Why are you classified as a cult?
suprdave@lightspeed.net (suprdave@lightspeed.net)
Fri, 09 May 1997 12:34:18 -0700
Chris Sterrett:
>Kinda a biased view don't you think?
>Dave, most of us here have seen your view on Oneness groups. we have
>seen
>how you have been down on many of our views of the Bible.
>Personally, I am surprised you are even still here on this list
>associating with us
>Oneness Apostolics when by your opinion, we are erroneous in our ways.
>
Me:
I just gave a non-confrontational viewpoint. I was not being biased, just
stating "maybe". As a matter of fact, if Richard or Tyler would analyze what
I have said, I'm sure that they could see that this was not an attack or put
down. I didn't mean it that way. But of course if you are waiting for an
opportunity to misunderstand me, I guess you took it.
Chris Sterrett:
>I have yet to personally see a Oneness group come across "dogmatic" when
>it comes
>to salvation. You see, we base salvation truly by what the Bible says.
Me:
So do the other religions and denominations. But that doesn't determine or
define a cult. I expressed that cults deny the Deity of Christ.
Chris Sterrett:
Most people might find us "dogmatic" when we begin to preach Holiness. The
reason they view it that way is because they
>want to hold on
>to their God and Manna. They want the best of both worlds. These people
>tend to fall into the category of being neither hot nor cold, irreligious
>nor strong believers,
Me:
You cannot put others down for not holding the same viewpoint as you. True,
there are differences in viewpoints, unfortunately. The Bible is of no
private interpretation. However, you cannot say all Christians are wanting
the best of both worlds because they don't see "eye to eye" as you. When you
insist "This is the way it has to be" with no Bible clarification, then it
is "opinion" and not Bible. I have read comments saying that people hold the
same view as their Pastor even if there is no Bible to substantiate what
they teach in regards to standards. That's fine if people want to do this,
but let's not be divisive over it or discount ones salvation or sincerity.
Chris Sterrett:
>Dave, you might not view the Bible the way we do, that's ok. Your
>opinion is allowed
>to be expressed. However, don't expect some of us to sit around and let
>your views hinder the walk of any week person on here. There are a few
>who will stand up for what is right,
>we will stand up for what is just, and we will hold high the banner of
>truth.
>
Me:
I'm not trying to make anyone stumble with my observation as to why Oneness
groups are labeled as a cult. As a matter of fact, why don't you go to them
and ask they "why" since you feel that I'm biased. Ask them and they'll tell
you. They might be more straight forward than myself, but I don't wish to
come across that way.
Chris Sterrett:
>I know this sounds harsh. You might even think I am personally judging
>you or attacking you.
>In all reality, I am not. I am only giving you fair warning that your
>statements have set off
>many warning bells in my head. I am seeing things which disagree with
>the Holy Ghost in my heart, and I will not stand by idle any longer.
>
Me:
You sound parinoid. The Holy Spirit fills us with the peace of God, a peace
that passes all understanding. You can play superman if you wish, but I just
gave a simple observation as to "why" that's all. It was not intended to be
an attack. If you felt threatened in any way shape or form or even offended,
may I suggest that you apply and re-apply Psalm 119:165 and note that one
can be secure in their relationship with Jesus Christ without having to feel
threatened by anyone who would disagree with them on any view of the Bible.
I'm going to say this: From this point forward, when I give a viewpoint,
I'll do my best to be as non-confrontative and non-threatening in my
approach. I'll make sure that my statements are back up by the Bible. As a
matter of fact, every point that I've made in the past has been backed up by
scripture. It's at this point where we need to examine scripture with an
open mind and not try to point the finger accusing each other as the "bad
guy". I can learn from you, and that's what I want to do. You should feel
the same way. And if I am wrong, I will admit it because I want the Truth
when it comes to God's Word.