Now, then…
February 3rd, 2005Nate’s a good guy. In many ways I really admire him and I agree with him on most things. Then today he picked a fight for which he wasn’t prepared. Nate’s a Methodist. Like every Methodist I’ve ever known, he loves and respects God as near as I can tell. The problem is that Nate’s been raised in religion and unlike most everything else, he’s never questioned the crap they taught him. On top of that, he has some in-laws that apparently were screwed over by some people who called themselves “Charismatic” and he seems a bit bitter about it.
So he had to cut and run from this fight.
That’s not like Nate and that’s how I know he wasn’t prepared for the fight. I do know Nate well enough to know that he didn’t pick the fight on purpose. If he intended to pick the fight, he would’ve been prepared. Nate doesn’t engage unless he’s prepared. Usually.
This blog wasn’t created to blast Nate, but the fight over at Nate’s place finally got me off my procrastinating ass to do it.
Thanks, Nate.
I’ll be addressing the fight over religion shortly and I welcome comments.
Hi DC. I agree with you 100% from what I’ve read over at Nate’s. I like discussions, it prompts me to back up what I believe and reinforces my study in scripture.
I’ve had many encounters with those of more ‘traditional’ theology, they’re always interesting but have never ended up in name calling before. I do have pity, and I pray for those I know. A personal relationship has never been made real, because like you said it is just ‘religion’. It’s nice to hear others’ take; I just haven’t been effective in relaying the message. At least not at Nate’s. I’ve tried the soft “if you could only know what you’re missing” approach before and hasn’t proven effective. I think in my case prayer is the answer. It really works! My husband’s entire family was Lutheran, and when his grandpa died his grandma started coming to church with us (obviously not Lutheran; pentecostal in fact). It’s been 11 years, and she’s happy as a lark. She can’t believe she waited so long.
Thanks for stoppin’ by, bufelda. You’re the first person to ever post a comment on what will surely be a legendary blog. ];-) I wish I had a prize for you.
I agree with you that prayer is the best tactic. I just enjoy a good debate and so does Nate. Inevitably that means…
On any topic, debate sharpens you because you either have to defend your position or question it.
DC, I’m Nate’s sister-in-law. Being from the family that was “destroyed”, which at one point in our lives, I would say that would have been an accurate description, but we have now been redeemed in many ways. I understand how Nate blames the Charasmatic movement for this pain, but I also understand Bufelda saying that is by human choice. What neither of you understand is the part of the Charasmatic movement that is COMPLETELY twisted and anything but what God is. It masquerades as the Holy Spirit, but truly is not for it has been tested and proven a liar. I would more likely blame our lack of independence for what happened, and we paid a dear price. Amazingly enough, some of us have maintained a belief in the Charasmatic movement because there is an element of truth in the general movement. However, like all movements, it has shortcomings. We just happened to find the worst of them. I simply recommend being your own person, ignoring religion, and finding God with His wisdom in pursuance.
Darlin’ Joy,
Sorry if I appeared insensitive to the situation in your family. Looking back I would have intentionally tried to sound less antagonistic, because it wasn’t what I was trying to express. I think you have gleaned exactly what you needed to from your situation. No one can enlighten me any further on the shortcomings of the charismatic movement- I’m fully aware. That is why Peter says “Be self-controlled and alert (vigilant in KJV). Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Unfortunately it happens within the church. There are many other scriptures that speak of those who deceive and twist the truth and how we are to look out for them. This is why I am unable to place blame with a church or doctrine. God foreknew these things and tried to warn us. Sometimes we fail anyhow.