Should a member be put through church discipline if they open support abortion and refuse to change their view?
Church discipline
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Judith, Apr 11, 2014.
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If they are a pro-choice advocate,
vocally championing the cause, and arguing/ debating those who are pro life, due to party affiliation, than you have a political convert, and this can get hairy.
If they have murdered a baby, and defend the act, yes.
Some people claim to be for a lot of things, which they have never perticipated in, because of societal pressure. They will grow in the Lord, and out of this. It will do no good to try to convert them from the outside in. They will resist, especially if they view you as a "Right Winger". -
JohnDeereFan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
If someone is not in a position of leadership in the church, but just a rank and file member, then I think we can allow that they're ignorant or just plain wrong, or not mature in the faith or not well discipled. I personally don't see how anybody can justify it, but I also acknowledge that sometimes, some people are just at different places in their walk with Christ. That being the case, I would try counseling before discipline.
If they're in a position of leadership, then for the sake of protecting the integrity of the church, then I would say remove them. -
John L. Dagg once said "“When discipline leaves a church, Christ goes with it.” -
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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I am of the mind that they should be put through discipline. If you noticed I said if they refuse to change their view. That means they were confronted with scripture and explained the error of their way. It would be no different than if they supported homosexual marriage. There is no need for something to be in a covenant since we have the word of God although I do believe it is a good idea.
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Haven't defined "openly support", what does that mean? How they vote, financial support.....?
Not ignoring, recognize that not everyone thinks like me. Would sure make things easier, but not the case. -
Iconoclast Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Unity is not conformity. Different people have different opinions about things that are not essentials.
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Following the Roe V Wade decision Religious News Service quoted W. A. Criswell as saying:
We have some on this BB who support abortion though they claim to be pro life. My immediate family and my extended family have all been pro life. I have a nephew who is strongly pro life, his wife was not. After many years she announced that she was pro life because she felt a Christian could not be otherwise. In fairness to her she had been raise among liberal Methodists.
As for disciplining a member who is pro abortion I would have to say that unless that persons views become disruptive within the congregation, or they bring reproach on the name of Jesus Christ through public activity, exclusion would be unwise. There are, however, many issues where I believe exclusion is necessary.
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How long do they have to change their minds? As has been mentioned, church discipline is about restoration. Are they being divisive about it? Is there an effort to recruit people to their way if thinking? Or did someone just ask them what they thought and they honestly answered?
BFM 2000 says there should be a speaking on behalf of the unborn and that life begins at conception, very clear pro life stance. Though it leaves "speaking on behalf" undefined. But it also says in the resolutions that abortion should be allowed in the case of the mothers life in being in danger. A position many conservative folks would reject. So even here there exceptions, places where disagreement would exist.