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It isn't the first time that the argument of division and unity among Christians was wielded as a weapon to silence the opposition,
or to distract from an issue. To accuse someone of causing unity and division - citing the Scriptures - can be a very powerful method.
It was thrown at me years ago on this very forum - I was told that I am "the kind of Christian that turns people off Christianity!"
That accusation had somehow made me question myself, and I put that issue before God.
I give thanks for that person who threw that accusation at me........... for in doing so, I had one of my greatest experience with God!
The tactic was used again in the thread Marian Doctrines. Posts #238, 239, 240, 241
Marian Doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church
And it was used again, post #328, 329.
No doubt, it will be used in the future. I suppose this is a subject that has to be met headlong.
The issue of UNITY and DIVISION are taken out of context by people who use them when they cannot give any rebuttals to arguments
that are put forward. It's a form of distraction - trying to put the opposition on the defensive.
In Christianity - anyone who thinks nothing whatsoever warrants any division - you're wrong!
Matthew 10
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36
a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
That's a house divided!
And, if you think Christians must unite despite the HUGE DIFFERENCE between their beliefs - you're wrong!
2 Thessalonians 3:14
If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
1 Cor 5:9-13
But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
2 John 1: 7-11
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
Apologists for the Biblical teachings of Christ will have to weather all the darts that would be inflicted on them.
In some cases - in big issues such as idolatry - it's a matter of LIFE and DEATH. Thus, we try to warn others of the pitfalls.
When we have The Truth, there is nothing to fear.
or to distract from an issue. To accuse someone of causing unity and division - citing the Scriptures - can be a very powerful method.
It was thrown at me years ago on this very forum - I was told that I am "the kind of Christian that turns people off Christianity!"
That accusation had somehow made me question myself, and I put that issue before God.
I give thanks for that person who threw that accusation at me........... for in doing so, I had one of my greatest experience with God!
The tactic was used again in the thread Marian Doctrines. Posts #238, 239, 240, 241
Marian Doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church
And it was used again, post #328, 329.
No doubt, it will be used in the future. I suppose this is a subject that has to be met headlong.
The issue of UNITY and DIVISION are taken out of context by people who use them when they cannot give any rebuttals to arguments
that are put forward. It's a form of distraction - trying to put the opposition on the defensive.
In Christianity - anyone who thinks nothing whatsoever warrants any division - you're wrong!
Matthew 10
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36
a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
That's a house divided!
And, if you think Christians must unite despite the HUGE DIFFERENCE between their beliefs - you're wrong!
2 Thessalonians 3:14
If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
1 Cor 5:9-13
But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
2 John 1: 7-11
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
Apologists for the Biblical teachings of Christ will have to weather all the darts that would be inflicted on them.
In some cases - in big issues such as idolatry - it's a matter of LIFE and DEATH. Thus, we try to warn others of the pitfalls.
When we have The Truth, there is nothing to fear.
