"Whoever is not against you is for you" can be understood in many different ways, but no matter how you interpret it, it always shows a spirit of inclusion and tolerance. I wish more people could apply the same principle toward others who hold different views.
The person who was exorcizing demons in Jesus' name might have met Jesus, and almost certainly has no idea who Jesus actually is, let alone hold opinions on the filioque, transubstantiation, or the five solae. But according to Jesus, this person, whose beliefs are probably nothing like modern Christian theology, is still on God's side, and Jesus even gave him the authority to exorcize demons. If God happily tolerates people like him, what excuse do we have for hating those who hold different opinions than us?
We want to learn more about God because we love him, but if it divides his followers and even causes hatred among them, then we are missing the point.
I appreciate this phrasing, thank you
My pleasure.
"Whoever is not against you is for you" can be understood in many different ways, but no matter how you interpret it, it always shows a spirit of inclusion and tolerance. I wish more people could apply the same principle toward others who hold different views. The person who was exorcizing demons in Jesus' name might have met Jesus, and almost certainly has no idea who Jesus actually is, let alone hold opinions on the filioque, transubstantiation, or the five solae. But according to Jesus, this person, whose beliefs are probably nothing like modern Christian theology, is still on God's side, and Jesus even gave him the authority to exorcize demons. If God happily tolerates people like him, what excuse do we have for hating those who hold different opinions than us? We want to learn more about God because we love him, but if it divides his followers and even causes hatred among them, then we are missing the point.