What would you do?

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Permalink Reply by The evidence based Stig on July 29, 2011 at 1:25am

It's all political now but it all first started because of different theology. To be honest, I doubt anyone involved even knows how it all started or what the differences actually are.

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Permalink Reply by ScribeD on July 29, 2011 at 2:50pm

For better or worse, part of how Christianity spread among the pagan Europeans was that Rome sought to make pagan kings into Christians. As a result, for centuries, there was political pressure to every generation of kings to seek the approval of, and to comply with, religious authority of the church of Rome.

 

That was all fine when you were dealing with pagan kings being converted. But a thousand years later, when the reformation took place, there was a sense of king's authority and power being threatened by this emerging movement which rejected that same authority of Rome. Because the authority of Kings became synonymous with Rome.

 

Worse than that, when Henry VIII turned coat against Rome, it was purely for the protection of his crown and so that his crown would pass on to future generations; Henry VIII had little for the actual reformation. What concerned him was passing on the crown to and heir. Dynasty means everything to a king - just look at the current Royal house in England! 

 

So, from Henry VIII until now there has been an unending dancing act going on, to protect political authority and it's relationship to the church. Ireland has perpetually threatened that for 400 years.You have to understand how kings, queens and political structures work. Ireland being allied with Rome has been hugely threatening to the throne of England for centuries - and it still is.

 

It's still all about politics. It always was. Don't imagine for a second that Windsor doesn't have concern for Vatican pressure even today. There are political forces that deliberately keep Ireland unstable on both sides of the political divide.

 

Yes, you're right, most folks have no concept of the theological matters. But, best thing you can do is keep seeking the guidance of the Spirit, so that you may be an agent for the only King that matters: King Jesus.

 

~Scribe

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Permalink Reply by Larry M. on July 25, 2011 at 8:18pm

How can a prophesying true Christian attend an event or ceremony that’s contradicting his beliefs? They say that matured Christians have no problem attending such kind but how about the new believers that will see us? Same goes for the some food we eat.
Family, friends and work mates are really hard to say no but what is our options? My option if it is a wedding or infant baptism is to go directly to the reception or the directly to the cemetery if it is funeral. My other option is to wait outside the Catholic Church.
It is really awful / funny moments attending the infant baptism or church wedding and not doing the things they do. The priest say things that i don't like and look at you, as if saying you don't belong here or we will be a bad influence to the baby. We must set limitations to such things like this... Before, I can't say no but as I grow in His grace options and ways are given by the Lord so the bridges of relationship for the good news will not be burned.

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Permalink Reply by Carla on July 25, 2011 at 8:33pm

Hi Michelle,

my thoughts....

My first response is that 'yes' i would attend the wedding..  or funeral.  Shine your light.  Show them Jesus..  let God do the rest.  If you go, it gives the message that you love them, and want to somehow be an influence in their lives.  If you don't go, you may possibly break the ties or possibility to speak into their lives in the future..  Take every opportunity to share the gospel..  even if it means setting the stage for sharing the gospel in the future..  Build the relationships now, so that they will know that you love them, and care for them....  not going may insult them and tear down the relationship.  They have invited you because they want you there. :-)

 

Blessings, Carla

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by The evidence based Stig on July 26, 2011 at 1:26am

I'd go without a moments hesitation. Friends and family are more important than religion/denomination

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Permalink Reply by ScribeD on July 28, 2011 at 6:22pm

Gladly.

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Permalink Reply by Rita Cullimore on July 29, 2011 at 5:39am

When Jesus, prayed to the Father in John 17, He mentioned the fact that we weren't taken out of the world but He prayed that we would be kept from Satan.

In this world we are going to be in the presence of one evil or another most of the time. We need to deal with that evil in a Christ-like manner. I think that this includes some functions that we attend. We need to follow what Scribe posted

"²⁷ If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. ²⁸ But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice, [to an idol]” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience."

Blessings,

Rita

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