Anytime we raise the problematic of when someone has "real" faith or not, and particularly in the context of government, then it entails that there be criteria and a funcionary who has (and also is authorized to have) the authority to determine the legitimacy (what is legal faith?) of faith. Yes, for me, I do wish to discern those who ar…
Anytime we raise the problematic of when someone has "real" faith or not, and particularly in the context of government, then it entails that there be criteria and a funcionary who has (and also is authorized to have) the authority to determine the legitimacy (what is legal faith?) of faith. Yes, for me, I do wish to discern those who are sincere and real, but I wish that within the context of my own personal life and personal decisions, which is an acceptable scope of relevancy for my personal discernment. In what way is it desirable and Good to determine real faith (and what following actions), and how do we address that without placing our human authority above divine authority?
You are right. But with Jeff Childer’s approach, it may have had a profound affect on those with whom he was working. And, since God is always working for our good, He may be using that ‘religious’ exemption to open those blind eyes to their need for a relationship with Him.
After all, Relationship is what He is all about. Not religion.
Anytime we raise the problematic of when someone has "real" faith or not, and particularly in the context of government, then it entails that there be criteria and a funcionary who has (and also is authorized to have) the authority to determine the legitimacy (what is legal faith?) of faith. Yes, for me, I do wish to discern those who are sincere and real, but I wish that within the context of my own personal life and personal decisions, which is an acceptable scope of relevancy for my personal discernment. In what way is it desirable and Good to determine real faith (and what following actions), and how do we address that without placing our human authority above divine authority?
You are right. But with Jeff Childer’s approach, it may have had a profound affect on those with whom he was working. And, since God is always working for our good, He may be using that ‘religious’ exemption to open those blind eyes to their need for a relationship with Him.
After all, Relationship is what He is all about. Not religion.
Great comment and very good points.