WARNING: I am on my soapbox. If you do not wish to hear me on my soapbox then please, read no further. Okay, please read further, it's really not too painful.
I am not one who normally engages in blog fodder. I will leave occasional comments and I thoroughly enjoy reading the 6 or 7 blogs I do read. Under no uncertain terms have I ever thrust myself into the middle of heated debate. Unfortunately, I stumbled across a blog this past Monday that was so full of uncharitable remarks (read: hateful) and commentary that I felt compelled to comment. Here is what I said:
I just randomly came across your blog this morning. I am not Presbyterian and I have no knowledge as to how the Presbytery (sp?) works. I do consider myself reformed and believe the doctrines of grace. I have read a few books by RC and RCJR. I have been to conferences that included RCJR as well. I'm not even sure who Doug Wilson is. I digress.
I normally "lurk" around blogs and rarely comment. This one, however, took me by surprise so much that I felt compelled to comment.
In previous posts you harass commenters for not giving a name, yet I have not seen your name once. You vehemently write of how immoral RCJR and Doug Wilson are and yet here you are "slinging mud" by the handful. Tell me Mr. so and so ( I'm purposely avoiding his blog name), is this your idea of advancing the kingdom? Of provoking one another to good works? I think not. Might I suggest you find something more productive to do with your time than slandering others.
I am not defending the actions of these men for I do not know them nor their particular situations. However, you rebuke these men for their ungodliness and the unbiblical way they are handling their church and personal affairs, yet you, my friend, are doing the same thing.
I am sure I have now opened myself up to your wrath and for that I am sorry. I'm sorry that you feel compelled to pummel and insult other believers because they do not see things in your light. Hmm...kind of the same way you refer to RCJR and Doug Wilson doing in their congregations.
"IF" the things you write about these men are true then sobeit. It is sad and I will certainly pray that God's will be done. However, if you can tell me that a blog that dedicates itself to the disparagement of two brothers is glorifying to God in any way then please let me know. I will have to read and then re-read the first question in my catechism.
I thought of linking to this blog, but then decided I didn't want to give this person the satisfaction of having others read his poison. From what I read, this person professed to be a believer. However, from what I read I have serious doubts.
I do not understand how fellow believers feel they have some sort of divine right to tear other believers down. In Matthew it reads:
Mat 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Mat 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Mat 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Most, if anyone out there, who happens upon my puny, neglected blog will be scratching their heads going, "Huh?" Details are not the point here. The point here is that Christians have no biblical right to tear one another down publicly. The verse above explains that any offense is to be a private matter, extending no further than the local church. The blogosphere is not our personal pulpit where we may lambaste whomever we please.
Am I saying one cannot have an opinion?. Absolutely not. However, if one cannot have an opinion without disparaging a brother then maybe one needs to keep one's opinions to one's self! I don't understand how others cannot see how this cripples the church and it's sheep!
When posed with the dilemma of acknowledging a sensitive subject, we need to ask ourselves a few questions: 1. Does this glorify God? 2. Does this advance the kingdom? 3. Will this provoke others to love and good works? 4. Is it my business?
Pro 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
Officially off of my soapbox! Have a great day!
No comments:
Post a Comment