Spent some time today, talking with the pastor at church. I had done some research on this denomination, and I had notes with some questions about a few things that I'd read about their "flavor" of belief system. As I'd thought, there weren't any real deal-breakers, but I did want the pastor to know my thoughts on the few... diversities I found. He defended them as I supposed he would, and I didn't disagree with his arguments; I just don't fully agree with their interpretation of a couple things. But on the whole, the fact that this body of believers holds to the ideal that, "We find nothing essential except that which is found in Scripture." I can agree with all of their essentials; the non-essentials are just that--not essential to getting along. You like peanuts on your ice cream? I'll pass, but toffee bits? Now we're talking! As long as we begin with quality ice cream in each bowl.
The pastor was impressed and pleased that I'd bothered to go to all the trouble of reading up on the differences in doctrine here, from what I'm used to. But wouldn't any reasonable person want to know WHAT they were agreeing to uphold? Especially if I'm going to stand up in front of the congregation.
But we had a good talk, and he respects my viewpoint. Also importantly, he now knows a bit more about me and where I'm coming from.
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