The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #106685   Message #2217122
Posted By: Bill D
17-Dec-07 - 09:08 AM
Thread Name: BS: There aren't any Gods (not even Jesus)
Subject: RE: BS: There aren't any Gods (not even Jesus)
"All 'born again' Christians become disciples of Jesus Christ and as such are 'commissioned' by Him to spread the word...."

GS...to add to what Amos said, your statement/comment contains a couple of embedded, implictly circular assumptions. One must **ASSUME**, that is, believe...certain things in order to BE 'born again'. Then, they must believe those things and more in order to take on that supposed 'commission' to spread the word. Yes, I know where the Bible says stuff about "become fishers of men"...but I do NOT assume the Bible to BE absolute authority, and even among Christians there are differences of opinion about exactly what the admonition requires of them.
It 'could' mean just setting a good example and answering questions and providing a welcoming church to those who ask...or it could mean going out and actively recruiting and 'witnessing', even when asked not to.

You know that we in the US have a Mormon running for president, and that there is MUCH consternation among many about that 'extra' Book in the Mormon bible. Those who DO believe in the Mormon version assert that you should also..(I have them knock on my door occasionally)..but I'd venture that YOU are quite happy with the King James version, or some close approximation. WHY??? Because you just 'believe' it is best. I also have Jehovah's Witnesses come 'round explaining that "space in Heaven is limited", which I suppose you also reject. WHY??? I am quite sure that YOU would have something to say to anyone who knocked on your door and suggested that THEIR commission to evangelize and 'spread the word' differently is better than yours!

You see, Georgiansilver, any time one group asserts that they have the 'right' way, they will be faced with others who either feel that THEY have the right way, or who feel that no one does.

   I'm sorry, but your 'commission' from Jesus to save my soul means little if I do not previously accept the entire rationale behind it.

The only way I can imagine for us to co-exist is for me to allow you to believe and worship as you please....as long as you do not infringe on my right to NOT accept your particular beliefs.