2007-11-09 18:47:44 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was raised in a "Free Will Babtist" church, and they are some of the most backwards folk you'd ever want to meet. Good people, just backwards.
Their doctrine was similar to the question of this topic. They didn't want their members associating with "anyone of this world" and only associate with other church members. It was this cult that got me thinking for myself, and thinking that their belief foundation was wrong.
I didn't want to be a member of their club, and praise the lord, when I was old enough, I could walk away and never go back!
2007-11-09 18:56:08 · answer #1 · answered by timbers 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. The Bible says that it would be needed for us to leave the earth if we couldn't associate with the lost. It does say that we are to avoid one who calls himself a brother (a Christian) and is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner-- not even to eat with such a person. You can find this lesson in 1 Corinthians 9-11. I don't know specifically what kind of relationship you are talking about, but you can be friends with the lost if you are rooted enough in your Bible and what you believe not to be drawn into some type of sin by them. You really aren't supposed to date anyone who is not a believer though. It's only common sense that there would be serious disagreement how you would raise your children if you were to end up married. Friendships are fine though. God bless!!
2007-11-10 03:35:11 · answer #2 · answered by BERT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. We are only supposed to cut off relations with those who have fallen into open and gross sin according to 1 Cor. 5:10-12.
And in this case we are just supposed to wait until they repent, or lay broken because of their sins. The purpose of cutting off contact in this instance is simply to WARN them that if they do not repent they will suffer for it.
It is deceitful to treat someone who once called themselves a brother in Christ as if everything is normal if they have started having an affair. Even non-Christians do not respect those that cheat on their spouses. This type of betrayal is a gross sin.
2007-11-10 03:07:33 · answer #3 · answered by realchurchhistorian 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Religious affiliation should in no way be the criterion for social relations. A question such as the one posed by you arises out of confusion (the "ideal religion" confusion), because most of the time, in highly religion-biased communities, other religions are blamed and cursed. Instead of such wasteful endeavour, it is much more fitting for the so-called religious leaders to focus on showing how one's own religion is a great way of life, instead of resorting to derogation of the other religions.
Christians, and everybody else for that matter, are not supposed to cut off relations with other people just because of supposedly-opposite religious stance of the other person. You see, there are other things to look at, than religious affiliation. For example, in the 21st century Western media, Islam is often implicitly showcased as a hateful religion, filled with terrorists who only want to kill everybody who doesn't like Islam. Well, I have a lot of Muslim friends myself, and I can say that they are very friendly and never have fundamentalist tendencies. Just as the current Pope isn't the epitome of Christianity, modern leaders of religions hardly qualify for the real religion. So, basing relationships on religious affiliation is unjustified.
To account for an alternate interpretation of your question, I'd say that if it's only about a general person not wanting to be in contact with another person, such that they don't have even partially congruent views, it's a different case altogether and it's left entirely to the discretion of the persons involved. In this case, it is purely a personal choice, where religious affiliation may not even come into the picture. But, because you mentioned "Christian", I assumed that you meant Christians not wanting to have contact with anti-Christians.
I hope I answered your question.
2007-11-10 03:08:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Though we have friends with different beliefs, it would not be the basis for "cutting-off" relationship with them.
If your friend causes you to stumble and to further sin against the Lord... this situation should stop you from continuing relations with them. If they continue on things that does not glorify God. Avoid those who continue to expose you to temptation and sin.
2007-11-10 03:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by momsi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, it seems rather the opposite for some of them...they try and convince everyone to be like them even if that person is happy and healthy with another lifestyle choice.
2007-11-12 14:54:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for how all Christians believe, but that is not the way I believe. I have atheist friends as well as Christians. I also have friends of different religions than mine. We just don't argue religion.
2007-11-10 03:01:01 · answer #7 · answered by jenx 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO! The only reason christians are here are to be reflections of Jesus to non-believers. Be loving,forgiving,accepting,non-judgmental,and nurturing to all. And when you can't be all that thank God that He is. And I would love to know who just gave me a thumbs down. I think ANY Christian who thinks they are suppose to separate from non-christians are afraid. Jesus never did.
2007-11-10 02:57:34 · answer #8 · answered by nil_queen 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, we're called to be "salt and light" to the world around us. Although entirely too many of us Christians are mostly just "piss and vinegar."
2007-11-10 04:51:01 · answer #9 · answered by gm_inla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they are supposed to set an example and pray for them. If you cut someone off how can you possibly help them????
2007-11-10 02:54:04 · answer #10 · answered by Noelle M 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋