"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our Lord stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

24 February 2006

When to Just Walk Away...

Well, I wasn't expecting as much commentary on my previous post as I got. Clearly things have simmered down a bit but there are still opposing views. It was never my intent to mix things up any further or get into lengthy debates, but I have to tell you that I still have an uneasiness about the whole "dispute".

My original intent in writing my last post was primarily to defend Marla. I do not know Marla personally and I had only visited her site once or twice before this controversy, but I felt the need to stand up for her a bit anyway. My understanding of what she had said that started off the whole controversy, which was initially based only on reading other people's posts/comments in response to her posts, was not the same conclusion that I reached when I actually went through and read her posts myself. I felt that some of what she had said was misinterpreted and some of it blown a bit out of proportion so I felt the need to give my point of view on the whole thing.

That said, I still feel like some of the facts are being missed. Do I post again on the subject in hopes to find clarity or do I just walk away? That's what I have been struggling with. There have been times in my life where I have gotten into a debate with someone and finally had to just give up because it was clear that the other person and I were on two different wavelengths. They were arguing about why an orange is orange and I was arguing about why an apple is red. Those are the times it's just better to walk away.

I'm thinking this may be one of those times.

However I am struggling because I feel like in a way that I've backed down. In an attempt to keep peace, I have backed off a bit on my stance so as not to upset others. But sometimes the truth is upsetting.

I did go back and read through Marla's posts again - a print out of all of her posts - and went through it slowly, making notes. I do disagree with a few of her points but I agree with even more. I thought all of her posts were very well-written and well thought-out. Could she have said things in a more neutral manner so as not to upset other people? Sure. Does that then negate everything she said? I don't think so. There were alot of nuggets of truth in her posts and I am glad that she's willing to stand up for what she thinks is important.

So if you read this Marla, I still support you.

Sometimes Christians get stuck on the minutia and miss the big picture - it happens. Sometimes Christians disagree on the non-doctrinal stuff - that's okay. And some Christians duck the hard stuff while other Christians get tired of being politically-correct: I'm not sure which is worse.

But we are still one body and should treat each other with as much if not more dignity than we would treat someone outside the body.

And please, if your knowledge of Marla's stance on this issue is all second-hand, please read through all of her posts before deciding your opinion on what you think she has to say.

And if you think anything I have said thus far is unscriptural, please let me know.

5 comments:

Corina Bowen said...

I am glad you are walking away from this age old battle. Say what you believe then let them work out their own salvation. One thing I have learned in the Mission field is Christ loved them all, reguardless if they believed in him or not.
I enjoy your blog.. and have it on my favorites list that I check quite often.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate the effort and time you've spent on this, and your willingness to take a stand for your beliefs. Admirable!

Carol said...

I'd just underscore what HolyMama said. If you feel the need to take a stand, do so. And you have a very loving way about it, too!

Carrie said...

Thanks ladies for the comments, they mean alot to me.

This whole issue has offered me many opportunities to evaluate some of the things I do and believe and that's never a bad thing, at least for me. Now I just need to find the time to get into the scripture and figure some things out.

I'm still sad that some of the important issues raised here have gotten lost in the heat of the battle but I have to leave it up to God to work that out.

eph2810 said...

As always I am late on everything. But I want to agree with Holymama! and Carol your two posts. You have stated the facts in the most loving way and you are shining His light to the world. Thank you for your loving posts.

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