Religious Organizations Enforcement of their Beliefs

[Thoughtful Monk]

I can't believe nobody mentioned the obvious:

You're welcome.

Words fail me.

[KingsGambit]

There are multiple examples of Paul calling for church discipline, and he addresses both conduct and belief. He mentioned Hymenaeus and Philetus, who taught that Jesus's second coming had already happened (2 Timothy 2:17. That's not just your garden variety dispute over (insert secondary doctrine here), that's a pretty big deal. On the conduct side, there's also the incest guy in 1 Corinthians 5.

If we're talking about politicians, I think Paul would be just as concerned with those politicians who talk a good game about being pro-family while having a mistress on the side. To bring this in the real world, I can think of one high level conservative politician who has been attested by many sources to be active in homosexual behavior, but nobody seems willing to call him on it or even question it.

[NorrinRadd]

There are multiple examples of Paul calling for church discipline, and he addresses both conduct and belief. He mentioned Hymenaeus and Philetus, who taught that Jesus's second coming had already happened (2 Timothy 2:17. That's not just your garden variety dispute over (insert secondary doctrine here), that's a pretty big deal. On the conduct side, there's also the incest guy in 1 Corinthians 5.

If we're talking about politicians, I think Paul would be just as concerned with those politicians who talk a good game about being pro-family while having a mistress on the side. To bring this in the real world, I can think of one high level conservative politician who has been attested by many sources to be active in homosexual behavior, but nobody seems willing to call him on it or even question it.

Unfortunately, that's not a big deal anymore. Rick Grenell is openly gay, conservative, and "Christian."

Is this "high level conservative politician" in a heterosexual marriage? There would be reasons to "call him on" infidelity, but not on gay behavior per se.

[rogue06]

Unfortunately, that's not a big deal anymore. Rick Grenell is openly gay, conservative, and "Christian."

Is this "high level conservative politician" in a heterosexual marriage? There would be reasons to "call him on" infidelity, but not on gay behavior per se.

And is he one who pushes "Family Values"?

[KingsGambit]

Unfortunately, that's not a big deal anymore. Rick Grenell is openly gay, conservative, and "Christian."

Is this "high level conservative politician" in a heterosexual marriage? There would be reasons to "call him on" infidelity, but not on gay behavior per se.

No. I was told by somebody who would be in a position to know that there is something to the rumors; otherwise I wouldn't have said anything.

But, yeah, it probably doesn't matter. Conservatives, even Christians, went gaga for Milo Yiacantspellhislastname (before he repented).

[KingsGambit]

Back somewhat on topic, I think it would be reasonable to use church discipline against a politician voting to legalize abortion, but only because abortion is such an extreme case (legalized murder). I don't want to open up the floodgates to every other issue. Christians can reasonably disagree on issues like war, the death penalty, affirmative action, no matter what certain people say. Church discipline should be a last resort.

[Cow Poke]

Back somewhat on topic, I think it would be reasonable to use church discipline against a politician voting to legalize abortion, but only because abortion is such an extreme case (legalized murder). I don't want to open up the floodgates to every other issue. Christians can reasonably disagree on issues like war, the death penalty, affirmative action, no matter what certain people say. Church discipline should be a last resort.

Assuming, of course, that the Church in question was pro-life - since so many "churches" these days are pretty much "anything goes".

[NorrinRadd]

No. I was told by somebody who would be in a position to know that there is something to the rumors; otherwise I wouldn't have said anything.

But, yeah, it probably doesn't matter. Conservatives, even Christians, went gaga for Milo Yiacantspellhislastname (before he repented).

FTR, I have definite problems with Guy Benson and Rick Grenell describing themselves as "Christians." Both are in homosexual marriages.

I find both of them likable, and I especially appreciate Rick's role in the Trump administration. But... "Christians"?

[rogue06]

Back somewhat on topic, I think it would be reasonable to use church discipline against a politician voting to legalize abortion, but only because abortion is such an extreme case (legalized murder). I don't want to open up the floodgates to every other issue. Christians can reasonably disagree on issues like war, the death penalty, affirmative action, no matter what certain people say. Church discipline should be a last resort.

Pfft. You are obviously wrong here since that just makes too much sense.

[Cow Poke]

FTR, I have definite problems with Guy Benson and Rick Grenell describing themselves as "Christians." Both are in homosexual marriages.

I find both of them likable, and I especially appreciate Rick's role in the Trump administration. But... "Christians"?

Yeah, being "married" to a same sex person is over the line from being "tempted" to be gay.

[rogue06]

Yeah, being "married" to a same sex person is over the line from being "tempted" to be gay.

That's pretty much is surrendered to it and became a collaborator.

[Cow Poke]

That's pretty much is surrendered to it and became a collaborator.

Yup, a full blown endorsement - a declaration.

[KingsGambit]

Assuming, of course, that the Church in question was pro-life - since so many "churches" these days are pretty much "anything goes".

I'm assuming that most any church that even bothers with church discipline probably would be.

[Thoughtful Monk]

Back somewhat on topic, I think it would be reasonable to use church discipline against a politician voting to legalize abortion, but only because abortion is such an extreme case (legalized murder). I don't want to open up the floodgates to every other issue. Christians can reasonably disagree on issues like war, the death penalty, affirmative action, no matter what certain people say. Church discipline should be a last resort.

I agree that public church discipline should be the last resort - especially if it means casting the person out of fellowship. You've got to leave home for people to grow into a more mature position as God leads them.

However, I think a politician exploiting a church for his political gain should be cast out.

[rogue06]

I agree that public church discipline should be the last resort - especially if it means casting the person out of fellowship. You've got to leave home for people to grow into a more mature position as God leads them.

However, I think a politician exploiting a church for his political gain should be cast out.

What about businessmen who see it as an opportunity to network and establish contacts?