In Reply to: So many beliefs posted by Miguel on July 07, 2003 at 09:04:32:
seems we also have a variety of beliefs as to why we joined the fam in the first place! i disagree that those who get involved w/ groups do so because of some "vulnerable individuality." there are many different factors, imo.but be that as it may..
tracing the broader history of christianity and its offshoots, again, i don't think its schismatic and prismatic dividings can be easily explained. sometimes egotism, sometimes reformation, sometimes fresh insights, social and political factors etc come into play. sometimes , spiritual forces and outright chicanery. but there also seems to be periodic attempts to "get back to basics"...and to take a fresh look at the Source. this keeps a unity of spirit alive throughout the centuries, where a living faith in a living God who indwells his people continues on, despite some doctrinal disagreement, structural variety etc.
for me the bigger issue involves the question of "source." it does not appear feasible to me that diametrically opposing teachings as to the nature of God and his plan for mankind can be traced back to the same source. "what fellowship hath light w/ darkness?" so he warns "take heed that the light that be in thee be not darkness, for if the light that be in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness?"
so it seems clear that in Jesus' opinion at least, more than one spirit is at work in that domain. and he appears to consider it a serious issue for all of us to examine. more than what we do on sunday mornings is at stake.