It was for you, since you had said that I did not need to defend or explin. I felt otherwise. When a fellow Christian tells me that I am not a Christian — because I do not agree with their understanding of a particular Biblical passage — I speak up.

Michael,

I understand – thanks for letting me know. I am sorry that anyone would tell you or others what you are or are not regarding religious beliefs. That is kind of why I don’t care too much for large religious organizations – egos and empty words seem more important than faith, quiet prayer, thoughtful discussion, and reasoning differences out. I’m too simple to understand the kind of complexity that humans have put into religion. I like the words “follow me”.

Not so much to defend myself, but to challenge the arrogance that one Christian can judge the salvation or “true” Christianity of another. In my mind, that’s the Holy Spirit’s job, not ours.

Was the post you just wrote intended for me? If so, what was it in response to? I try not to understand large religions and organizations as they are mostly things that men and women have made up over the years and are far away from the simple teachings of Jesus that I want to follow.

We believe in the essential doctrines of Christianity, as can be found in the Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds, but leave room for indivdual believers to follow their own conscience, the guidance of the Holy Spirt and their best understanding of Scripture and of God”s will for them.

We do not believe that we possess perfect knowledge. We are not inerrant. We do not sit in judgement of another’s salvation or claim that they are not really “true” Christians if they disagree with us, We do not claim to have absolute understanding of the Bible. .

Instead, we try to show grace and tolerance — and leave it to the Holy Spirit to “guide us into all truth”. We sometimes agree to disagree, but we find it arrogant and rather self-righteous to insist that our way, and only our way, is the right way to follow Christ’s teachings.

Granted – I don’t like his smugness in assuming that “he knows” that all one has to do is walk in a different direction. Very limited view as well.

Re-read Brian’s post and think about what you just wrote to me.

Perhaps. But if so, he should avoid extrapolating those experience onto the general public.

Keep in mind – that the reason AIDS was the final name for the disease is because it was becoming obvious that other besides gay men were dying. The name from GRIDS (gay related immune deficiency) to AIDS was in due to this. And though it was only 10% of gay men – gay men with comorbidity (ie: homelessness, drug addiction, incarceration, prostitution etc…) can cause that number to go up in a tightly defined group.

I don’t think you need anyone else’s opinion or to follow a religion to have your own personal relationship with God. Listen to the gift of that small, still voice and you will know God’s grace. IMHO I don’t think it is necessary to explain it to anyone either.