I was sitting here today reading through posts and I seem to gathering a general sentiment.

It seems more and more people are becoming satisfied arguing over pointless things. These types of arguments can cause contention in an otherwise benign, harmless, non-fundamental doctrinal discussion.

Of course I have no problem with, and actually support, a staunch stance against fundamental differences, and even downright separation from heretical veiwpoints that deviate from fundamental doctrine.

But I ask you all to please think about something. Make a decision in your mind whether something is worth arguing about.

99% precent of the time an argument based on trivial doctrine is caused by pride. It is an argument that Jesus avoided. The typical doctrinal questions about taxes to Caesar, stoning the adulteress, etc. Jesus never answered them according to their folly or kept on the subject. He identified the heart behind the accusations and dealt with them accordingly.

Yes, before any of you decide to settle in your mind against me the fact that they were Pharisees, I am well aware of that fact.

I simply ask you to check your heart. This is no way should affect the doctrinal statement of faith here on the site for you, nor am I asking you to do so. If you do not agree with the fundamental statements made here on the statement of faith, then I urge you to go elsewhere, this is not the site to which you should be posting. We expect for people to read, understand, and agree with the Statement of Faith here. We are giving the benefit of the doubt to people who post here, that they are in agreement with the SoF(statement of faith). the rest of doctrinal topics, really should remain benign and friendly, and you all just need to understand and accept the fact that people have different viewpoints about biblical non-fundamental doctrine.

It(the SoF) is posted below this post in case you need to read it again. While I do not limit my doctrine to a statement of faith, it does a fairly decent job of stating a persons general outline of his/her fundamental doctrine. All the rest, is really trivial and doesn't need to cause a heated argument.

Sometimes I think that people so bent on defending their point of view over doctrine has become so convoluted, they shudder at the thought of love and charity. they think "I will NOT compromise my doctrine at the idea of people decrying charity!"

This is so sad. Have we become this way? Has doctrine become so all-fired important that there is no room for love and charity? Have we forgotten 1 Cor. 14:40?

Let all things be done decently and in order.

and Romans 12:9,10?

12:9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;


I am also locking this post because this is simply something for all of us to think about, not whether or not you agree with me.

Love in Christ,

Jim