Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt
Peter,
You mentioned LCers as idolaters in your post. Personally, I have tried to be careful not to use that label. I am pointing at the sin of idolatry. I believe we are justified in Christ and must view each other in this light. However, this does not extend to ignoring sinful deeds. We are asked to confront sinful deeds in sincerity and truth with a right heart towards one another and the Lord. I know my addressment of this subject has brought me into question on this point (my heart towards others). I can't really defend myself on that issue.
|
Matt:
I think I wasn't clear. I mentioned "eating" only because Paul mentioned "not to even eat" with idolators - meaning, I think, not to even spend time with them.
I wasn't addressing your points about eating, I was addressing the fact that Paul specifically told the Corinthians that if there were idolators among them, they should not even eat (i.e. spend time with) such ones - they should, in fact, cast them out. That is, Paul defined idolatry in such a way that necessitated severe action. Does your definition of idolatry require the same severe action? The logic of your definition together with Paul's admonition would require me to refuse to sit down with anyone from the LC.
Secondly, I will challenge you on the "idolatrous"/"idolator" distinction. I am all for being careful not to confuse the person and the sin. But Paul's word in 1 Corinthians 5:11-12 was to Christians, each of which had been justified in Christ. In fact, he said that you don't need to necessarily stay away from unbelievers who are idolatrous (v. 10) - but you must refuse/cast out believers who are idolatrous.
How does one get from being "idolatrous" to being an "idolator"? I'd say, if they perpetuated idolatrous behavior unrepentantly even after being warned of their behavior, they've crossed into "idolator" territory. Thus, if the behavior in the LC is "idolatrous," then I think you skirt the issue by not saying they are "idolators" and all that goes with that. If we are going to be serious about idolatry, then we pursue it to its logical and scriptural conclusions. If the behavior you speak of is idolatry - the same idolatry that Paul was witnessing in Corinth - then we must not even sit down at a table with someone from the LC. Definitions have consequences. Defining something as "idolatry" has this consequence, according to the Word.
At one point, Thankful mentioned certain behavior being "in the principle of idolatry." Given that our response to real idolatry must be so stark (i.e. cast out the idolators), I think it is real dangerous to begin talking about the "in the principle of idolatry".
Does that clarify the point I was trying to make?
Peter