tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post6281065957999698395..comments2023-11-03T08:44:12.478-07:00Comments on James' Random, Stimulating, Missional, Spiritual Thoughts: Author Anne Rice Quits Christianity--But is Still a BelieverJames Noredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-51892129676622820662010-08-10T06:51:32.751-07:002010-08-10T06:51:32.751-07:00Hi James,
I have two thoughts on this topic. The ...Hi James,<br /><br />I have two thoughts on this topic. The first is that Anne Rice is claiming much of what Erwin McManus does in his book, "The Barbarian Way," which is more about becoming a passionate follower of Christ than just a "church goer." To live a life of service and battle for God outside the church building and become a congregation out in the field of battle. <br /><br />It's clear that Ms. Rice is not renouncing that Jesus is the Son of God or that she doesn't believe in God. I interpret her message as saying that she has heard a message of condemnation and hate from perhaps a specific church or certain Christians. It's a shame she doesn't try to find another church home that is more about proclaiming the love of Christ. <br /><br />HOWEVER, there is a HUGE problem with only focusing on the message of love. God isn't without wrath for the things he deems wrong. Yes, we can be forgiven by grace, but what of the person who doesn't motivate their heart to at least relay the message that God requires repentance and brokeness about certain activities, lifestyles, etc? It's almost like lying by omission when a person speaks to someone about a sin and does nothing but focus on how much God loves you. You have to at least warn them that what they are doing is wrong, and that there are consequences if you do not repent and and search your heart for brokeness. <br /><br />Unfortunately, many see this advice as an action of "judgment" or "condemnation." It's like caryn777 said, it's a generation that doesn't want to be told what to do. And as you know James, I was once the biggest fan of imagining God as just a "no big deal" God when it came to my agenda.<br /><br />So, should the goal be to cushion everything for our Brothers and Sisters (everyone), so that they will see God as nothing more then a parent that gives us a little look and says, "you crazy kids, go on and have fun," or at least warn them that He wants brokeness and reformation, before He sends you to Hell? How can our action of "hating the sin" be enough to fight for His way?<br /><br />In the end, doesn't He judge our hearts by who is broken and in the fight, and who is still making up cushy ways to continue sinning? Otherwise, what difference is there between TRUE followers of Christ (the doers) and the rest (who trap Christ in their mind)? Hope this makes sense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-40677555333798498152010-08-04T16:39:51.598-07:002010-08-04T16:39:51.598-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-61823656274403700752010-08-04T16:39:50.941-07:002010-08-04T16:39:50.941-07:00Caryn, I'm glad that you found the article hel...Caryn, I'm glad that you found the article helpful. Anne Rice's statements at least help us to understand how many people in the world feel about us. <br /><br />As you say, we will never have a 100% PR. But we should seek to win people over with love as much as we can. Yes, as you say, we should be known by our love.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing!James Noredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13707292759635770946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25422068.post-2145355694087470182010-08-04T11:45:03.780-07:002010-08-04T11:45:03.780-07:00I really appreciated this article James, and I pla...I really appreciated this article James, and I plan to share it on my wall. <br /><br />As far as your question regarding perception...I'm kind of pessimistic on that front. Christians get bad publicity because we do expect more out of a generation that simply resents being told how to behave (my opinion). <br /><br />The way to change that perception is to stop fighting among ourselves and to unite, in love. "They will know us by our love" right?YMinisterswifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01199938373104456135noreply@blogger.com