Such a refreshing perspective! Thank you. More churches (and Christian events/conferences) need to be thinking about these things realistically, as you laid out. And especially glad you called out the responsibilities of husbands and fathers (in contrast to other prominent preachers who would not defend their families against an unbelieving assailant). I've been waiting to hear this kind of wisdom on this issue for YEARS!
A good discussion. I do think Gill was more Westminsterian than the Confessional era, as only a Baptist on the opposite side of Toleration could be. But it's clear reading even the Founders that they held to Bounded Religious Liberty, akin to Bachus. Where the Magistrate, acting justly, still enforces both Tables. Albeit the 1st Table negatively. Preventing gross idolatry or disruption of true religion by the Atheist, heathen, or heretic. Not overtly seeking them out or preventing them from being in the community privately.
Well balanced approach on this topic. Thank you all for the Gospel centered responses and wisdom!
Such a refreshing perspective! Thank you. More churches (and Christian events/conferences) need to be thinking about these things realistically, as you laid out. And especially glad you called out the responsibilities of husbands and fathers (in contrast to other prominent preachers who would not defend their families against an unbelieving assailant). I've been waiting to hear this kind of wisdom on this issue for YEARS!
A good discussion. I do think Gill was more Westminsterian than the Confessional era, as only a Baptist on the opposite side of Toleration could be. But it's clear reading even the Founders that they held to Bounded Religious Liberty, akin to Bachus. Where the Magistrate, acting justly, still enforces both Tables. Albeit the 1st Table negatively. Preventing gross idolatry or disruption of true religion by the Atheist, heathen, or heretic. Not overtly seeking them out or preventing them from being in the community privately.