tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097582791935798204.post3285697999699262864..comments2023-08-02T20:59:22.523+02:00Comments on dianoigo: biblical studies, theology, church history and more: The devil didn't make me do it: an appeal to ChristadelphiansTomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16671380367019506667noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097582791935798204.post-86427922775900745002014-10-31T09:44:53.015+02:002014-10-31T09:44:53.015+02:00Thank you for that constructive comment. It is ind...Thank you for that constructive comment. It is indeed correct that individuals can believe differently from what the church teaches. However, Christadelphians need to make that distinction clear when they seek to correct 'mainstream Christianity'. The 'devil made me do it' attitude clearly owes to some Christians following popular culture rather than the Bible and the teachings of the church.<br /><br />Moreover, with sins in general including recurring sins, church teaching does affirm the devil's influence, whether direct or indirect. However, external influence does not provide a valid excuse or remove personal responsibility; nor is it in conflict with the individual having a life problem they need to work out.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16671380367019506667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7097582791935798204.post-70847629495837281922014-10-30T18:39:29.221+02:002014-10-30T18:39:29.221+02:00I think that what you say sounds very plausible. B...I think that what you say sounds very plausible. But there is something to consider : what a theologian or pastor might say can easily be very different than what individuals believe. <br />In recent travels throughout another country I was blessed with the opportunity to discuss with a number of people about their beliefs. On one hand, what they said would agree with you. They did not absolve responsibility, typically. But, for instances of reoccurring sin, such as with drug use, there was a shift in attitude and the sin became attributed to demonic / devil influence rather than because the individual had a life problem they needed to work out. <br />Because of that I see both confirmation and denial of what you say. <br /><br />Unfortunately, what I do have to agree with is that oftentimes teaching is given and perhaps encouraged that can misrepresent what an individual believes. <br />It appears to me that we no longer live in an age where the church one attends necessarily reflects their beliefs. Thus, as you said, it is increasingly easy to assume someone's beliefs, possibly offend them, and be totally wrong. <br />I have found the typically best approach to be to get the other person speaking first. I ask questions. If they say the devil makes them do things, then I know. Otherwise I think it best to limit assumptions, because when I accidentally have them, I keep getting surprised with what individuals actually believe. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com