Questions and Answers?

[Born2BFree]

Solicitation for replies:

Question.

Is a question that is 'doctrinal' the same as a 'doctrinal' question?

When does orthodoxy restrict the spirit of inquiry?

[apothanein kerdos]

Well, in my opinion, nothing should be free from study. I've heard some pastors say that we shouldn't study certain things, and to an extent, they have a valid point. It's not wise to study Satanism in depth if you are not in a spiritual state to do so.

Overall, be careful what you question. The mind is a wonderful thing and an amazing tool that God has given us to utilize, however, the spirit has control over the mind. Thus, if our spirit is not in the right place when we study, then the studying will be in vain.

[Born2BFree]

The Bible tells us that it is better to be wise about things that are GOOD and ignorant about things that are evil. If one is a Deacon, it is not wise to be ignorant about the methods used by the enemy of our soul.

The purpose of the Christian is the glory of God.

All studies should seek to promote that purpose.

Christians have an obligation to God and to others to provide the

best possible informed response to anyone asking a question about

God's 'glory'.

All things are pure to the pure, but to the wicked there is no clean thing.

[other one]

SuperJew, I agree and maybe a bit more. I'm not sure it is wise for anyone to study the depths of satanism no matter what the condition of your spirit.

I don't see any need, for the freedom from, and the release from will not come from knowledge, but the power of Christ and He already knows......

Just a little experience.....

[Guest charlie]

It's not wise to study Satanism in depth if you are not in a spiritual state to do so.

I agree. I've never set out to study satanism but I've read a couple of books that tell a little about things satanists have done and it depressed me for days afterward, "The Franklin Credit Union Scandal", "Murder, satanism and Child Abuse in Nebraska" by John DeCamp. I also read "Hostage to the Devil" by Fr. Malachi Martin; it was a book that had 5 cases of real life exorcisms; it scared the daylights out of me. These exorcists are "trained" in this topic and it's still dangerous for them. Some of the people in the book had "dabbled" in new-age and the occult when they became possessed. One of the case studies was about a young priest who'd become so intellectualized that he became possessed.

Scary stuff; best to avoid it and keep your eyes on Jesus Christ.

Edited September 11, 2004 by charlie

[apothanein kerdos]

If one is to defeat his enemy and bring over his followers, one must understand his tactics and what has them enslaved.

[johnP]

Hello Born2BFree.

When does orthodoxy restrict the spirit of inquiry?

Never.

The purpose of the Christian is the glory of God.

And to enjoy Him forever. This also brings much glory to God.

If one is to defeat his enemy and bring over his followers, one must understand his tactics and what has them enslaved.

Sound tactics Super Jew.

We are all given different tasks and the grace needed to accomplish the work intended. Nothing is beyond our remit.

1 Cor 9:20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

I know whatever comes comes from God but I also believe we can share in that blessing. If we study, I did the J.w's and now Mormonism, we study to understand what makes people tick.

Since we are to witness then we should do so with all our might and that means we need a knowledge of where the other is.

Just quoting scripture is good. Quoting scripture appropriately is better.

I disagree about 'one must understand' but it is better to be up on the lingo and it shows compassion for the lost and a care for those we talk to.

How's that?

johnp

[Born2BFree]

One does not become a specialist on saten if he strives to learn more of God.

Whatsover is good, clean, pure, of good report...think on these things. There is also a place for prudence and her children.