Gday,
Globe or flat earth - that is an area that I don't know enough about to claim one or the other. I do know there is enough information to at least raise questions. One would need to somehow removed the preconceived mindset, lay out all the available information in support of both views and then way up the facts.
However, I don't believe having that wrong will prevent eternal salvation.
If I make a claim or suggest IMO the trinity belief jeopardizes eternal salvation, it is not wotsup's interpretation but facts from the clear and precise Bible verses available. One example, the Bible makes it clear you need to know the "true God & Son". If you think the Son is God when clearly the Bible says otherwise, how can one possibly say they know the true God & Son? (John 17:3).
Now if you are stuck in this trinity mindset, it will clearly lead you down the wrong path regarding correct interpretation on many other very important verses which you need to understand so you can stay on track to receive eternal salvation.
An example of this wrongful interpretation leading one up the garden path is the JW's. Some wrong interpretations make you misinterpret many other verses so they align with your first error.
When theists make these claims about their versions of criteria necessary for salvation then have you considered that this does more to drive people from salvation than a belief in the trinity or global earth could possibly do.
If as you suggest it possibly drives people away from salvation, IMO that is just an excuse or cop-out.
The promise is to everyone - seek and you shall find, and this I am referring to seeking truth regarding the Bible.
Yes the teaching subject and possible repercussions I am fully aware of and generally try to approach with caution. In other words, research research before I push home a point. (Ex - Trinity subject - I hammered for over 6mths, 7 days a week, 12 + hrs a day and much more and with NO outsiders input, just the Bible).
As for me being a teacher haha, I would say far from it and in fact, I'm the one being taught ha.
However, when I see a total misrepresentation of God's word, I will not sit idly by, as based on the Bible, I have a duty/obligation.
But what I do try and push home is - one needs to somehow put aside their preconceived mindset, bring up all verses on a particular subject, that way you get the whole truth.
But as I said above, if you can't do that (many it appears, are just not able?), you will read into verses what you want them to read.
I have been on this road myself and boy, it's a hard one to get off.
As for God being fickle - The Bible on the overall gives very clear and basic things one must follow, they were written for once and for all time and unchangeable. For some to even suggest these basics need to evolve as times or generations change, they are clearly leading the charge of deception or haven't got a clue of these basics. Because of Christ's coming, obviously some OT parts are not applicable now.
As for your quote James 3:1 NIV version, I would toss the NIV version in the bin ha and if you read more of Ch 3 you will get a better context than what you have portrayed.
Never the less, the more you put God word out there or the more you do in God's name, the more accountable for you actions you are.
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