How do you talk to other Christians that have a different theological belief and practice then your own?

[EverlastingWinter]

This has been a thought for a little while and wanted to see how others react and respond.


I have seen two sides on how people talk to one another and talk about others because of their differences in theological belief,church and practice. I ask this to see how others would respond to Christians from different denominations and if it is negative..........why?

I am unsure if this is just me however I was raised to shut the door on some people that was wanting to discuss the Lord our savior, because of their theological belief and as result I had negative interpretations on some 'types' of christian.As I have studied the numerous theological beliefs in Christianity to determine where I reside I ask why would people act so harshly to others? Has anyone had similar experiences?


I am Anglican however studying the Catholic Bible to assess if I am going to be Roman Catholic ( There is more I am looking into however this is not relevant to the post), I dislike seeing others treat those with different theological beliefs harshly or begin those criticisms which unfortunately I see most of the time. I've seen it and had to defend myself just by considering looking into other theological beliefs.


This sounds a little accusatory however it is not the case, I just want to see how others respond to those that have different beliefs, mine is mainly out of curiosity and I like to ask questions and answer them in return. If there is a difference we discuss but instead of arguing there is an agree-to-disagree moment. This has only occurred maybe twice, I have had the privilege to talk to two true Christians and the conversations where memorable and delightful.


What always comes to mind is 'Love thy neighbor' which leads me to believe that people should show kindness and love to those around them, regardless of differences or disagreements.


Hope everyone has a lovely day,


Winter

 

[complete]

And now I beseech thee, lady,
.. not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee,
.... but that which we had from the beginning,
...... that we love one another.
........ And this is love, that we walk after His commandments.
............ This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
.............. For many deceivers are entered into the world,
................ who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
.................. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Look to yourselves,
.. that we lose not those things which we have wrought,
.... but that we receive a full reward.
...... Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
........ He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If there come any unto you,
.. and bring not this doctrine,
.... receive him not into your house,
...... neither bid him God speed:
........ For he that biddeth him God speed
.......... is partaker of his evil deeds.'
(2 John 1:5-11)

Hello @EverlastingWinter,

Above is a portion of Scripture dealing with this subject.

There is nothing preventing us fellowshipping with other believers, except in regard to those who deny the deity of Christ, the reason why is clearly stated.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[B-A-C]

How do you talk to other Christians that have a different theological belief and practice then your own?​

It depends. How is that for ambiguous?

There are certain subjects, that we are allowed to disagree on. Is the rapture, pre-trib, mid-trib, or post trib? It doesn't matter all that much. because your salvation doesn't depend on those things.
But there are other doctrines, that are non-negotiable. The deity of Jesus for example, is a required belief in order for you to be saved.

2Tim 2:23; But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
2Tim 2:24; The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
2Tim 2:25; with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,
2Tim 2:26; and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

On the other hand...

2Jn 1:9; Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
2Jn 1:10; If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;
2Jn 1:11; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

So their beliefs are a part of it, but if they are a hypocritical "Christian" is the other part of it.

1Cor 5:11; But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

Finally, there are people who call themselves Christians, and say they believe the Bible, but when you really pin them down, they don't.

2Cor 11:3; But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
2Cor 11:4; For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you put up with this willingly.

Gal 1:6; I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
Gal 1:7; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8; But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
Gal 1:9; As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

 

[Hekuran]

Hold tightly to the essential things, be gracious with everything else. For me, the essentials are trusting in Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and following him in everything we do.

If a person is following Jesus, then we are travelling in the same direction; we can sort out differences (or set them to one side) on the journey.

The examples B-A-C quotes above concern behaviour as much as belief. For example, the Galatian church's eating arrangement, immorality in Corinth, John highlights "iving according to truth". Today I think we are quick to judge others according to beliefs and doctrines, but not so discerning when it comes to "living according to the truth" or "loving one another". If someone holds identical beliefs to me yet is full of venom and anger in their speech and behaviour towards other, I'd be inclined to keep a respectful distance.

 

[MedicBravo]

The Judge, Creator, and Authority in all things has spoken. Our opinions are irrelevant.

 

[Garee]

Hold tightly to the essential things, be gracious with everything else. For me, the essentials are trusting in Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and following him in everything we do.

If a person is following Jesus, then we are travelling in the same direction; we can sort out differences (or set them to one side) on the journey.

The examples B-A-C quotes above concern behaviour as much as belief. For example, the Galatian church's eating arrangement, immorality in Corinth, John highlights "iving according to truth". Today I think we are quick to judge others according to beliefs and doctrines, but not so discerning when it comes to "living according to the truth" or "loving one another". If someone holds identical beliefs to me yet is full of venom and anger in their speech and behaviour towards other, I'd be inclined to keep a respectful distance.

I would agree . The Bible informs us there must be differences in opinion called heresies among us .Christ did not come to bring peace on earth he sends his apostles out as ambassadors with a warning that we do not need man to teach us (antichrists) . Did God really say you shall die ?

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

In that way oral traditions (heresies) are allowed like Easter, labor day, 4th July, or Christmas etc because they do not do despite to the fullness of grace the whole cost of salvation.

Some sects as antichrists do despite to the fullness of grace of God in both the Old and New Testament .Beginning in the old passed on to the new with damnable heresies Again not all are judgeable as in no light .

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

 

[MedicBravo]

I would agree . The Bible informs us there must be differences in opinion called heresies among us .Christ did not come to bring peace on earth he sends his apostles out as ambassadors with a warning that we do not need man to teach us (antichrists) . Did God really say you shall die ?

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

In that way oral traditions (heresies) are allowed like Easter, labor day, 4th July, or Christmas etc because they do not do despite to the fullness of grace the whole cost of salvation.

Some sects as antichrists do despite to the fullness of grace of God in both the Old and New Testament .Beginning in the old passed on to the new with damnable heresies Again not all are judgeable as in no light .

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

I would suggest that even when using one or a few verses to included a few before and after in context.
We know that 1 Corinthians was addressed to them that such things would continue in the future. With God and the wisdom in the Bible, I see that many would be ignorant (not knowing) of so many things.
July 4th isn't an issue. It's a valid reasons for celebration the official creation/birth of one's country. In that, the basis of all that is good for the country is established.
Regardless of Christmas' "supposedly EVIL origins", that is not what it is about. The season is a great time of year and more so as a young kid.
Too many think we can't call out false prophets b/c most have a title before their name. So what? It largely means that a person has met the Minimum requirements for something. There are bad people in all professions.
One doesn't need to be "church titled" to call them out. Anyone can with the proper knowledge. Most recently, "pastor" Greg Locke has publicly aligned himself with heretic Benny Hinn. Knowing the minimum about Hinn and the blasphemy of the Prosperity and Charasmatic movements they are to be avoided and by God, shunned.

 

[Br. Bear]

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29



Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:6

 

[MedicBravo]

1. If you're not well versed on a topic keep your mouth shut.
2. Walk softly and carry the Good Book.

If we study consistently and interact with other good Christians then ministering to and spreading God to others is done efficiently.
God is going to "offend" people and hurt their "fee fees" b/c Truth will do that. It can be done right; without subjective opinion and insults.

 

[vhusley]

A good idea is to always start from a position of “what we can agree on.“ For example, if two believers from different denominations can first agree that the Bible is God’s spoken word, that it is inerrant, and doesn’t contradict itself; that all scripture is, God,-breathed or God-inspired and profitable for teaching….. then that is a very good starting point!

Too many times, I believe we begin spiritual discussions from a position of “what we don’t agree on.”

 

[Christ4Ever]

This has been a thought for a little while and wanted to see how others react and respond.


I have seen two sides on how people talk to one another and talk about others because of their differences in theological belief,church and practice. I ask this to see how others would respond to Christians from different denominations and if it is negative..........why?

I am unsure if this is just me however I was raised to shut the door on some people that was wanting to discuss the Lord our savior, because of their theological belief and as result I had negative interpretations on some 'types' of christian.As I have studied the numerous theological beliefs in Christianity to determine where I reside I ask why would people act so harshly to others? Has anyone had similar experiences?


I am Anglican however studying the Catholic Bible to assess if I am going to be Roman Catholic ( There is more I am looking into however this is not relevant to the post), I dislike seeing others treat those with different theological beliefs harshly or begin those criticisms which unfortunately I see most of the time. I've seen it and had to defend myself just by considering looking into other theological beliefs.


This sounds a little accusatory however it is not the case, I just want to see how others respond to those that have different beliefs, mine is mainly out of curiosity and I like to ask questions and answer them in return. If there is a difference we discuss but instead of arguing there is an agree-to-disagree moment. This has only occurred maybe twice, I have had the privilege to talk to two true Christians and the conversations where memorable and delightful.


What always comes to mind is 'Love thy neighbor' which leads me to believe that people should show kindness and love to those around them, regardless of differences or disagreements.


Hope everyone has a lovely day,


Winter

Dear Winter,
Simple meet them at the Cross.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[Curtis]

Jas 3:13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
Jas 3:14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.
Jas 3:15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.
Jas 3:16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.(NLT)

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
Jas 3:18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (NLT)

Luk 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Luk 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.

Wisdom (Wisdom from above) which is understanding (Prov 14:33) of God's word and His ways is always justified by all of her children whom she brings with her. Wisdom's children are these.

first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

 

[complete]

Subject Heading:- How do you talk to other Christians that have a different theological belief and practice then your own?​

Hello @EverlastingWinter,

With lovingkindness, mercy and grace, knowing that we ourselves have been saved by God's own mercy and grace and are the recipients of His lovingkindness.

I believe I would listen, and let them speak, before telling them where we were in agreement, and where there were areas of disagreement I would ask if they were willing to sit down, and open their Bibles with me, so that we could look at the Scriptures together, which were relevant to the subjects concerned, and let the Scriptures themselves speak. Praying that the Lord would be the Arbiter in our search and related discussion, and give us opened understanding to know the truth regarding the subject under discussion, and hearts that would be willing to receive and acknowledge it.

That would also necessitate that before entering into an exchange of this kind, we ourselves would have to study and mark the relevant Scriptures associated with what we ourselves believe, in order to give answer appropriately, and be equipped with the Scriptures required: which would also be the means of increasing our own knowledge and understanding, and thereby feed our spirits upon the word of God and be nourished up in the truth. To the praise of His glory!

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris