Re: [asa] Can we use Christian Charity?

I said "may be seen as". This should be seen in the context of
Augustine's fair warnings. As far as trying to find the truth in a
gentleman fashion, I have extensively attempted to correct the more
obvious flaws in Janice's postings, I have explained to her the cost
of (Christians) repeating arguments from ignorance. To little or no
avail.
I can understand why you would like to prevent people from posting but
I fail to understand why pointing out the cost of allowing ignorance
to persist is somehow un-Christian.
As such I believe I have dealt with Janice in a Christian manner.
However, in the end, one should call it as it is. As Christians we
have both the task of being Christian towards our fellow people, as
well as showing (strong) guidance where needed. Pointing out the cost
of repeating ignorance, especially when combined with Christian faith
can come at an incredible cost to science AND faith. Speaking out is
the Christian thing to do, even if the comments may seem to be 'harsh'
at first, they are made out of concern for science and faith.

On 1/9/07, James Mahaffy <mahaffy@dordt.edu> wrote:
> Pim said:
>
> But between godhood and the total ignorant, there are a lot of
> gradations. Personally, I expect myself to familiarize myself with
> both sides of the story before presenting something as the 'truth'.
> Janice's track record has been quite poor in this area.
> That's all. Personally, I believe we should encourage Janice to
> improve her background research, as her comments may be seen as
> ignorance and an ignorance typical of Christians.
>
> Pim you just said "an ignorance typical of Christians"
> That is a totally unwarranted slam at Christians and I suspect simply is
> not true if you look at the history of science. I am tired of a few
> folks
> (not just the author of this post) slamming people
> and not disagreeing or even trying to find truth in a gentlemanly
> manner.
> While some of us disagree strongly with YEC and ID and see it
> as leading the church astray, I see no reason why even those
> strong feelings can not be posted without slamming or using any
> opportunity
> to pick on the groups we don't like. Yes I know lists are often
> dominated by a few folks
> that like to make their point by the unkind manner in which they pick on
> others,
> but I do not think that is the Christian way of discourse. In the
> spirit of Mathew 18, I
> first shared my feelings privately with PIM yesterday - but he sadly
> continues to
> post in the same manner. Maybe it is time to say if posters on this
> list can not use Christian charity
> in talking about fellow Christians they should refrain for a while [a
> week] from posting on this list.
>
>
> Remember that this
> group is not just about science but also about faith. As such we
> should remain very aware of Augustine's wise words.
>
> But because as you said Pim that this list is about faith we have to
> deal
> with those Christians we don't like in a Christianly manner.
>
> James Mahaffy (mahaffy@dordt.edu) Phone: 712 722-6279
> 498 4th Ave NE
> Biology Department FAX : 712
> 722-1198
> Dordt College, Sioux Center IA 51250-1697
>
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Received on Tue Jan 9 14:11:36 2007