I believe that there exists in all of our lives
a discontinuity between HEAD and HEART.
jt: How so? Faith is an attribute
of the heart; the mind catches up as it is renewed by God's
Word.
Judy: So then, you agree on this
point?
While we do seek to minimize this
split yet the majority, approaching ALL, of our disputations on
TT take place over our conceptual constructs of WHO GOD IS. Someone has
said that 'the 'who' questions always take precedence over the 'what'
questions'.
Slade's illustration serves to make this point
IMO. That cancer-sufferer may die while embracing a 'regulative belief'
concerning Who God Is. If he's correct then:
1. God may be testing his faith unto death
2. God may heal him at the last moment
3. He may be wrong thus, die needlessly
jt: What is a 'regulative
belief?' Is there any such a thing as 'objective truth?'
Example of a 'regulative belief': All sickness
is somehow connected with sin in the life of a believer.
On 'objective truth' IFF God exists then,
yes.
If we think of TT as a virtual room inhabitated
by true and genuine believers then, we are totally unified until one simple
thing takes place namely, speaking/writing. When we speak of that which we
have done, we are reflecting WHO we believe God to be. The thoughts and
intents of the heart are elusive even within ourselves not to speak of
other's perceptions of us. Thus we come full circle, as
all through all of our lives we seek (if we are disciples) to minimize the
split between head and heart to the Glory of God. God grant that
we may know who He is and live out of that knowledge
jt: And?
I know not the question implicit
in 'and'?
Those who know us, truly know us, are more
aware of this split (dualism) than those who do not. It, understably,
aggrivates them. Family, friends, employers/employees/collegues. We cannot
hide who we are from such over an extended period of time.
jt: Why should we want to hide? Ee may
not be walking after the Spirit perfectly - When those about us see us fall
getting into a ditch,
along with God picking us up and
restoring us this brings glory to Him and His work in and for us in
Christ.
On why? Because we are human and, dwell this
side of the eschaton.
I certainly hope that by pointing out the
actions of another, you hope to throw smoke on your own sin. My
five-year-old daughter does that (this is not a comment against Judy,
only a tragic series of episodes I must deal with at
home).
jt: So you equate my words with responses from
your five year old daughter Slade?
I see a difference between an "ad
hominem" against a statement made and an insulting statement
against an individual.
jt: I respectfully
disagree. I view "ad hominems" as primarily directed toward and
insulting someone's person. I don't view disagreeing with any
religious idea in the same light. To me John's
calling Izzy's statement "ridiculous" is an ad hominem attack
and Lance calling what I wrote "silly and foolish" is also
patronizing and unloving which qualifies as ad
hominem.
Saying "Doesn't God's Word
mean anything to you" is insulting and does not add more weight
to your perception of Scripture. It does not foster love in the
Community of Messiah. It's divisive.
jt: It wouldn't see it that way if
directed toward me Slade. I would see it as an opportunity to give
an answer for the "hope that is within me"
You complained about "A
really ridiculous statement." What about the statement "Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief" do you
think is wise beyond council?
jt: What I commented on was John calling
what Izzy wrote "a really ridiculous statement" which comment reflects
upon her as a person.
You complained about "They
are both silly and, foolish." Do you think the "quibbles" on TT
are neither silly nor foolish?
jt: Quibbles aside, my comment was about the
adjectives directed toward me as a person. God does not
take kindly to those who call their brother 'Raca' or fool and we
are constantly barraged by talk of how we are brothers/sisters
and all one community.
I think your comment Doesn't God's Word mean anything to you is
insulting -- I don't think your PRESENCE is insulting.
jt: Just my words? So I am
acceptable if I don't say anything?
That is not ad hominem. It's an attempt to
change a behavio[u]r in order to make life on TT a bit more enjoyable
for everyone and hopefully to foster responses from the Silent Majority.
At this point, why should anyone else [the silent folk] comment when the
threat of being flamed and called heretic[k] is so high?
-- slade
jt: I guess DaveH could now qualify as one of
the "silent majority" but I would have a hard time believing that he is
threatened :), he's probably just busy. DavidM OTOH just may be
one of the "silent majority" by now since there have been so many mean
spirited comments directed toward him and his beliefs and few if any
valid challenges backed by either scripture or
hypothesis..
jt: Another
question Slade along with an appeal to your finer
sensibilities.
How is it that you are not offended by the
statements below by John to Izzy and by Lance in response to what I
wrote?
IMO being labelled 'ridiculous' 'silly' and
'foolish' is ad hominem and way more insulting than honest
questions to those who promote an aberrent spirituality which is
contrary to the Word of God on this
list.
John wrote: A really ridiculous
statement. "Lord, I believe, help me in my
unbelief." J
Lance
wrote: That's where God is looking and, so should we. What a waste of
time so many of these 'quibbles' are! They are
both silly and, foolish.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Moderator: Judy. Please cease giving people the opportunity to
"turn the other cheek." Asking people "Doesn't
God's Word mean anything to you?" is
insulting and needs to stop. --
slade
