The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Evangelicals and Catholics Together?

Howard,<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]Thanks James. This shows that there is no need to engage in such campaigns with enemies of the gospel . This is the point I have been trying to put across - albeit a bit harshly perhaps .<br><br>Arminian Evangelicals and Catholics Together - Yes.<br><br>Calvinist Evangelicals and Catholics Together - Not me - Never.</font><hr></blockquote><p>I have engaged you before on this topic and have found your position very intolerant of anyone who differs with your Calvinistic views. I just want to make this last attempt to see how closed minded you are about participating with any one from another religious background who is doing something constructive to help people in need. <br><br>Have you heard of Habitat for Humanity? It's a Christian mission project that helps rebuild houses and in some cases neighborhoods so disadvantaged people can have affordable housing. It uses volunteers who participate in various construction jobs to accomplish the necessary construction/restoration. Here's some partnership examples. People young and old get involved in these projects around the country and it has made no small difference for many families and neighborhoods where these efforts have been carried out. Our former President Jimmy Carter has been involved in this program from time to time and many members from my local church have been volunteers both here in America and in some foreign lands.<blockquote>Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety. <br><br>Habitat has an open-door policy: all who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. Habitat for Humanity has always had a policy of building with people in need regardless of race or religion, and we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.<br> <br>The work of Habitat for Humanity is driven by the desire to give tangible expression to the love of God through the work of eliminating poverty housing. Habitat's mission and methods are predominantly derived from a few key theological concepts: the necessity of putting faith into action, the "economics of Jesus" and the "theology of the hammer." <br><br>Putting Faith Into Action<br>Habitat's ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we must reflect Christ's love in our own lives by loving and caring for one another. Our love must not be words only -- it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone. <br><br>The Economics of Jesus<br>When people act in response to human need, giving what they have without seeking profit or interest, we believe God magnifies the effects of our efforts. Habitat refers to this perspective as "the economics of Jesus." Together, the donated labor of construction volunteers, the support of partner organizations and the homeowners' "sweat equity" make Habitat's house-building possible. By sharing resources with those in need, Habitat volunteers and supporters have made decent, affordable housing a reality for more than 150,000 families worldwide. <br><br>The Theology of the Hammer<br>Habitat is a partnership founded on common ground -- bridging theological differences by putting love into action. Everyone can use the hammer as an instrument to manifest God's love. Habitat Founder and President Millard Fuller calls this concept "the theology of the hammer," explaining, "we may disagree on all sorts of other things... but we can agree on the idea of building homes with God's people in need, and in doing so using biblical economics: no profit and no interest." <br><br>Habitat for Humanity welcomes all people to build with us in partnership. "The Bible teaches that God is the God of the whole crowd," explains Fuller. "God's love leaves nobody out, and my love should not either. This understanding drives 'the theology of the hammer' around the world, steadily building more and more houses in more and more countries." </blockquote>My question to you is would you be willing to help in a project like this one if you had the necessary skills and knew it also involved others from differing religious backgrounds? <br><br><br>Wes

Wes , you continue to miss the point.<br><br>howard

Howard,<br><br>You didn't answer my question.<blockquote>My question to you is would you be willing to help in a project like this one if you had the necessary skills and knew it also involved others from differing religious backgrounds?</blockquote><br><br><br>Wes <br><br>

I help non- calvinists daily Wes. <br><br>You are missing the point - still.<br><br><br>howard

I have worked on a voluntary basis for the charities Oxfam and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.<br><br>I am resuming work for the MSS as a voluntary driver.<br><br>Neither charities are Calvinist. <br><br>When I engage in spiritual tasks such as attending charismatic conferences and distributing tracts , I work with Calvinists AND NO OTHERS.<br><br>Is this a bit clearer now ?<br><br>Packer and co have lost the plot it seems. Why should you join him just because he's written a few decent books - in the past ?<br><br>howard

Howard,<br><br>Thanks for finally responding with something more than a short judgmental statement. [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/thanks.gif" alt="thanks" title="thanks[/img]<br><blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"] Packer and co have lost the plot it seems. Why should you join him just because he's written a few decent books - in the past ?</font><hr></blockquote><p>Apparently you have missed his point and that of others who join him in this concern. I don't see him as advocating compromising what he believes to participate with others in some of the work that needs to be done in our fallen world. He doesn’t say we have to buy into Catholicism as you suggest.<br><br>There are ministries that cross ecumenical lines to help those in need without becoming heretics or losing the plot.<br><br><br>Wes<br>

So , Packer needs the help of Antichrist to participate in some of the work that needs to be done in our fallen world ?<br><br>I dont !!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br><br>howard