What You're Saying by Motte Brown on 11/04/2006 at 6:11 AM

Introductions and a Halloween Story

I've heard of Hell Houses. There are different kinds with different setups. The one I heard a lot about was the one where there was a plane crash simulation and some people went to heaven and others to hell. Well, I'm sure heaven was great, but one person who had to "experience" hell said that people dressed as demons were flying and swooping down on the people in hell. He said that it was pretty creepy.

The Hell House I went to was not that spectacular, but I think for me and probably for the other Christians that were there with me, it served as a reminder of the seriousness of sin. However, I think that when it comes to non-Christians and witnessing, the "scare people to Jesus" tactic is not very effective compared to when it was used in the 18th century. I think that now, Christians really have to understand what they believe and why they believe it (not to say that the Christian leaders in the 1700s didn't).

We just can't say, you're doing this sin and you are going to hell and expect people to fall on their knees feeling immense guilt. Also, we have to be good listeners and really see where people are coming from. People don't want to be condemned and told they are doing something wrong. Yet, people really do want to know the grace and love of God and the freedom that comes from Christ.

Amber

* * *

John Kerry's Low Estimation of College Students

Though I myself lean towards the conservative spectrum of politics and did not vote for Senator Kerry in the previous election, I still must "be fair" by saying that Senator Kerry's spokesmen say his quote was taken out of context. And yet, even if it was, indeed, taken out of context, Senator Kerry (or whomever writes his speeches) should've known better and not included that in the speech. Even if you (and/or your political party) doesn't support the country's involvement in a particular war or military effort, it should be a no-brainer that you don't insult the troops involved, for even citizens who agree with your anti-war stance could still think such a statement is distasteful, insulting, etc.

Marc

* * *

You say you're repulsed by John Kerry's "denigration of the US military". However, instead of saying "If you don't (make an effort to be smart), you get stuck in Iraq" apparently Kerry meant to say "If you don't, you get us stuck in Iraq" -- apparently aimed at George W Bush, not US Troops.

Either way, as an Australian, I don't have an opinion of the matter -- I'm not much of a fan of Bush, and less so of Kerry. I just thought someone should put forward a defense for Kerry.

I heard this "correction" reported in my state newspaper (The Courier Mail in Queensland) and imagine it was reported in the US too.

Leah

* * *

Questioning Contraception

While Plan B is certainly something I do not support, I'd be very interested in hearing your opinions on using contraception within marriage. I have heard varying points of view on the subject, ranging from a strict adherence to using birth control, to believing that it's unbiblical to limit God's plan. What's your take?

Cherise

* * *

Ted Haggard's Sin

I found Ted Slater's responses to Pastor Ted Haggard's troubles and those of Senator John Kerry to be revealing. If each of these men has done something sinful, or simply unwise, why would Christians not respond to both situations by praying for the men and their families?

Both Haggard and Kerry are Christians. There's a difference in the nature of what each has done, of course, but the difference of Slater's response to Senator Kerry's indiscretion (calling his actions offensive, printing an unflattering picture) and his response to Pastor Haggard's sin (prayer, prayer, and more prayer) suggests that perhaps Boundless has been blinded by political animosity rather than consumed by Christian love in this particular case.

Laura

* * *

Your response was soothing. The title of your article and what is in the article are different. We are not even sure, as you mentioned in your article, that Ted Haggard sinned, so why title the article "Ted Haggard's Sin"? I guess it was just to get people's attention.

I hope a lot of Christians read your response. We should learn that when we attack another that we are actually attacking ourselves because we are all members of one body. Even if the man sinned, as Jesus said, he who has not sinned should be first to throw a stone. We should not be instruments and become accusers, which is exactly what the enemy intends this to be.

We should all remember that we are saved by grace and if that thinks he stands, should take heed lest he fall. Even if we eventually find out that Ted Haggard sinned, in the midst of whatever discipline, we should should not forget to balance it with love. May His grace continue to sustain us all.

Opeyemi

What You're Saying by Motte Brown on 11/04/2006 at 6:11 AM

Introductions and a Halloween Story

I've heard of Hell Houses. There are different kinds with different setups. The one I heard a lot about was the one where there was a plane crash simulation and some people went to heaven and others to hell. Well, I'm sure heaven was great, but one person who had to "experience" hell said that people dressed as demons were flying and swooping down on the people in hell. He said that it was pretty creepy.

The Hell House I went to was not that spectacular, but I think for me and probably for the other Christians that were there with me, it served as a reminder of the seriousness of sin. However, I think that when it comes to non-Christians and witnessing, the "scare people to Jesus" tactic is not very effective compared to when it was used in the 18th century. I think that now, Christians really have to understand what they believe and why they believe it (not to say that the Christian leaders in the 1700s didn't).

We just can't say, you're doing this sin and you are going to hell and expect people to fall on their knees feeling immense guilt. Also, we have to be good listeners and really see where people are coming from. People don't want to be condemned and told they are doing something wrong. Yet, people really do want to know the grace and love of God and the freedom that comes from Christ.

Amber

* * *

John Kerry's Low Estimation of College Students

Though I myself lean towards the conservative spectrum of politics and did not vote for Senator Kerry in the previous election, I still must "be fair" by saying that Senator Kerry's spokesmen say his quote was taken out of context. And yet, even if it was, indeed, taken out of context, Senator Kerry (or whomever writes his speeches) should've known better and not included that in the speech. Even if you (and/or your political party) doesn't support the country's involvement in a particular war or military effort, it should be a no-brainer that you don't insult the troops involved, for even citizens who agree with your anti-war stance could still think such a statement is distasteful, insulting, etc.

Marc

* * *

You say you're repulsed by John Kerry's "denigration of the US military". However, instead of saying "If you don't (make an effort to be smart), you get stuck in Iraq" apparently Kerry meant to say "If you don't, you get us stuck in Iraq" -- apparently aimed at George W Bush, not US Troops.

Either way, as an Australian, I don't have an opinion of the matter -- I'm not much of a fan of Bush, and less so of Kerry. I just thought someone should put forward a defense for Kerry.

I heard this "correction" reported in my state newspaper (The Courier Mail in Queensland) and imagine it was reported in the US too.

Leah

* * *

Questioning Contraception

While Plan B is certainly something I do not support, I'd be very interested in hearing your opinions on using contraception within marriage. I have heard varying points of view on the subject, ranging from a strict adherence to using birth control, to believing that it's unbiblical to limit God's plan. What's your take?

Cherise

* * *

Ted Haggard's Sin

I found Ted Slater's responses to Pastor Ted Haggard's troubles and those of Senator John Kerry to be revealing. If each of these men has done something sinful, or simply unwise, why would Christians not respond to both situations by praying for the men and their families?

Both Haggard and Kerry are Christians. There's a difference in the nature of what each has done, of course, but the difference of Slater's response to Senator Kerry's indiscretion (calling his actions offensive, printing an unflattering picture) and his response to Pastor Haggard's sin (prayer, prayer, and more prayer) suggests that perhaps Boundless has been blinded by political animosity rather than consumed by Christian love in this particular case.

Laura

* * *

Your response was soothing. The title of your article and what is in the article are different. We are not even sure, as you mentioned in your article, that Ted Haggard sinned, so why title the article "Ted Haggard's Sin"? I guess it was just to get people's attention.

I hope a lot of Christians read your response. We should learn that when we attack another that we are actually attacking ourselves because we are all members of one body. Even if the man sinned, as Jesus said, he who has not sinned should be first to throw a stone. We should not be instruments and become accusers, which is exactly what the enemy intends this to be.

We should all remember that we are saved by grace and if that thinks he stands, should take heed lest he fall. Even if we eventually find out that Ted Haggard sinned, in the midst of whatever discipline, we should should not forget to balance it with love. May His grace continue to sustain us all.

Opeyemi