Right to stop and terminate false doctrines

[evenifigoalone]

But that is the whole point of a false doctrine, to mislead, or hurt, those who are looking for the truth.

Although, the Truth can only be imparted by the Holy Spirit, and will never contradict the teachings of the bible. That is really the only test against false teachings/doctrine, if it does not agree with, or contradicts, the bible then it will always mislead.

Coming at this from an objective standpoint, beliefs and their affects on people are theoretical at best and cannot be regulated. On the other hand, if said beliefs lead to something directly harmful like human sacrifice, that can and should be stopped.
It's basically an issue of balancing maximum freedom with the need to minimize hurt. Physical harm is easy to see as wrong and most people would agree that it is. But if words and teachings are to be included, where do we draw the line? Ask 100 random people and you'll have 100 different answers.

For me, this is very much a part of my personal philosophy, not just my opinion on what the government should and should not do. I don't feel like it's my place to say "hey! you can't believe that and I'm going to stop you from teaching it to others!"
And even if it was, I don't think I could. It's not my nature, at all.

 

[Knotical]

Coming at this from an objective standpoint, beliefs and their affects on people are theoretical at best and cannot be regulated. On the other hand, if said beliefs lead to something directly harmful like human sacrifice, that can and should be stopped.
It's basically an issue of balancing maximum freedom with the need to minimize hurt. Physical harm is easy to see as wrong and most people would agree that it is. But if words and teachings are to be included, where do we draw the line? Ask 100 random people and you'll have 100 different answers.

For me, this is very much a part of my personal philosophy, not just my opinion on what the government should and should not do. I don't feel like it's my place to say "hey! you can't believe that and I'm going to stop you from teaching it to others!"
And even if it was, I don't think I could. It's not my nature, at all.

But this is why we have church leadership. Whether it be a clergy, a presbytery, a synod, or the like, it is up to the governing body of the church to watch over these types of things and act as appropriately. The difficulty comes, however, when an individual who joins a specific church suddenly is led astray, and when the leadership of the church tries to bring them back into the fold the individual then either leaves and joins another church, or in some other rarer cases, starts a church on their own based on the heretical beliefs they are adhering to.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Voice of peace was not heard...perhaps that of a lion may be heard: the wbc

It's always the crazies that get the most attention :S

 

[evenifigoalone]

But this is why we have church leadership. Whether it be a clergy, a presbytery, a synod, or the like, it is up to the governing body of the church to watch over these types of things and act as appropriately. The difficulty comes, however, when an individual who joins a specific church suddenly is led astray, and when the leadership of the church tries to bring them back into the fold the individual then either leaves and joins another church, or in some other rarer cases, starts a church on their own based on the heretical beliefs they are adhering to.

I can't claim to be familiar with how some of those things work. Organization is always good, and holds some sway. Having the freedom to speak and say things and take actions is important. I feel like the people who are in such positions are needed. (Nothing I'd be suited towards, though.)
Beyond that, I am in favor of others having the ability to start their own church or go to another, even if I may not like it. I'm speaking in generalities and so far as the government is concerned.

 

[jasonc]

while im for speaking against false doctrines. the reality as it has happened in my county the churches that do that will have splits. one of them I will read tomorrow. It split over the gay marriage issue.

 

[Deborah13]

But this is why we have church leadership. Whether it be a clergy, a presbytery, a synod, or the like, it is up to the governing body of the church to watch over these types of things and act as appropriately.

The ones I am talking have none of the above.

 

[Michael74]

They tried the inquisition and various counter inquisitions in Europe to eliminate "false beliefs". Didn't work out the way they thought it would.

From 1618 to 1648 various factions fought wars supposedly to promote doctrinal purity. It depopulated half of central Europe. After that terrible war, the people said forget this, and demanded that they be allowed to choose their own beliefs.

Many of the original settlers to this country were fleeing persecution by doctrinal purity enforcers. When their descendants got the chance to set up a Constitution, they forbade inquisitional crusades for doctrinal purity. Everyone chooses their own beliefs in this country.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Well, the Puritans in this country had some issues that didn't work out. Witch trials and all that.

 

[Mike S]

I just ask myself, why can't we as Christians boldly stand up against false teachings and teachers, not just by mere verbal attack or digital criticism, but by also closing up such churches? Would that be to be an extremist?

Maybe it is only possible when Christ would rule the earth

The Roman Catholic Church did that very thing for more than a thousand years. They made it their business to slaughter Christians who disagreed with Church doctrine (Cathers, for instance) and label every Christian teaching they didn't like as heresy.

No, thanks. Not a good idea.

 

[Knotical]

I can't claim to be familiar with how some of those things work. Organization is always good, and holds some sway. Having the freedom to speak and say things and take actions is important. I feel like the people who are in such positions are needed. (Nothing I'd be suited towards, though.)
Beyond that, I am in favor of others having the ability to start their own church or go to another, even if I may not like it. I'm speaking in generalities and so far as the government is concerned.

But if the purpose to start a new church, or to leave for another church is rooted in possible disciplinary actions taken by the leadership of the church due to the need for handling, or squashing, the teaching of false doctrines then that would be a bad thing.

Many people do not realize, especially in the more liberal churches, is that once they become members they are actually putting themselves under the governance of the elder board of that church, which would include the pastor.

For some reason people in our society accept the authority of a civil government more readily than that of a church body. Which is really quite backwards to how a truly Christian society should function.

 

[Deborah13]

Well, the Puritans in this country had some issues that didn't work out. Witch trials and all that.

Remember the Puritans battle with Roger Williams? He finally left and founded RI where he incorporated the idea of separation of church and state. It became a haven for people of many denominations and even Jews.

 

[evenifigoalone]

But if the purpose to start a new church, or to leave for another church is rooted in possible disciplinary actions taken by the leadership of the church due to the need for handling, or squashing, the teaching of false doctrines then that would be a bad thing.

Many people do not realize, especially in the more liberal churches, is that once they become members they are actually putting themselves under the governance of the elder board of that church, which would include the pastor.

For some reason people in our society accept the authority of a civil government more readily than that of a church body. Which is really quite backwards to how a truly Christian society should function.

It's how the Pilgrims got their religious freedom, so I can't see it as always a bad thing. Can't controls people's actions, but can speak out about it.

Remember the Puritans battle with Roger Williams? He finally left and founded RI where he incorporated the idea of separation of church and state. It became a haven for people of many denominations and even Jews.

I do remember learning about that.

 

[Michael74]

Well, the Puritans in this country had some issues that didn't work out. Witch trials and all that.

Yes they did. Their rules of evidence were absurd. The same type of thing took place in Europe for centuries.

Its part of the reason ecclesiastical authorities are no longer permitted to run trials. The people lost confidence in them. If a modern pastor attempted to convince his board to execute dozens of church members for witchcraft, he would be locked away in the loony bin.

 

[Classik]

Would there be freedom of religion or this same denomination stuff when Christ would rule the earth? I guess nope

 

[Michael74]

For some reason people in our society accept the authority of a civil government more readily than that of a church body. Which is really quite backwards to how a truly Christian society should function.

3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV

You are correct. Many people have completely lost confidence in the church, to the extent that they will not even follow the Biblical principle of the church mediating disputes between believers. We need to restore confidence in the church by having holy pastors doing wise and sensible things, so that people once again learn to trust them.

Many pastors are sensible, but there has been all too much scandal and nonsensical things going on.

 

[Michael74]

Would there be freedom of religion or this same denomination stuff when Christ would rule the earth? I guess nope

Every Christian will follow Christ when He returns.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Would there be freedom of religion or this same denomination stuff when Christ would rule the earth? I guess nope

Jesus knows what He's doing. I don't. Humans don't. That's how I see it.

 

[Knotical]

3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV

You are correct. Many people have completely lost confidence in the church, to the extent that they will not even follow the Biblical principle of the church mediating disputes between believers. We need to restore confidence in the church by having holy pastors doing wise and sensible things, so that people once again learn to trust them.

Many pastors are sensible, but there has been all too much scandal and nonsensical things going on.

Indeed. One such example that comes to mind of the pastor who recently resigned when it was discovered he was using church funds to setup a profile on a gay dating website.

 

[Classik]

Agonizing