Posted by Pastor Don on March 21, 2011 at 15:57:24
In Reply to: Re: Is Radical Islam a Cult? posted by long time exer on March 21, 2011 at 12:50:42:
Again being an associate pastor, in a main stream denomination, Assembly of God, there has been discussion and open comdenation for the Hillsborough Baptist Church and their actions having nothing to do with Christianity. What has been said by the mainstream would certainly not be reported by mainstream media, with their disregard for Christianity. Also on the child abuse issue most churches have safeguards in place for such things. There are very rigid background checks for the bringing on a staff members especially those involved in chidren's and youth ministry. There are various companies whosw sole purpose is have the safeguards for the prevention of such acts. Anytime such a thing takes place it puts a black eye on any and all Christians. It is a sad reality that there are many who talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. I had an interesting course while in university: Ministerial Ethics, which many safeguards for ministers were taught to even avoid the appearance that non ethical conduct was taking place. I have not taken your comments personally, but can offer an experiential point of view looking from the cultic and also organized church perspective. I cannot say that people in churches don't do bad things, I can say when they do it is a reproach to the cause of Christ.
Oh well this has gotten a bit long, but it is always good when we can share our points of view which may at times be very different, and at one time we were decieved by the same abusive cult!