To One and All,

Those of us who tend to pride ourselves in debating each other over in-house issues ought to at least seriously consider the following: Many (if not most) cult-watch groups are beginning to classify Christian Churches and/or Churches of Christ as a “cult” or “heretical group”. That ought to serve as warning for those who insist on cozying up to the Evangelical mainstream.

I believe that the time has come to defend our Biblical position on baptism, not only among ourselves but especially when debating with Calvinist “spurgeonites” who insist that we teach baptismal regeneration, which is not the case of course. Yes, I understand your reservations and honestly wish that I could share them but I can’t. We must not stand idle as major Evangelical organizations mercilessly take pot shots at us. I would be so bold as to encourage all you debaters out there to start pointing your guns in another direction, mainly pointing to solfidian cult-watch web sites. Who knows, if enough of us voice a similar opinion, maybe we will get a fair hearing. The Catholics do it all the time – If you don’t believe me, just look at what happened with CRI. I will be contributing with links to websites that you should have a look at.

I welcome any feedback

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Answers

Philip,

Previously, about 90% of the threads on this forum wound there way back to the issue of the essentiality of baptism. (With E. Lee doing an Excellent job of relentlessly battling for the Truth concerning baptism.) Then, the decision was made to eliminate most the 'faith only' posters (we still have at least one borderline....) This took away most of the people who would post a 'faith only' view-point, and so discussion turned inward.... to such things as the use of instruments.

I have been thinking lately of suggesting that we welcome Connie and others back... at least then the discussion was about baptism and salvation.... rather than focusing on goading E. Lee.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Robin

I have also considered suggesting a return to an open forum. We have gone from battling the (Faith only) to battling only those of the faith. We have different views but can not reason without regressing to name calling and abandoning reason. At one time it was a joy to learn from the forum but now I am learning that men with great minds will still act like children. It is particularly disturbing to me because I deal with this type of behaviour 5 days a week in my work but would not expect such from brothers in Christ. I am retiring this week because I am tired of the bitterness and anger each day. I hope the forum changes so I do not have to leave it also. How about returning to a teaching forum.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Robin,

My point was the need to discuss Biblical baptism with cult-watch groups outside this thread. If we keep it to ourselves, we are wasting precious time that we could use more productively putting the pressure on the solofidians. What scares me more than anything is what the vice-president has defined as a potential terrorist group, namely a group that is “intolerant” in any shape, fashion or form. Here me now, if we get tagged as a “cult”, that will just streamline the governmental crackdown that is about to ensue just around the corner. Of course, a good number of solofidian organizations would be targets as well. Here's a link that you can begin with:

http://watchman.org/baptism.htm

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Faris,

Please help me to keep this thread on track by making remarks that deal with the question at hand. Thank You

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Robin,

I am curious as to who the "borderline" person might be?

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Methinks the lady doth protest too much.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001