I find value in the World Wide Web. For my field I can very easily find links and resources that cover any topic of my field of interest. There are so many views and opinions about things in the fields of theology, church history, and counseling. The value comes in being able to read the various views to help me come up with a view of my own. However, when I begin to voice my view I need to be ready for criticism. Some criticism is good, especially when that criticism is constructive criticism even if the person does not agree with my view. I have found some very beneficial conversations that have encouraged both myself and the one I am interacting with. Yet, there are those who feel that they have a right to voice their view in a manner that seem anything but Christ like.
Social media is the worse place to experience such criticism. I have had the pleasure to come across individuals who feel they need to make personal baseless attacks because I possess a different view of theology, namely eschatology, the study of the end times. If you have ventured through my page you can tell I am no fan of the ever popular theological view of the pre-tribulation rapture teaching. I am very adamant to voice my displeasure with the teaching. When I do I deal with the topic only and share Scripture to support my views. I will not address the individual personally no matter how wrong I believe they are. Another thing I will not do is share my credentials. I don’t believe I need to make it a priority to first advertise that I possess a Masters of Divinity from a Theological Seminary that supports the pre-tribulation rapture teaching. Why do I need to? Thought the degree has value to me I shouldn’t have to whip it out to lord my knowledge over others.
Yet, there are times I have to and I am left with no choice but to bring up my degree. I come across people who use terms like, “You need to read your Bible.” Or something to effect of, “Do you know….” and it is followed up with an assumption that I know nothing of the subject matter. Such attitude leads me to believe that these individuals wish to possess a level of knowledge and understanding that no one else can possess. Then when I reveal that I possess a M.Div. I usually get the common response of how I trust in my education and man for learning.
First off, the institution I received my M.Div. did not tell me what I need to believe in order to graduate. Second, when the individual is informed of my level of education I receive an out lashing of how I wasted my time and I should get my money back. When I receive these type of comments I will reply requesting them to provide Scripture to support their view and to offer their exegetical understanding of what the author is saying. More often than not they continue with their need to attack me personally going so far as to accuse me of not being a Christian and that I should repent for my views.
The problem with their accusation that I am not a Christian because I refuse to buy into the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine is eschatology has nothing to do with soteriology. Scripture in no way states that I must believe that Jesus will take the church from this world prior to a seven year tribulation period where the antichrist will reign offering the mark of the beast in order for people to buy and sale. I believe Jesus will return one day but not in the manner of the rapture narrative.
Should I be surprised by this type of behavior? No. I am reminded that when Jesus was here he did and said things that made the religious leaders accuse him of blasphemy and to be possessed with Beelzebul. I am finding that these people are very religious in their traditions. They have passion for the topic they are trying to defend but lack any type of compassion. I am reminded by what Paul said, “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) I believe people can disagree about something but allow love to guide the conversation. Without love what is the point. Pride and arrogance removes love all together and I doubt the Holy Spirit is in that conversation, or with the one who is being rude, judgmental, arrogant, and religious.
Social media is the worse place to experience such criticism. I have had the pleasure to come across individuals who feel they need to make personal baseless attacks because I possess a different view of theology, namely eschatology, the study of the end times. If you have ventured through my page you can tell I am no fan of the ever popular theological view of the pre-tribulation rapture teaching. I am very adamant to voice my displeasure with the teaching. When I do I deal with the topic only and share Scripture to support my views. I will not address the individual personally no matter how wrong I believe they are. Another thing I will not do is share my credentials. I don’t believe I need to make it a priority to first advertise that I possess a Masters of Divinity from a Theological Seminary that supports the pre-tribulation rapture teaching. Why do I need to? Thought the degree has value to me I shouldn’t have to whip it out to lord my knowledge over others.
Yet, there are times I have to and I am left with no choice but to bring up my degree. I come across people who use terms like, “You need to read your Bible.” Or something to effect of, “Do you know….” and it is followed up with an assumption that I know nothing of the subject matter. Such attitude leads me to believe that these individuals wish to possess a level of knowledge and understanding that no one else can possess. Then when I reveal that I possess a M.Div. I usually get the common response of how I trust in my education and man for learning.
First off, the institution I received my M.Div. did not tell me what I need to believe in order to graduate. Second, when the individual is informed of my level of education I receive an out lashing of how I wasted my time and I should get my money back. When I receive these type of comments I will reply requesting them to provide Scripture to support their view and to offer their exegetical understanding of what the author is saying. More often than not they continue with their need to attack me personally going so far as to accuse me of not being a Christian and that I should repent for my views.
The problem with their accusation that I am not a Christian because I refuse to buy into the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine is eschatology has nothing to do with soteriology. Scripture in no way states that I must believe that Jesus will take the church from this world prior to a seven year tribulation period where the antichrist will reign offering the mark of the beast in order for people to buy and sale. I believe Jesus will return one day but not in the manner of the rapture narrative.
Should I be surprised by this type of behavior? No. I am reminded that when Jesus was here he did and said things that made the religious leaders accuse him of blasphemy and to be possessed with Beelzebul. I am finding that these people are very religious in their traditions. They have passion for the topic they are trying to defend but lack any type of compassion. I am reminded by what Paul said, “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) I believe people can disagree about something but allow love to guide the conversation. Without love what is the point. Pride and arrogance removes love all together and I doubt the Holy Spirit is in that conversation, or with the one who is being rude, judgmental, arrogant, and religious.
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