In Reply to: Re: Unfortunate Truths posted by Mr. Don on March 29, 2006 at 21:04:50:
Mr. Don, Reading your post, and a bunch of the others' lately, one situation that comes to my mind right away is the folks from some church, I think in Virginia (Baptist, I think) who have even come up here to Wisconsin to do really ugly protests near the funeral/burials of returning dead soldiers, saying that this is "God's" judgement on America because homosexuality is condoned by America's gov. I think the Governor here has even already tried to pass some restriction on on doing that, bypassing the "Free-speech" laws.
Certainly, we would say that, of course this isn't really "Christian" behavior. But lately something has really given me a different outlook/pespective on how to look at things. I am just now, for the first time reading, "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. (How I never did before is beyond me). In the begining part, he talks about the definition of the word, "Christian", comparing it to the word, "Gentleman". Generations ago, the word, "G.." refered to a person's position and not their demeanor. A G.. was someone who bore a suit of arms and was a property owner. Even in my Webster's dictionary it says that a G.. is somebody who doesn't have to work for a living. It's a position, not a demeanor. Therefore, there could easily be the G.. who is a total asshole; inconsiderate, selfish, and abusive. But a "G.." non the less. And, Lewis says, so with the Christian... Like the thread recently, about the guy who said he was an atheist, but a Christian. He may be trying to act in the manner we would like to associate with Christian behavior, but in essence he is most certainly NOT a "Christian". And, Lewis says, there could be the "Bad" Christian.
Now like anything I take in(Read)and try to digest, I know to "Eat the meat and spit out the bones". And, tho, I know that Mr. Lewis and his writings are quite renowned, still, there will be some meat, and there will be some bones to spit out. But anyway, it's given me some new angles of perception. More than anything, tho, it just encourages me to be more careful to try to take everybody I meet as an individual, and not just some part of some group. I thank God that He only has "Children", and NOT "Grandchildren". It's that direct relationship He's looking for and we don't have to go thru anybody else. Nor can we! Anyway, I get a lot out of the postings I get to read on this site. It's so great to be out from under the influence of TF and be able to think, read, and discuss freely! God bless y'all, love ya, mark