Speaking of unity....

My Father in law (protestant) ripped into me about not believing in the Rapture for a half hour before naptime today, because a special about the Apocalypse (written by secular historians and scholars) was on. He came at me sideways about it because for him it was an important salvific issue- - if, as I believe, Christians are ON the earth during the period of tribulation, then how is that fair? He thinks that being saved (certainty of heaven) means that he does not deserve to suffer the tribulation, since Jesus died for his sins. I can't imagine that I WOULDN'T deserve the tribulation, so on that we disagree. He told me that he has been seriously studying it for more than twenty years, and was thus convinced of the certainty of his position. And he didn't like that I said "well, there are a lot of opinions about what will happen, but ultimately, we will have to wait and see." No, to him, it was obvious from the scriptures. Nevermind that theologians have debated the question for ever.

Annoyed at being cornered as an "unbiblical" Christian yet again by a protestant who had no spiritual authority to stand on in his argument of correct interpretation, I went to pray about it and read my bible. I was simultaneously praying for my husband and his brother, Scotty, who he wrote the previous letter to/about.
Lo and behold the Lord spoke through the Book of Romans.

Romans 14:13-18

3 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things[a]is acceptable to God and approved by men.

and alongside this admonition:

Romans 16:17-20

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus[a] Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

In other words, we are called to "leave each other alone" with regards to the Faith-- ie, not to harp and hammer on every point of contention in belief with another, but rather to ensure that we ourselves are FULLY CONVINCED IN OUR OWN MINDS on each issue. Simultaneously, we are to avoid interacting too fully with those persons who have no respect for spiritual authority and/or True doctrine.

Simple, really. In a world of spiritual warfare, this is the most important line in that whole passage:
"I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil."

Let us exercise charity towards one another, and work towards the betterment of our own souls in silence. Now THAT sounds right to me, in particular if it is true that nothing which is hidden will not be revealed. One day, people will learn the error of their ways and their eyes will be opened. Why not try to make that moment less painful for ourselves?