10-02-2005, 06:19 PM
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Quote: Originally posted by WrittenFromUtopia
A lot of the problem seems to stem from the fact that, as of recently, they all have denounced the study of theology and doctrine as useless...
| And they're Calvinistic? That's oxymoronic... Quote: |
...along with everything else in the world. Everything we do is pointless and fruitless to them. They have built up a false sense of piety, in my humble opinion, around this idea that the less you are involved in the world and things of the world, the more holy and connected to God you are (in my opinion, adding to the gospel of God's grace).
| Baptist Monasticism? Quote:
However, some of these "things of the world" involve going to school, going to work, and enjoying anything else that God has given us which we are to exercise dominion over in the name of Christ and for God's glory. Furthermore, this piety does not seem to carry over - as it should - into how they treat others or their consistency in laying charges and judgments against others.
Anyway, they end up very arrogant towards me, especially considering I'm a presbyterian and reformed, as I have this wacky belief that God's Word regulates how He is to be approached, served, and worshipped...
All of that to say this: They do not seem to believe God's Word has much if anything to say about proper worship, ecclesiology, etc. This, I believe, is a big part of the problem.
I'm all for someone wanting to be immersed in God's Word and be close to Him in a spiritual walk as they seem to desire - however, you cannot know how this is done without studying His Word in a way so as to learn theological and doctrinal truths from it, along with practical application. You cannot go straight to application if you don't understand properly how or what to apply! You can't desire to "just worship and serve the Lord" if you don't know what worship is! You can't "go to church" unless you know what a Church is! I hope you see my point, as I'm trying to be as vague and non-slanderous as possible.
I need help in knowing what to do, if I should do anything, and where to start.
| As I've previously noted, and I think Scott touched on this with his question "Do they respect you", I believe you need to let your pattern of life according to your theology as derived from the Holy Writ be seen by them. Just my  , though.
[Edited on 10-2-2005 by joshua]
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