When does it become a dangerous thing?
"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" -- Hebrews 12:15 KJV
2007-06-30 08:10:06 · 16 answers · asked by Dr. G™ 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yay! 7 stars! Thanks Jane M! {{{Jane M}}}
2007-06-30 13:19:29 · update #1
Not necessarily. The ancient Samaritans strongly believed in the books of Moses and possibly Joshua. But their beliefs were incomplete because they rejected the rest of the Bible. Did their strong beliefs make them right with God? No. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well. at John 4:22: “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know.”
The apostle Paul recognized the religious sincerity of the Jews of his day, but as he implied, sincerity alone is not enough. It must be based on something sturdy. Paul said: "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge." Romans 10:2
A person can be sincere, but he can also be sincerely wrong. His beliefs must be based solidly on "accurate knowledge," God's Word the Bible.
2007-06-30 08:13:21 · answer #1 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I believe that what Peter said, "Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence (or respect)," (1 Peter 3:15, New Revised Standard) means we do need to have a strong conviction about what we believe in. However, we also need to have a good basis for those beliefs. The Beroeans were commended (called "more noble") for examining the scriptures to see whether the things Paul was teaching them were true (Acts 17:11). So we should not just believe whatever we hear, but search the scriptures for the truth. Then, when we have the opportunity to tell others, we might make a difference in their lives (1 Tim. 4:15 KJV). But remember to do this with "gentleness and reverence" (also see Col. 4:6 KJV), because sometimes it is not the words that convince a person, it is your "good conduct" (1 Pet 2:12 and 3:1,2 KJV).
2007-06-30 09:33:56 · answer #2 · answered by dinniarie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Having a strong attitude about your beliefs is always a good thing, especially when you live your life before unbelievers. If you waver in your faith and belief in God, it can taint your witness before unbelievers and give them the impression that you don't even believe what you claim to believe. Also, a strong view about your beliefs shows unbelievers that you will not compromise with the world and is evidence that Christ is working in you. The only time strong belief becomes dangerous is when it is not mixed with living what you preach. Because it once again gives unbelievers the wrong impression of Christ and pushes them away. Self righteous and hypocritical, is not of the Holy Spirit.
2007-06-30 16:43:45 · answer #3 · answered by super saiyan 3 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello Love - I feel that it is Critical that we stand strong for our Faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost!
No matter the situation that I may find myself in - Everyone around me KNOWS that I am Christian who will Witness, Pray, and Speak of the Lord's Awesome Wonders!
Peace and Grace to You!
Take Care and God Bless!
2007-06-30 13:01:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a good thing unless you become very arrogant, hurtful or condescending about your beliefs. Or if you act like you are better than anybody else and only you are going to heaven, then it becomes dangerous. The main thing Jesus wanted all of us to do was love one another, regardless.
2007-07-01 01:39:11 · answer #5 · answered by Caleb's Mom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"A double minded man is unstable in all of his ways"
James 1:8
We should all know what we believe and why we believe it. And as the Apostle Peter states, "Being ready to give to everyone an answer, a reason for the hope that lies within you"
The only danger in having strong convictions is when they are shared in a haughty or hateful manner.....or cause one to be exclusive and prideful.
All people are worthy of respect....not all beliefs necessarily are.
2007-06-30 08:52:29 · answer #6 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Line Dancer said it, I believe, and some others.
I believe in doing serious study through the Bible, before I would die for my beliefs. I must know what I know and I must know that what I know is true with out a doubt. Once I know that, I'm sorry for the person who wish to have me see it differently, than what the Bible says.
2007-06-30 17:26:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is good, of course, but it becomes dangerous when we are so sure of ourselves that we refuse to listen to others. That is when we stagnate and do not continue to evolve upwards in our understanding of the nature of God, the Universe, and everything else.
It says in the Quran that Allah could have made us all one nation, but chose not to. This is so that we could each be a test for the others. This applies to faith groups as well. I'm am not going to say that someone of another faith has nothing to teach me. We are all in this together and we can help each other grow.
2007-06-30 08:22:45 · answer #8 · answered by MBC 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is a very good thing and it is only dangerous when you go against the flow but, that's what made the martyrs the Saints they were.
2007-06-30 10:26:24 · answer #9 · answered by Tina T 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If we believe in the Truth, it is good to be firm in that belief. However, we also need to season that attitude with love, grace, etc. As my mom used to say, You can catch more flies with honey than you can vinegar!
2007-06-30 09:31:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋