Opinions are Sin. (Yes or no?)

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roadsign Sep 11, 2005

This statement, "Opinions are Sin" is not mine. I attribute it to GrannyApple who dared me to start a thread with these words. So here it is. I post the following quotes from the book “Reaching Out” by Henri Nouwen as way to get us started: The Poverty of Mind "Someone who is filled with ideas, concepts, opinions, and convictions cannot be a good host. There is no inner space to listen, no openness to discover the gift of the other. It is not difficult to see how those “who know it all” can kill a conversation and prevent and interchange of ideas. Poverty of mind is a spiritual attitude of growing willingness to recognize the incomprehensibility of the mystery of life. ....The Poverty of HeartA good host not only has to be poor in mind but also poor in heart. When our heart is filled with prejudice, worries, jealousies there is little room for a stranger....Not only in the ministry, but in all other helping professions as well, we have to remind ourselves constantly that an inflated heart is just as dangerous as an inflated mind. An inflated heart can make us very intolerant. ... With poverty of heart we can receive the experiences of others as a gift to us...."Diane

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Joshua99 Sep 11, 2005

Diane, I wouldn't give the broadbrush treatment to what your saying. Not everyone who has opinions or views on many topics, especially biblical insights are so filled with pride, that they can not be humble before God at the same time. From King David to the Apostle Paul, many we're spiritually wise, full of opinions and knowledge on what needed to be done etc. The main difference was the Spirit of God in there lives, leading them to die to self and then to serve and live for Christ- still very much with wisdom and opinions(insights) on the way things should be. Some would call that being passionate for the things of Christ, today. Blessings

sermonindex Sep 11, 2005

I tried to sign in a GrannyApple, but it wouldn't take it ... Ha.But I hope to be, with the rest of His own, the apple of His eye.I vote yes. Because "opinions" are what we decide to believe and not what "thus saith the Lord", on any given issue. At least that was the meaning I had in mind when first bringing this up (And you dared me first speedbump :).One of the verses that sort of popped out at me, before I actually formulated this into a thought was ... 1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Also Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. There are others too, but for brevity here, this hit me as I saw posters on other forums using the words, "Well, I think..." and yet, if you asked them 'why', they couldn't give a Scripture reference or any sound source for their opinion.Another thing that put me into this way of thinking, is when I read from the Greek Dictionaries, that the definition of "heresy and heresies" is, "The 'opinion' CHOSEN" and "CHOICE". So that means that EVERYTHING we believe is based upon our own CHOICE. To me, that's Heavy-duty.But I believe the worst of it, is when people come into a Church or wherever other Christians are and have questions, or maybe even some pain on the inside and Ask others to give them council, and what will they get ?Normally more pain or confusion ... from countless Opinions, rather than as 1Peter4:11 says for us to do above. We're quick to give opinions, but how often can we say with Scriptural backing and an inward assurance that we are "speaking the very oracles of God" direct from His Holy Spirit ?Only the Holy Spirit can heal, but we can just jump in there with our "minds" and the consequences can be devastating, especially to a young person or new convert or the hurting.I think in doctrine and counciling others, this is critical.Our "doctrine" we are told, is to be "sound". No room for opinions.On other issues of life, we can be a little more flexible. Non-essential things, like, we all seem to discuss around the table or lounge.When I'm not sure, I try to remember to say, "I guess" or something similar... but if it's a crucial counciling type question, I wait a good while before I answer and most times just pray, that God will use someone else to answer straight from the throne, because I know how the wrong advice to someone who is hurting can hurt all the more .Maybe cuz I've been on the receiving end also.Does this clear up why I stated this "opinion" of mine, as someone had challenged it as being 'just' that, on the other thread ? 8-) I'll have to remember to counter-dare you again someday Diane :-D .God Bless ya.In His Love.Annie Apple

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Gery Sep 11, 2005

Dear BrethrenAs my wife says, it is about a teachable spirit. God has also given us His Holy Spirit and with that wisdom and descernment is also our part. And may I not forget His Word. With all these in mind, opinion does not have to be a sin. If we sadly miss or neglect these, opinion will become a sin because the flesh will then have its way.In Him,Gery

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roadsign Sep 11, 2005

The main difference was the Spirit of God in there lives, leading them to die to self and then to serve and live for Christ- still very much with wisdom and opinions(insights) on the way things should beI agree. Without the Spirit, we are running on our own natural perception which at best is very flawed. But then, who really has perfect insight from the Spirit in all areas. As you say, The Bible writers had good insight from God. But look what they went through to die to themselves and their own convictions. It was costly. Can any of us arrive there appart from suffering and persecution? I think it would be helpful to define "opinion" so we get on the same map before further discussion. Also, it would be good to define "sin" Then we can ask, "Is an opinion a sin?" "Is it wrong to have an opinion?""When is an opinion sin?" "When is it a sin to express our opinion?"Got any thoughts?I am mulling through some thoughts (opinions) which I'll share later. Diane

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roadsign Sep 11, 2005

An opinion: a belief stronger than an impression and less strong than positive knowledge. Sin: missing the mark

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letsgetbusy Sep 11, 2005

My opinion is (ha ha) that there are certain essentials of the Christian doctrine that cannot be strayed from. Less important doctines may be interpreted wrongly by honest Christians who are just ignorant. Then there are things not stated in Scripture that I don't feel causes one to sin to have an opinion of.

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roadsign Sep 12, 2005

In some way this forum is like a giant playpen – filled with God’s children who are sharing toys - ideas, questions, scriptures, opinions etc. All that can help us sharpen each other’s thinking, and can break down our tendencies to become dogmatic. (opinionated)I have come to believe that it is not merely an issue of expressing our “opinions”, but it is an issue of LOVE. When I am more eager to express my opinions (even undisputable doctrines) than I am to LISTEN to my sister or brother I have missed the mark (ie sinned). I have failed to love as Christ defined love. As I write this I feel deep conviction. I can see that often in my life I have missed the mark in my conversations with others.it is about a teachable spirit.Absolutely! Can we not learn from anyone, esp from those whom we view as “less mature” than we are? A teacher of psychiatry, taught: First spend a lot of time listening. Then if you have something to say first ask yourself: “Does it need to be said? Is it helpful?” If not, then don’t say it. If it should be said, then say it in ten words or less. To me that is a lofty ideal. But if we aim for that, I suspect our tendencies to be impulsive and opinionated will diminish. (In my opinion)Diane

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crsschk Sep 12, 2005

Thank you Diane,This is a very important and appropriate area you have brought up. Goodness, it may be the crux of practically everything that goes on here even as it is far more reaching into every are of our lives.It is something that is a constant wrestling with. "Is this just my opinion?" More so as your friend mentioned, is it necessary? Going further than that, if we are truly convinced of something would it make any difference if our "opinion" was opposed? It seems that if it was a truth so evident in our hearts it wouldn't bring out so much ... nastiness. Would think there would be a certain calmness and lack of compulsion to rise up to defend, perhaps by then it is no longer an opinion to the one holding to it.When I am more eager to express my opinions (even undisputable doctrines) than I am to LISTEN to my sister or brother I have missed the mark (ie sinned). I have failed to love as Christ defined love. As I write this I feel deep conviction. I can see that often in my life I have missed the mark in my conversations with others.I agree wholeheartedly, there is this carrying about a certain trepidation of uncertainty when expressing things often times. Definitely having the willingness, that teachable spirit... it is so disarming... to everyone.

sermonindex Sep 12, 2005

Well, I sure do agree with your First sentence.That's a good analogy. It hasn't been all serious with me, Thank God, because I've had more good laughs with brothers & sisters on forums, then almost anywheres. I love when we can laugh together. His Joy is our Strength.What God has laid on my heart, more in the last 3 years or so is LOVE TRUTH FIRST, and that's because HE IS the TRUTH.So, He's put me in an awkward corner now, to sound as you use the word "dogmatic".That Love Truth First thing, is hard, in the sense that you have to put truth before "friendships" ... that's when it really hurts, but God will honor it. May not see the fruit, till Glory though. But it can get sad.But TRUE TRUTH "has" to be dogmatic. Jesus was. Anyhow, on the other side of what you are saying, I do not believe we really read each other's posts very well.A few weeks ago I posted that I don't read just "words" but try to read the 'heart' of the poster, so to speak. I try really hard to ask the Holy Spirit to show me the heart of the person, so despite their words, I can see through to what they are really saying or needing. I'm not God nor Perfect, so I mess up as much as anybody else, but I want to try more each day to "listen to the heart of the other" or His Holy Spirit.I don't go for "secular" advice, just Biblical, but we are commanded to walk in the Spirit ....which is just the acknowledgement that we KNOW NOTHING AT ALL and we need to be Totally DEPENDENT on His leading, Voice, Holy Spirit, in all things... so that we'll, Stop - Ask and then Listen, to/for Him.God witholds wisdom from the proud, but gives liberally to the humble. But if He does, then the humble 'seem' proud, because they then sound "dogmatic". See what a paradox ?And I agree whole-heartedly, that someone saved yesterday, can be speaking "the very oracles of God" just because the Holy Spirit now dwells in them, and could flatten us old timers out in a sentence. We are ageless in Christ, so age has nothing to do with who God chooses to be a vessel.Welp, We're Be-ING perfected. And I look worse to myself everyday, and that is fact.Your definition of "sin" is 100% correct. The "Mark" , is "the exact Image of Christ".If we miss "that" mark, it's "sin".Guess we "really" need to strive more to Hear His Voice and learn to walk Dependent, in His Spirit, if that's the case."Lean not on your own understanding"Love. Edit: Oops, Crsschk, your post wasn't there when I went to Reply post.

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Compton Sep 12, 2005

Nicely put Diane.I thought some opinions about opinions would introduce a light hearted side to this discussion.“If you don't like my opinion of you, you can always improve""I don't understand you. You don't understand me. What else do we have in common?""My sources are unreliable, but their information is fascinating"Ashleigh Brilliant"We hardly find any persons of good sense save those who agree with us."Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld"There are as many opinions as there are experts."Franklin Delano Roosevelt"I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them."George Bush"My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me." Benjamin Disraeli"A fanatic is someone who can’t change his mind, and won’t change the subject." Winston ChurchillThe last two quotes remind me of an important technique that is highly effective for getting Americans to respect your opinion: speak with a British accent. (Especially southern England...) :-) Indubitably,MC

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roadsign Sep 12, 2005

What quotes! Compton. Humor has a way of hitting the bull's eye. GrannyAnnie, Sorry about the error, though in my opinion, I think the name Granny Apple is more suitable (just kidding!) Your post is intensely sobering: "heresy and heresies" is, "The 'opinion' CHOSEN" and "CHOICE".May God help us! In other words, shooting off opinions about something we’ve not bothered to research or investigate is immensely dangerous. Yes. It gets to be a very bad habit – and soon doesn’t even feel wrong. … Could be the beginnings of heresies and cult-like religion… and a lot of wounding: When people come into a Church or wherever other Christians have questions, or maybe even some pain on the inside and Ask others to give them council, and what will they get? Normally more pain or confusion ... from countless Opinions… Normally ... Sadly, this has become the norm more than the exception. It seems like the Spirit is trying to grab our attention. I see that a thread with a similar admonishment was just started: To the church on SI write...Diane