“p.s. if you can show from scripture that I am wrong (not unaided human reason), I will change my position. But it is clear that I have provided you with the Bible’s unassailable logic and unless you can clearly show how my interpretation is wrong from Scripture and not just because you don’t like it, then I suggest you consider that you may very well be wrong about your understanding.”
I found this on a doctrinal website. It’s the postscript from a letter published by the website’s author in response to a man who wrote in with an opposing viewpoint on a particular doctrine. In the letter, the author attempts to further explain and defend his original position, as well as “illuminate” the concerned reader. the details of the argument aren’t important. i decided not even to post a link because i don’t think it would be beneficial for anyone to read it.
as i read the letter, i started boiling on the inside.
Does this attitude bother anyone else?
Let me re-order these phrases for a different look at it: “I suggest YOU consider that you may very well be wrong.” “It’s CLEAR that I’ve provided you with the Bible’s unassailable logic.”
My interpretation (unaided human reason, no doubt): I want you to be humble and open to a different interpretation, but I clearly don’t need to be humble and open because I hold the key to the Bible’s unassailable logic. Now I’ve graciously provided that to you, so that should clear this issue up for you. If not, prove me wrong. No. Prove the Bible wrong. Oh….and you’re welcome.
no wonder i’m sometimes ashamed to call myself a christian. it has nothing to do with being ashamed of christ and everything to do with being ashamed of christians.
sorry for the rant. kind of. okay, so i got a little arrogant in my rant against arrogance. but it’s righteous anger, just like jesus.
disagree?
prove me wrong.
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July 31, 2006 at 10:21 pm
parke
Assuming our anger is righteous does get us into a lot of hot water doesn’t it? I realized this week that I can react with a small amount of “well I knew that” to people who I perceive to be arrogant. In the process I noticed how that response never got me very far.
August 4, 2006 at 5:30 pm
J3
I close my eyes and picture an angry old teacher talking down to an inquisitive student, trying to crush his desire to ever question again. In my experience it seems questioning fosters a better understanding.