By What Measure Do We Dispense Charity?

The following inquiry came up in a discussion earlier this weekend and I wanted to remember this exchange because I think it is critically important in our outlook and participation on this internet media. We hammer and are hammered until our crowns are bruised and keep coming back for more. Sometimes it is good to step back and recognize that something is wrong. The LORD knows I need several steps to be in league with many of my considerably more meek brethren. A Calvinist fellow asked the following and I replied as noted below.

It saddens me
that the division between Arminianism and Calvinism can cause some to actually believe that one or the other is not a Christian. Am I missing something or do we not agree on the essentials of the faith to remain in the same body of Christ? 

Are there any here (besides you know who you are...) that really do believe that one or the other cannot be a Christian and maintain either the Arminian view or Calvinistic view?

God bless.

This has been a long standing problem with sectarian zealots regardless of what side of the fence they stand. Admittedly I have a bias here. I see FAR more of such among your Reformed fellows here and elsewhere. I think that is an honest observation although I am sure several would disagree. There are souls on this board who claim an affinity for Arminianism but they neither know it's doctrines or the love of the brethren that it's leading lights expressed. They are in a word or two, internet jockeys. The same is true of your Reformed fellows. One in this thread has posted a link to a schismatic article openly challenging the Christianity of much of the body of Christ. This is evidence not of faith in Christ but trusting in a learned theology. As soon as a zealot moves to the place where he or she denounces the work of Christ in another fellow's life because of sharp differences from their particular ecclesiastical view, I believe they have lost their first love and that has nothing to do with Calvinism or Arminianism.

Somebody who professes the love of Christ, adhering to the established orthodox tenets of the early Christian community i.e. Nicene creed should not have to endure the scurrilous attacks launched by sectarian zealots against their trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. That doesn't matter whether it is directly on this board, preached in your churches or published on your internet sites and in your tomes.

 

Blessings In Christ

Trav