It occurs to me.....

that I may be in the wrong place here. It seems this forum is a place for fundamental, Particular Baptists who don't believe in free will, or for Baptists-turned-Roman Catholic, or for Charismatics masquerading as Baptists.

While I love theological debate and discussion, I don't like constant battles at every turn, or acrimonious ones.

I believe so strongly in the position of the first English Baptists and in the freedom of the will, but it seems not many Baptists believe this.

Maybe I'll take a break from the forum for a while, or maybe permanently.

I've made some good friends here, a couple who are 5-point Calvinists, and I don't mind having discussions with those whose positions are opposite mine, but it seems there is too much anger here sometimes, and yes I have been guilty of it, too.

I think doctrine is very important, but when it prevents us from loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, or harms our relationship with each other, that is very wrong.

All of us know so very little anyway, despite what we think we know.

So, I'm not sure what I'll do. I'll take a while to think about it.

God bless all here!

 

Thank you, Yeshua1. But actually, Bob has been very civil and kind to me. Some Baptists have not.

 

Bob, I really appreciate all you said to me in your post. It means more to me than I can adequately put into words at this time.

Some here bring out the worst in me, and it saddens me that I have apparently not proceeded far enough on the road to sanctification to refrain from responding to them in kind. I must say that this forum has revealed some things to me concerning myself, some things I need to work on, because no matter how much knowledge a person thinks he has, that loses some of its value if one's manner of discourse does not reflect love of the brethren. And of this I have been guilty. There is a place for strong words, as Jesus Himself showed, but I have gone beyond the pale, I believe, and I continue to do so, so I am trying to pull back a bit.

I like it here, and I'd like to stay. I must try harder to balance passion for the truth with true Christian love.

A footnote: I'm not sure if there are any Free Will or General Baptists here.

 

Good post. I agree with it.

 

Well it's time for me to go on hiatus, either temporarily or permanently. A few more posts, and I am out of here. This place has become less than edifying.

I'll probably be sent packing anyway for my replies to the Biblicist, a feud I did not initiate, but when I get repeatedly called a fool, a heretic, and a servant of Satan, I will respond. I'll turn the other cheek at first because this is what Jesus said to do, but I am out of cheeks to turn.

Anyway, I probably won't be missed. Biblicist could keep the forum going all by himself, as he is 100% correct and righteous enough to make up for the loss of every other member on here.