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Dave:Thanks for taking a 'run' at it. I'm surprized
at your response to #1 and, I'll attempt to elucidate. As to #2, I'm afraid it's
a 'Roseanne Roseanna Danna thingy. (I said Evangelicalism NOT
Evangelism)!
I believe that thinking shoul be 'open structured'.
You've read me on this previously so, I'll not repeat myself. I also believe
that Who Jesus Is is absolutely central to the gospel.(See the Nicean Creed).
There are distinctives, not historically but in contrast to current evangelical
thought, that I espouse (see them best articulated in the archives by Bill
Taylor). Given this, I never cease to subject my beliefs to critical
questioning. Not unlike yourself, I do this best with those who do not simply
offer a caricature of that which I believe.
I not only could but do offer a critique of my own
theology regularly. (Get to the point, Lance) This is that which I sought from
yourself.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: June 04, 2005 20:30
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] A public request
to DaveH
Lance Muir wrote:
You've outlined your reasons for being here on
numerous occasions, Dave. You write well. You read well. You've
undoubtedly learned much. DAVEH: Thank you for
the kind words, Lance. Though I'm not sure I quite deserve
them....
Would you kindly consider the
following:
1. Write a description of Mormonism, as if you
were a non-Mormon, utilizing the information you've gleaned while being a
participant on TT? DAVEH: I'm afraid I
don't know how to do that. I think I am far too biased to ever write
such from a non-LDS viewpoint.
2. Write a description of Evangelicalism, from
a Mormon persepctive, utilizing the information you've gleaned while being a
participant on TT? DAVEH: ???
I'm not sure I can do that either. What I see on TT appears not to be
evangelism from my (LDS biased) perspective. Maybe if you would define
it as you perceive it, the perhaps I could offers my thoughts.
Let me explain how I perceive evangelism, and then
you can correct (or enlighten) me if I am wrong. I see evangelism as a
way or calling to spread the gospel of the Lord. I don't see that
happening in TT though. While many have expressed a desire to bring
others to Jesus, what appears to happen on TT is quite the opposite.
What is said seems to have more an opposing force, rather than an attractive
effect.
Let me give you an example. To a
committed Mormon, having their holy underwear waved in their faces at
Conference time is an abomination, and would cause many to recoil rather than
be attracted to the message. Similarly, if another TTer takes what I
find holy and tries to embarrass me with it in TT, would you think I would be
attracted to the person trying to denigrate my beliefs? So where's
evangelism in TT? Instead I see strife and intended conflict. It
almost seems some folks are here to witness the blood an carnage, if not being
the perpetrators of such themselves. Maybe it's like a wrestling
match. Do people really watch wrestling to see good triumph over evil,
or do they instead simply want to see two guys brutalize one another.
IOW....the more blood drawn, the more enthused the crowd. Those who do
not enjoy seeing the blood, simply leave the arena after getting their fill of
it. Perhaps those of us who remain have a high capacity for the talk
that is less true and more battle. So....Has TT merely become a
spectator sport in a virtual world of TruthTalk gladiators and not much
else?
It need not be some multi-page,
to-be-published, document. Just do what you've already demonstrated that you
do well. DAVEH: I may have failed you on that
one, Lance. I don't think I can step aside my LDS biases enough to give
you that view. And, I suspect we have two strikingly different
understandings of evangelism. If you want me to elaborate, you'll have
to define evangelism as you understand it.
I. and every thoughtful participant on TT,
understands that you draw a distinction between believers &
non-believers which places 'us' in the
NB category. DAVEH: Not at all, Lance. As
far as I've seen, I think all TTers are believers. We just don't believe
all the same things. For that matter, I don't think there are any two
TTers who believe alike. But in my book, that doesn't mean they are all
unbelievers.
As I see it though,
believing is simply not enough to achieve salvation.
I'm genuinely interested in this. Unless
the moderator objects DAVEH: You mean besides
objecting to my definition of evangelism, or do you think he will
object to me teaching you what I think? :-)
I'd really like to hear you on both of the
above.
Lance
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dave Hansen
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.langlitz.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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