Why is it...

[olger]

I appreciate that point Pam. It is a concern that I share.

I was made aware of this Wicca/occult conjunction at Faith House Manhattan by Anne Bjelica. Anne has studied this growing phenomenon for several years and has an excellent presentation on Youtube. She has also spoken at camp meetings along with Kindra Davidson.

Influential men are becoming aware of what is happening and are deeply concerned, including the GC president.

The Bible tells us clearly to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them." We must not excuse ourselves away from this command. We must fight falsehood with facts with grace.

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Woody

For instance ... I am now tied to the hip with Neil. I never thought I would see the day.

Woody don't count your chickens before there hatched. Lets go over to the politics threads and get a dose of reality. LOL What this shows me Woody is what I've said all along, that politics really interferes with how people relate to each other. It causes friends to not talk to each other, family members to not support each other, etc.

Pk. That may be true for some. But I take each issue and agree with those that I agree with. I don't let any one issue or even politics get in the way.

[Bravus]

Actually, the people on this board who see absolutely everything in party-political terms and always support those on their 'side' and attack those on the other 'side' are very much in the minority. I could name a large number of posters who take each issue on its merits, and sometime agree with people with qute different views from them.

Unfortunately confirmation bias is strong, and if someone is predisposed to see this place as two armed camps, they'll forget the times someone agrees with those outside the camp to which they've been assigned. Only evidence supporting the existing assumption will be recalled.

Have a look at the monthly Top Posters list and see which camp you'd assign each person in it to. Then *really* think for a bit... is their any disconfirming evidence? Anything that challenges that false dichotomy?

[Woody]

All of the above would explain why I rarely voice my opinions, especially on topics about which others have strong opinions. . .

I share your concern Dottie. It's no fun to be all jumped on for our beliefs.

[Woody]

Quote:

Have a look at the monthly Top Posters list and see which camp you'd assign each person in it to.

I was going to congratulate John317 for reaching 1000 posts on the list ... but upon a second look he's slipped to 999 so I will have to hold off on my congratulations to him.

[Neil D]

Really, everyone, I was only wondering why we pick and choose whose feelings we care about. That said, I think it is also incumbent on someone with knowledge to point out danger if it is seen. Does a friend let another friend drink poison just because it looks good and inviting?

I can see the analogy of preventing someone exercising thier faith when it's life threatening...I remember Ann Kemmel, in her book "I love the word 'impossible'". In it, she says I love the word "impossible", because she sees God doing the impossible in her life. She goes on to say that people lead of God do impossible things....How do they know? They test God. If God tells you to go into an airplane, and to jump, how do you know if you are lead of God? She says, 'you jump.' [Now, she is speaking figuratively, not literally.]

My other concern is when we see pastors go into bars, or a church member buy a Playboy magazine...What assumptions do we make? Pastors normally don't go into bars...Church members don't normally buy Playboy....Do we assume that they are guilty of secret sins and are secretly not in good standing with the church?

And how much does OUR values influence OUR perceptions? Do we see things that most do not see?

Pam, do you see things, because of your experience with the occult, that influences you in your perceptions? How much could that damage your assessment of other people reputations?

Tis a valid question......

[olger]

Being delivered from darkness give each of us a hearltfelt appreciation for light. Given the water of life, we gladly turn away from the broken cisterns or arrogance.

The Lord is able.