Ian, Let me briefly clarify my own position and state my opinion. I was raised as a good Holy Roman Catholic. Later on, I became an agnostic then an atheist. After two tours in Vietnam (and probably having some P.T.S.D.) and after contemplating suicide, I began examining several world religions. This search of mine was undertaken to disprove all theistic belief (because suicide is a terminal decision). Through examining God's Word (as the final step in my quest), God in His Mercy and by His Sovereign Grace, drew me to Himself and I became a Christian. I really did become a new creation. I got a thirst for the Scriptures and began to study. I got involved with Charismatic believers but wanted to know more, so I enrolled in an Assembly of God (AOG) Bible college; I took every theology course they offered over a 5 yr. period (part time). I then went for 5 more yrs. to a Dispensational Bible college (the almamatar of Norman Geisler and Jack Van Impe) and eventually graduated (I crammed a 4 yr. degree into 10 years :)). Then, I went to a Dispensational graduate school for a few more years. So, theologically, formerly I have studied and have been Roman Catholic, Charismatic, Pentecostal, Nazarene, Wesleyan, Reformed Baptist and now Sovereign Grace Baptist. After coming home from Mass one Sunday mourning when I was eleven years old, I discovered that the ambulance had just taken my Dad away having suffered a fatal heart attack. Later that day my aunt May came over (she had two daughters that were Nuns) to console us, and I proclaimed to her "Well, I guess Dad went to Hell." She said "Why do you say such a thing"? I went on to explain that he was not a practicing Catholic, he hadn't made his Easter Duty, he hadn't received the Sacraments and he didn't even get Extreme Unction (last rites). She then told me what later I came to believe was profound wisdom, but at that time, I thought is was extremely hypocritical-she said "God is the Judge.'" So, I don't know what Catholics, Mormons, JW's, Baptists, Charismatics or anyone else are really true Christians, and I don't judge the individuals-God is the Judge. However, I do have a definite opinion and I can judge theological systems, by the rule of the Bible. My interpretation may be skewed, but I must follow my conscience. [By the way, if you want to hear some God praising testimonies from X-JW's, that God has miraculously saved, check out some of these audio testimonies: http://www.towertotruth.net/audio.htm] I believe that there are some "damnable heresies" in many systems, but I don't believe that Pentecostal/Charismatics have damnable theologies. Nonetheless, it is my opinion that P/C theology is more damaging to the corporate church than Dispensationalism or Infant Baptism, or most eschatological beliefs (excluding full preterism). I disagree with the AOG position that "tongues" are necessary as evidence of the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" according to Acts 2:4. I adamantly disagree with the UPC doctrine that "tongues" are necessary as evidence of Salvation. Accordingly, I'm not totally up on the Sovereign Grace Pentecostals, and I think they are more moderate than the above-mentioned groups, nevertheless, as I've previously stated, I do have some fundamental problems with their pneumatology-although not with the individuals. Again, I'm not judging the individuals-only some theologies and systems of belief. And this is all my own subjective opinion. In Him, Bob C. ------------------------ Ian wrote: Bob, I appreciated your post. However, let me ask your to consider further your comment, 'All in all, I consider Pentecostal/Charismatic folks my brothers and sisters in the Lord (as I do my Roman Catholic relatives), if they believe solely on the Lord Jesus Christ.' ------------------------ This might be taken to equate a difference of spiritual understanding amongst brethren - Pentecostals and ourselves - with difference over foundational beliefs between true and false religion - Romanism and Evangelicalism. Sure, a true Christian may remain in Romanism, but he/she will not believe the doctrines of Rome, otherwise they are denying the gospel. They must be dishonest Catholics or dishonest Christians. Same applies to Mormons I know who speak warmly of Christ. They should be so clear in their profession of Christ that the false church will repent and reform, or will cast them out. Our Jewish brethren faced the same problem in NT times. -- Read the Sound of Grace pages at http://www.soundofgrace.com To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: soundofgrace-unsubscribe@... To view our online archive go to our web page at http://www.associate.com/groups/soundofgrace