In essentials unity...

Over at Marshall Art's Dan asked a good question, to which I responded. To avoid going off topic I'm going to copy them here as a platform for future discussion if anyone is inclined.

Dan's question is as follows
And so, my question to you, Craig, is what do we do when two Christians disagree about an action? Do we disfellowship? Do we call names? Do we demonize? Or, do we live under God's grace, saying with Paul, "Who am I to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand."

My response was.

As to your second question, that is the crux of the matter isn't it. The answer is long, complicated and playing out in a number of denominations ("mine" included) across the country. I'll try for a short version so as not to go too far astray, and we can continue elsewhere if you want. Here goes.

If the basic nature of the disagreement is rooted in authority of scripture (as I believe this to be) then at some point is would be appropriate to go so far as to disassociate (officially) from a part of the Church. I'm not sure name calling and demonizing (not that anyone on your side would stoop so low) is productive, but at some point it is possible for a doctrine or teaching to go beyond the bounds of Christianity into heresy territory. So I think that it would be possible to label someone a heretic without it being considered simply name calling. So, I guess my answer would be maybe.

Any thoughts?

Three Questions

This morning during the sermon a question was asked. That question sparked two others. So for anyone who stops by, 3 questions. I'd love to hear some thoughts.

How do we trust God when our perception of reality is shattered?

Why do we trust our perception of reality more than God's?

Why is service such a big part of recalibrating our perception of reality?

Discuss.

Can't Help Myself

I just can't seem to stop commenting over in Shuckytown (won't you take me to...), maybe someday I'll learn.

Comments!!

Now that people are commenting, I might be encouraged to actually post some stuff. C'mon, you all don't want that. Seriously, thanks for the comments.

The Shucky Meme

Since I'm not important enough to get tagged with this I thought I'd take a shot anyway.

What is your earliest memory of being distinctly Presbyterian?

I have attended and been a member of a Presbyterian for my entire life. I think the point at which I remember being distinctly Presbyterian was when I realized that my church was not.

On what issue/question should the PC(USA) spend LESS energy and time?
I think we should spend less time trying to control what others do, and coercing people into a false unity.

On what issue/question should the PC(USA) spend MORE energy and time?
Use the authority given us to “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

If you could have the PC(USA) focus on one passage of scripture for a entire year, what would it be?
“Jesus Said to her, “ I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes this will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world”

Do YOU believe this.

Other suggestions: 1 Corinthians 15

If the PC(USA) were an animal what would it be and why?
The PCUSA is a dinosaur

Extra Credit: Jesus shows up at General Assembly this year, what does he say to the Presbyterian Church (USA)?
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

, “ I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes this will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God
But, mostly I think he’d just sob at how screwed up this part of His church has become

Enjoy

My Third Post

Thank heavens, the Shuckites weren't actually calling me a NAZI, they were calling someone else a NAZI. Which, of course, makes it all better. Not only that, it was just my (rhetorical) question (that someone took seriously) that was stupid. What a load off my mind. Around my house we don't use the word stupid. Anyway, it's just more fun at the House of Shuck.

"What a bunch of Maroons"
Bugs Bunny

2 posts in one day

First, I told you not to expect too much from this blog, and I was right. I didn't however, think spelling was going to be the problem. My apologies, I'll try to do better.

Second, on my very first post at Shucky's I was called an NAZI and stupid. This is working out better than I thought.