[J920]

In my Bible study, I asked a question. This is what you do.
It turns out many dont agree with me. We exchanged articles/sources and views. That is all fine. But in one email from a fellow BS member she mentioned that to believe what I believe in the eyes of the denomination, i.e. the church and all in the group, is to be "not a true believer."
Now 2 tim 2:24-2:26 talks about this very thing. So I dont want to go down that road of quarreling and giving into spirit quenching talks. But this really upsets. How does someone have the right to say you are a non believer bc of an opposing view. There is One and only one that judges.

[twinzplus3]

That's a tricky question honestly. There is One and only one who has the authority to judge. However, even the Bible ordained for people (elders, judges etc.) to be over the church to decide what is and is not appropriate. I think lots of people call themselves Christians but don't believe what I would consider to be basic truths of the faith. I suspect what you've really learned is that this isn't the Bible study for you. I am sorry that they upset you.

[mcmama]

I'd be pretty uncomfortable in a Bible study where you could not ask questions or debate a point. THis is not to say you should be argumentative, but "study" is inquiry - and inquiry means discussion, some of it challenging.

[QueenAngie]

So sorry about the grief from the Bible study members.

Every time a person reads the Bible, he or she gaines new insight and one step stronger in faith.

None of us have all the answers. Nor, should we judge.
Christian friends should build each other up, encourage each other.

Time to change to a different Bible study, Janet.

You are a good person, dear. Simply because you feel differently about something does not make you a 'bad Christian.'

[mcmama]

Originally Posted by QueenAngie

Time to change to a different Bible study, Janet.

Who me, or the OP? Although I get pretty disgruntled at times!!!!

Back to the question, I really have no patience for people who say you "aren't a Christian" if you don't go along with their point of view. It really is prideful and arrogant. I encountered this when I was much younger, and I have found that some folks like this are actually pretty weak in their faith because they cannot stand up to any sort of challenge - or they stand up to it by constantly preparing arguments to shut down the conversation. I can't gain any food for my own spiritual growth with that, so I look elsewhere. Elsewhere for me has led to Bible studies in churches and fellowships led by Presybterians (PCUSA and OPC), Baptists, Methodists, and Episcopalians - and bouncing questions about the Old Testament off a Rabbi and a Cantor. I learn from each.

[twinzplus3]

Okay, now that I've read other responses I'm reading the question differently. I think I'm highly influenced by being where there are lots of people that claim Christianity but do things that are contrary to being a Christian. (Like lighting candles and praying to ancestors, or sacrificing pigeons for example.) Neither is it "all the same" as long as you're good--that to me is not Christian either.

But I would tend to agree with Janet, that I would be very uncomfortable in a Bible study that didn't allow for questioning and honest answering. And niether would I assume that because someone disagrees with me (and I think we're talking about the other post you mentioned in the other thread right?) that they must not be Christian.

[QueenAngie]

Janet, wrong name, I meant the OP needed a different Bible study group.

[AussieD]

I've been in interdenominational bible studies where people have at times had differing views and it has been okay because they were accepting of others and not judgemental. To condemn someone outright as you said has happened sounds to me serious enough to take it further either by trying to sort out in a calm manner,why this person or persons believe what they do and ask them to point out where it is against God's Word. If this is not possible or you are not comfortable with this, Iwould chnge bible study group. You need to be able to ask questions and not feel judged.

[J920]

Sacrificing pigeons!!!! I dont know why but that just made me laugh.
I am just going to be straight about this.

I over reacted. I have been in this Bible study with ladies I see often and even have a personal relationship with a few. And it has been a wonderful experience. Due to my hormones (pregnant), a horrific headache I misread an email. I apologize - for misrepresenting them and posting before I was accurate on what I was reading. And yes, I live to discuss spiritual matters and get new insight, but was overly sensistive and quick to judge. Thou shall not bear false witness. Stone me! Rebuke me! I deserve it. Ok i'm being dramatic.
So can someone call themselves Christians and sacrifice pigeons?

[mcmama]

Originally Posted by J920

So can someone call themselves Christians and sacrifice pigeons?

Anything is possible in the Bronx.