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doulos said:
Still waiting for my beating.
wow1 Such a pessimistic remark? [Linked Image] Doulos.

Here's what I wrote in the original thread:

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Now, I grant you that these words of Paul could be construed as being limited to that which takes place within the confines of the Church. But I do think they are applicable to those outside the Church as well. In the Thessalonian passage, Paul says that we are to "have no company with him"; company being the Greek word, sunanamignumi, i.e., to associate with.
To this you replied that you felt the text applies ONLY to Christians within the Church. Well, I would have to disagree with your interpretation. Why? Because, first of all, Paul says we are to treat such individuals as "strangers", i.e., as those outside the Church. To do so necessitates that one assume how those outside the church are already treated. For example, when the Lord said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself" (Mk 12:31), it is assumed that one already loves oneself (contrary to what the popular error teaches, i.e., one must first love oneself before you can love another) puke Thus, such individuals to whom Paul is referring are to be treated as one who is outside the Church. This is what is pronounced at a person's excommunication; i.e., that they can no longer be considered a Christian but rather a pagan, since the person's doctrine and/or life is antithetical to the Christian faith.

Now, this begs the question, Is this practice of treating people to be universal in its application? or does this vary to degree depending upon certain criteria? I would answer that it does vary greatly. For example, there are non-Christians who outwardly live more virtuous lives than some who profess Christ. They may be outwardly ethical, generous, kind, moral, etc. And with such people Christians may find lasting friendships, albeit not to the same depth, by any means, that they share with fellow believers. However, there are others who live very sinful lives and who are even offensive in word and deed. Let me simply use one example to make the point. Homosexual activists are not the type which I could have any association with, even if such a one was one of my own children. You may disagree. wink

Okay.... enough for now. I'll let you think on this and respond if you are so inclined.

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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