Should your church allow people who practice witchcraft ..... black magic ...astrology ...... living together ( unmarried ) ..... drunkeness ..... to be considered members in good standing ?
2007-04-01 04:02:42 · 16 answers · asked by burlingtony 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, these are all practices which the Bible condemns (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Galations 5:19-21), so you can't be in good standing while practising these things. Though they could attend and learn and eventually when these practises are completely behind them and they have changed then they may be able to come into a good standing (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
2007-04-01 04:39:23 · answer #1 · answered by north_lights20 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that man has the right to judge others behavior unless that behavior is deliberately being used to cause problems within the church. God will make the judgement in his own way and in his own time. Members in good standing is like saying that some people are better than others and I personally do not believe that God/Jesus would be very happy with that idea. A similar "rule" in our church is that if you don't take communion at least once every three months you are not considered active. That is just plain silly.
2007-04-01 11:09:26 · answer #2 · answered by Poohcat1 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Funny! The church I used to belong to would have made people feel very unwelcome if they practiced anything they weren't told was acceptable. Members in good standing, Funny! It is true however that if you donated much money to the church, the elders might forgive you of your sins a lot faster or maybe ignore them completely!
2007-04-01 11:15:13 · answer #3 · answered by Libby 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Our fellowship has no written dress code outside Scripture. I guess you could say it is much like the old quote -- No book but the Bible, no creed but Christ and no law but love.
Anyone who attends is assumed to be free of any type of smoking or drinking, any occult practice, adultery or gambling. watching TV, etc. The women do not cut their hair, wear long dresses or anything pertaining to men. There is more but I will spare you; except to say that creeds and codes of conduct are also avoided.
If you look in the book of Acts you will find that people were afraid to join with the Christians. If a church or group is obedient to the word of God; people today probably won't be looking to join with you anyway.
2007-04-01 11:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by Tommy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends on what denomination of church it is. Some religions and denominations thereof are quite accepting and liberal towards that views and actions of others. There are, however, religious people who think anyone who does not follow their teachings to the letter are heathens. So it would therefore depend on what church you are speaking of.
2007-04-01 11:08:17 · answer #5 · answered by dawn h 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, why not, when all the leaders keep getting caught with major "sins" in their own houses... Not allowing Gays as full members, and having church leaders looking for gay pros at night is beyond hypocritical..
2007-04-01 11:11:10 · answer #6 · answered by XX 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Back before I saw the blessed light and became a devout atheist (a looonnngg time ago it was ) , my former Church's' only code of conduct was that you knew how to reach deep into your pocket and that you didn't snore too loudly...
2007-04-01 11:08:07 · answer #7 · answered by conx-the-dots 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
My church has a code of conduct and the examples you mention would all not be considered members in good standing.
However, they would be welcome to attend and learn about the teachings of the church if they feel taht it could help them improve their lives and become happier.
2007-04-01 11:12:19 · answer #8 · answered by Kerry 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Who said you have to be a member.
You do not have to be a member.
No where does it say you have to be a member.
I am not a member and never have been.
I just attend when I want to.
Mostly Bible studies, don't need the preach.
2007-04-01 11:09:05 · answer #9 · answered by chris p 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, aside from drunkenness (though they don't say we cannot drink at all) our church not only allows, but supports and advocates for all of these things.
2007-04-01 11:13:59 · answer #10 · answered by SDTerp 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋