Briva wrote:
Quote:
God wants us to seek after wisdom, understanding and knowledge, he doesn't want us to be ignorant, he also wants us to be able to clearly state what we believe and why.
I agree with this somewhat, but I have known simple minded people and children fall into this category, too (I used to work with developmentally disabled adults) and I know that they can clearly state to me the truth of the gospel without having to quote Scripture or know the intricacies of their faith...
I like Darla's idea of renaming the board, maybe FaithWalk or something along those lines?
Well I meant within reason,
I know that there are people who are not able to go into all the details connected to their faith, but there are some who are able to, but don't because they just blindly follow whatever they are told. I hope that didn't sound mean,
if it did thats not how I meant it.
I think that as much as someone is able they should try to know or understand as much as possible about their own faith, so if asked they can discuss that topic with others within their abilities to do so. I don't believe anyone who is able should be content to remain ignorant of various aspects of their own doctrines because it just causes discontent, strife and grief when someone comes along and asks "why" or "how come". If a person is not disabled and is not simple minded I think they should be able to reply to a doctrinal question asked by someone of another faith, but politely without making the person who asked feel as though they were being mean or anything like that. I hope that makes sense.
On the other hand I also don't think anyone should badger someone else about their faith, I think you can tell someone that you disagree and why or you agree and why, without causing grief to the other party.
And sometimes we are just not going to agree, because everyone sees everything from a different perspective.
I think the "Golden Rule" is a good rule to abide by when discussing topics that can get out of hand or that can cause someone to feel threatened or defensive.
It's best to try to think how you personally would feel if someone told you that something you'd believed all your life was wrong, and not just go tell someone what they believe is wrong, but instead just start out by stating that you disagree based on whatever you are basing your own personal disagreement with, or if you agree why.
I think it is possible to disagree politely and to still agree on other topics, and I do agree with you that there are people children and those with disabilities (disabilities that affect the mind) that are not able to explain with clarity every single techical or doctrinal thing their own denomination believes, and I think grace should be given in those cases, and those who are not able to because of lack of ability to do so, should not be cornered or cohersed into saying things they don't really comprehend to start with, or told they are not saved because they can't clearly define xyz or whatever else.
I have seen people who have clearly stated they believed God and loved God, etc, but their mental capacity was on the level of a small child, and they were confused easily, I don't think anyone should try to confuse anyone, but especially those who are already struggling.
Anyway's I think I'm rambling a lot today, I'll say it's just stress lol.
I do really believe IF a person has the ability to study, and learn that they should be encouraged to do so, if not to share their faith with others, then for their own personal growth. Because I do really believe that God wants us to study, and he wants us to seek after wisdom, and understanding I don't believe God wants us to remain stagnent or ignorant just because that is easier for most people.