Here is the entire post on this occasion:
We discussed earlier that, as
believers, we are not asked to follow rules of ANY kind.
Instead, we are to embrace two principles—love the Father and love others as
ourselves. These are the standards of behavior. No rules are involved at all—no
checklist of behaviors to follow.
If this is so, why do people focus
on rules and lists of sins? I think I know the answer. Following rules—even
difficult rules—often seems easier than loving others.
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I want to begin by stating that there are some things that I agree with here.- Being a Christian is not about merely following a list of rules.
- We are to love the Father
- We are to love others as ourselves
- Following rules is easier than loving others.
And let me say that I understand the reaction the author has to the fundamental, legalistic approach he was exposed to growing up and on into adulthood. When we focus only on what we are to do and not why we are to do it, it does become a huge, even impossible strain. But I also find it interesting how often the place we land theologically is opposite of the place we started.
So the author suggests we switch from rules to principles. Does that mean that I can do anything as long as I say I love God? Can I murder? As long as it is perhaps an abortion doctor? Can I steal? Perhaps as long as it is from someone who does not deserve their money or has gotten it in a less than proper way? (By the way, the answer here would have to be Yes, because their are no rules, but if there are no rules, then the abortion doctor or thief has done nothing wrong either, so is the answer now no? But if it is, does that become a rule when there are no rules?)
Yes, following rules alone is easier than loving people. But common sense leads me to believe that I must do both.Your thoughts?
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