Sunday, March 2, 2014

An Inquisitive Reader Of Mine


Courtney is a reader of mine who comments quite frequently.  She is an ex-Mormon, married to an ex-Mormon who identify themselves as Secular Humanists.  Therefore, she disagrees with almost everything I write.  However, she is always kind and considerate when she comments. {HERE is her blog.}

She asks questions to learn more.  Her thought provoking questions are usually made into a post of their own.  They are thoughtful questions that have to do with the post and she never attacks me or says unkind things to anyone.  Sometimes she even helps me by stating that those who are true Christians should take the Bible literally on subjects such as submission and headship. What is sad is that there are many "Christians" who comment and do attack me and my message. This is puzzling to her. "You Christians say you believe the Bible, why don't you women live like this?"

Recently someone asked her why she even reads my blog since her beliefs are so different from mine.  I welcome anyone to read my blog!  Even those from the websites that hate conservative Christians and would love nothing more than to shut down my blog. {Courtney's blog is not in this category.}

God's Word does not come back void.  I love teaching God's Truth and want all people to come to the knowledge of Jesus.  How will they believe if they never hear?  Knowing God, loving Him, and living for Him is the only thing that matters.

So Courtney and all those who disagree with me,  I invite you to continue reading, continue asking questions and continue searching.  I no longer search for the Truth about God.  I found all of the answers in Jesus and I hope you will one day also.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; 
call upon him while he is near; 
let the wicked forsake his way, 
and the unrighteous man his thoughts; 
let him return to the Lord, 
that he may have compassion on him, 
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6,7

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Posted by Always Learning at 6:00 AM
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Ken's avatar

Ken · 578 weeks ago

I love Courtney's challenging questions. If we do not have a strong Biblical reason for what we believe we should be careful to hold those thoughts as personal and not from God. The Bible is very clear on the essentials of the faith, quite clear on the important matters of life and godliness, but it does leave open much room for the application of God's principles and ideals. Courtney is good at showing us how those with different worldviews can interact and dialogue peacefully to gain a greater understanding of each other.

We should never feel threatened by the ways others think no matter how much we may disagree. The last thing the world needs from Believers is to see us as "darn right." We have to hold our truths well anchored in God's Word, but then be willing to have them challenged without our getting defensive, as if we are holding down the fort. If God's Word is "God's Word" which it is, we can hold it tightly for ourselves and yet share it with others in a gracious manner. Now if I can only learn to do these things myself I might become a more effective witness for Jesus who I believe lives inside of me.

Thanks for the lessons you have taught me Courtney, and for being a part of Lori's blog family! We have enjoyed you and your questions and comments, and wish you and you husband nothing but all of God's best in your lives. We are truly Always Learning!
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Courtney's avatar - Go to profile

Courtney · 578 weeks ago

Hi Lori and Ken,
Thank you again for being welcoming, answering my questions, and engaging in discussion with me. I've gained so much insight because of it. I think it's very easy for people to be dismissive of views they don't understand. For example, Lori writes most often about biblical marriage and submission, and I know my initial knee-jerk reaction to submission was "that's crazy!" But I've learned that it's closer to my view of a healthy marriage than I realized. I appreciate you both helping me understand the conservative Christian worldview a little better!

P.S. I was kind of hoping the picture for this post would be a curious white lab ;)
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Cabinetman's avatar

Cabinetman · 578 weeks ago

I too very much appreciate the way Courtney handles herself, the intriguing questions she asks and her honesty. Courtney, you've taught me a great deal about those who hold the same views as you on things, and have shown a side of those views that I had not seen before or rarely, so thank you. Regardless of how much we disagree you've always handled yourself with class and chosen your words carefully and thoughtfully, a trait I would love to be able to master!
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Glaphre's avatar

Glaphre · 578 weeks ago

Thank you for your blog. I agree with you. I'm a conservative Christian, too. May God bless you as you continue writing your blog.
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Kathy's avatar

Kathy · 578 weeks ago

This is of much interest to me. I just recently learned that my oldest son has embraced the life of secular humanism. As a devout Catholic Christian, and having raised him in the faith, I can't help but be disturbed by his profession of not believing in God. He, as it seems Courtney is, a very thoughtful, and kind person. I've known for a few years that he had been away from church and was searching, but had no idea the search had led him there. He shared a book on humanism with me. As disturbing as I found it I read it all. We talked after, and I tried very hard to not attack or judge. It. Went pretty good although I sensed his defensiveness a time to two. I can't be anything but saddened by it, but I know all I can do us keep the lines of communication open and continue to pray like crazy.
2 replies · active 577 weeks ago
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Ken's avatar

Ken · 578 weeks ago

I am so sorry to hear about your sad heart Kathy. You son sounds like he is a special person and just because he starts searching or believing the wisdom of the world does not mean He is no longer precious and loved by God. The story of Prodigal Son is the hope for all parents that no matter where our kids go, no matter what they do, no matter what they believe, they are always welcome back home with open arms of love and not criticism. We must patiently wait knowing that our God is the one who saves, He is the one who draws all people to Him. Our lives must be to show Christ to them in hope and full of His grace.

My heat aches for you and you are in my prayers. Sometimes all we can do is give our most precious gifts back to the Lord to do with them as He wills... in tears. Often God gives our gifts back to us restored, and in a better place to minister Christ to others. The story of Franklin Graham may be worth reading and giving you son a copy, along with the Case for Faith by Lee Strobel.
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Liz's avatar

Liz · 577 weeks ago

Your story sounds like my Mom's. She raised me as Catholic also and I walked away from the faith in my teens and declared that I didn't believe in God any longer. She just kept loving me and told me that God still loved me even if I didn't return the love. I came back to the faith because of God ultimately, but also because my Mom modeled the "open arms" philosophy like in the Prodigal Son's case.

We kids/adult children definitely notice and appreciate our parents' unconditional love. You sound like a good momma to me! ;-)
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helen's avatar

helen · 578 weeks ago

hi there and thanks as always Lori for embracing different viewpoints with grace. Thank you too Courtney for your comments. I look forward to looking at your blog.
Blessings
Helen UK
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Victoria's avatar

Victoria · 577 weeks ago

I love that people can share their views and beliefs and remain civil. We need more of that from people in all walks of life. I always welcome atheists, other religions, other lifestyles to ask and comment. It is awful to see so many people fighting and shoveling beliefs down each others throats. I know I am not perfect but I never argue for argument's sake. I was reading through Courtney's blog. It is really sweet. Thanks for sharing.

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