I am a Christian.
Comments (34)
Amen! (^_^)
Yeah I fail at that responding without hate thing sometimes. Thanks for posting this :)
Well said.
Very good post! It's always important to voice what you believe.
I think it's good to have a firm stand on your beliefs. I feel like there is a lot more I need to learn before I can have any kind of footing in my beliefs.
This was inspiring to read. I like when people know where they stand.
Does this have anything to do with a certain commenter? I've warned him to be courteous or he will get blocked, and I'm sorry you had to deal with him.
I love your post and very much agree with your opinions on neutrality and moderation.
i read the "some xangans need to get off their high horse" post earlier. i didn't comment on it, but i read the comments. just curious, did that post have anything to do with you writing this one?
I agree with you for the most part but I do think that Christians need to play a role in goverment. Many of the liberties we enjoy are based on the idea that they are granted by God and are not granted to us by goverment. I think that there is a wealth of examples from our history that many of the founders believed that Biblical principles are essental for the goverment to function. I don't think that goverment has a right to force a faith on a people but I do think that a goverment without religon (in the USA Christianity), can't work well with a democracy without becoming a de facto dictatorship.
Nice post.
Great post! I love the last line.. :)
Everything in moderation (except moderation).
I'm a bit more fundamentalist minded than you may be but I wouldn't call your being a Christian into question, it sounds like an honest, sincere confession to me. I as well find it discomforting to see the emphasis some Christians put on enforcing the "Christian agenda".
Me too!
very nice :)
This, my dear, is definitely rec-worthy. Thank you for stating your views so succinctly and graciously.
Interesting thoughts!
Well said. I agree.
even though I am not really christian... I do like your post.. I enjoyed reading it.. and felt very much un-offended :)...
Nicely written and said.
Sidartha came to the same conclusion.
Very well said.
That is beautiful!!!!!!!!........ Made my day...