Quote
doulos said:
I've known lots of folks who are gay or lesbian or feminists--pick an extreme--and most of them were ostracized by some one who was close to them for their beliefs. . . .

I knew a gay man whose father--a minister--had completely turned his back on him. There were no open doors. There was no hope for reconciliation. He had simply ceased to exist. Whose fault? Who knows, but his Dad was not without guilt.
doulos,

The above statements piqued my interest, obviously enough to respond to them. I'm curious how you think Christians should act toward those who are living in gross sin and/or espousing views which are diametrically opposed to biblical Christianity. What comes to mind is Paul's injunctions:


Romans 16:17-18 (ASV) "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent."

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (ASV) "And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. And [yet] count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."


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.

Would you be so kind to offer your comments on my question(s) and to share your understanding what is mean to not "associate" with such people?

In His Grace,

[Linked Image]

simul iustus et peccator

[Linked Image]