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Isha said:
Tom,
You made the point so much better than I. Sometimes the words are not there for me. I understand that there is disagreement but why does it have to be so sharp concerning things that may not be an indication of anything?

The nature of most people is to be quick to judge. But if you have been around Reformed forums such as this one for a while, there is some very good reason to understand that sentiment.
These days the effects of movements like the Emergent Church, Willow Creek Association, and many other groups that are subtly destroying the doctrinal truths in the Church, make people who stand for biblical truth quite suspicious.
I have even talked to Christians that say they have never even heard of movements like these, but unfortunately it is clear by what they say that their thoughts have been influenced by these groups. (Read the Beth More thread for an example)
There is a so called Reformed Church in the city I live in, that I considered joining, until I found out they were members of the Willow Creek Association. I actually enjoy being with the pastor of that Church and when talking about a subject like the doctrines of grace, him and I have so much in common. But for whatever reason, although he says he doesn’t agree with everything Willow Creek believes, he still believes that their philosophy is compatible with Reformed theology.
Of course I am not saying that these movements are the only reason why some Reformed Christians are skeptical of others, but it is certainly a major cause.

I have to admit, that I struggle sometimes with the differences between being discerning and be judgmental.

Tom