Wow! This morning I was doing what I do so often during the day, using Google. This time I wanted to show a client some examples of comparison charts. I see them all the time but couldn’t immediately think of a good example. And this is something that I came across:
http://www.carm.org/cults/cultgrid.htm
I am not endorsing the site, its contents, or its creator. Nevertheless, the information as presented is enlightening for one reason: THERE IS SO MUCH I DON’T KNOW. Regardless of the specific accuracy of that web page, it did point out my own ignorance.
Ephesians 4:18 – “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.”
Those are frightening words because I have friends that I really enjoy being with yet we have different belief systems. To think of them not being in eternity with me is sobering. No doubt that God has me crossing their path for a reason. And no matter that reason, if only out of respect and kindness, I should have some level of information about what they believe. Heck, it may mean a direct conversation with my friends about their beliefs. Maybe that’s what God wants for me.
We all believe something. How much more effective will I be reaching out to others if on some level I have an idea what they believe? I have that responsibility as His servant. I should have a deeper knowledge to be made more complete in the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Philippians 5:22, 23). Ignorance creates a hard heart, it does not produce good fruit.
In His service,
Keith
PS, most of the belief systems on the link above have web sites, with Christianity and Oneness Pentecostal being more broad and difficult to track to one site. And I’m sure there are groups within these groups that have differing beliefs and opinions, too:
Christadelphia – http://www.christadelphia.org/
Christian Science – http://www.tfccs.com
Islam – http://www.islam.com/
Jehovah’s Witnesses – http://www.watchtower.org/
Latter Day Saints – http://www.lds.org
Theosophy – http://www.theosophy.org/
Unity – http://www.unityonline.org/
Way International – http://www.theway.org/