Community and compromise

The word compromise is regarded as a Christian cuss word in our churches. I am becoming aware how I equate the pureness of doctrine with pureness of heart. Indeed, one is often regarded as mature and equipped to teach if they exhibit mastery of systematic theologies. This type of propositional relationship to one another is futile. For instance if Charles Spurgeon, Charles Finney , and Dietric Bonhoeffer were sent back to start a church in Columbus Ohio, they wouldn't get any members because each one of them would disuade factions of the church from attending. I'll be honest, Finney and I might get into a fist fight if the nexus of our fellowship was his Systematic Theology;) However, when I experience his devotion to Christ, I would feel it the greatest honor of my life to wash his feet while he instructs me about loving and serving God.Perhaps our churchless brothers and sisters can not find fellowships because they are looking for places where community is as important as conversion. MC

Oops,I meant my last recent post to be in the "Out of Church" thread but I pushed the wrong button! My apologies for any confusion. (Maybe this should be it's own topic...) MC :-?

Hi MC,Certainly this is why we need to love one another with a pure heart fervently. It may come as a surprise to some to know that many of the doctrines we enjoy today were not forged in a moment of time. The first 300 years of the Church watched as many things that were in flux became more solidified. The only thing that will hold things together in times when everyone is looking through a dark glass- desperately trying to know and do the truth is LOVE. It is the 'bond' of perfectness. Had the church come under the persecution that began with Nero and ended with Diocletion we had forsaken many things that divide us and would have loved one another. But because there is a relative peace we draw swords on one another. Two questions that have plagued my mind as a Christian:1) Can we walk in humility in the times of victory (over sin)?2) Can we walk in love when there is no persecution? God Bless,-Robert