Our question list from Open Season Friday has deteriorated into a forum to repeat an inaccurate statement that my previous post about "Truth" was declaring who was "Christian" and who wasn't (or who was "Truth" and who wasn't).
That was not the issue or the answer. In fact, I went out of my way to state that I was not answering who is right and who is wrong (which religion is Truth). My point was to prove that this whole idea of "choose a belief about God and they are all equally valid" is logically and intellectually absurd.
I've been writing about the Bible and Christianity for a decade publicly, so I should have known the mentioning any particular group in any particular order or in any particular context would result in this.
My wife and my daughter don't need the stress or the insults that are flying at me. So save the unkindness for ME and email me directly at brent@brentriggs.com. I like to have a blog where difficult questions can be answered but people are so easily offended no matter how diplomatic, logical and kind you are.
Life's too short folks... I'm answering questions because I care about people and want to give them something honest to think about. If you want ear-tickling and cotton candy answers, I'm the wrong person. If you disagree with me, disagree with me. Don't question my heart, motives and what good I do because of a disagreement. I don't question yours.
~ Brent
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36 comments:
I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this at such a difficult time. Your family doesn't deserve it. I will keep praying for you guys. I really hope Abby starts producing wbc soon and fights off this infection. Thank you for sharing the TRUTH of the gospel with all of us, and for not sugar-coating it to make people feel better about themselves.
Ashley
Amen! Well said.
I used some of your thoughts while answering questions my MIL had regarding the way to heaven. She is from a works-based salvation background and has so many questions. The pastor who was just shot dead in the middle of his sermon has got many people thinking, my MIL included. All things work together for good.
I'm just going to say I echo Ashley (comment #1). She said what I was thinking so well. Keep speaking the truth, don't change a thing and just keep reminding yourself the enemy knows he's lost the war so he engages as many petty battles as he possibly can. Praying for all of you - rest, comfort, peace and that Abby starts producing wbc.
Brent,
I am sorry for the insults you are getting. I think you have wonderful insight about God. Don't let it get to you. You don't need anything else on you right.
God Bless you all and I hope Abby has improved some today. I pray for all of you.
Insults? Oh, nuh uh, don't even TELL me people are being crappy to you guys! That's just sick and wrong.
I agree with you totally, disagreement and constructive criticism is one thing (well, actually, I guess they're two things, but...) Insults and just flat-out mean spirited junk is an entirely different bird. And I've noticed that most of that sort of stuff comes from good 'ole "Anon" anyway. It's like if you're going to participate in the discussion, whether from a point of agreement or dissention, have the guts to actually participate as a real, live person, for Pete's sake. Tossing out insults anonymously is just classless and gross.
Oh, man. It appears I'm all revved up. (Decompress.) Seriously, Brent and Michelle, you guys have been NOTHING but awesome from Day 1. Your whole family is such a blessing. Thank you so much for taking the time to thoughtfully and thoroughly answer many of our questions, DESPITE all you have going on with sweet Abby.
We love you guys!
How sad to read that people are giving you a hard time about this. I read your post and thought it was right on. Please know that there are many people who support your position. If I disagreed, I would say so but I don't. I'm praying for your family and especially for little Abby.
I am sorry that you have been attacked for stating the "Truth". That's what happens when the enemy knows that you are changing people's lives. Bind EVERY tongue that rises up against you in the name of JESUS!
I pray that you all continue to see improvements in Abby's health. She is the healed of the Lord.
Love and Prayers,
Holly in OKC
We are continuingly praying for your family! Hugs!!
Brent,
I am so sorry you have to deal with the negative comments. It is so unnecessary and undeserved.
In the short time that I have gotten to know you through your blog, my faith has been strengthened and I am closer to God than ever before. Thank you for helping me along on that journey.
Please ignore the negative comments.
I hope that Abby is doing ok today. I am thinking and praying for you all. You know what is and isn't important in life, hug that beautiful wife of yours and kiss that precious little girl that God brought to you both to love.
I have found when giving my opinion or thoughts spiritually that it's always best to pray for discernment when writing and to pray over it when posting that it will be received in the manner in which God intended, with love as well as quoting His Word. His Word is the ultimate authority, were just the messengers, anything else is of the flesh. Not a day goes by that I do not pray for you, Michelle, your family and especially Abby. I celebrate with you now in Abby's full recovery "here on earth as it is in heaven". Many blessings and HOPE!
Brent,
This is what you said, "OF COURSE I BELIEVE THAT CHRISTIANITY IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN AND THE ONLY TRUTH. If I do NOT believe that, then I do not believe Christianity. And if I do not believe it, they I deserve no respect for calling myself Christian if I don't have the courage to stand by its claims without apology or compromise."
And that is what keeps me reading your views on Christianity. It is your strong convictions and your belief in God's Word to be the truth without interpreting it to mean what is "politically correct" that I respect. If people don't want you to answer questions EXCEPT the way they want to hear the answers, then they shouldn't ask you in the first place. Anyone that reads what you write already knows what your views on being a Christian are and they you won't "sugarcoat" your answers.
I pray that you and Michelle won't pay attention to anyone that is adding any stress or "slinging" unChristian insults at you. In getting to know your family through Abby, SeriousLiving and your blogs... I know that you and your family are blessed by God. There is a right way and a wrong way to have disagreements with someone and being insulting is the wrong way.
Just know that for every "kook" in this world that is adding stress to your family, there are a 1000 times more that support you and love you and pray for you.
My heart and prayers are with you, Michelle, Abby and all the others in your family.
Ann Stegall
Wake Forest, NC
I will never understand why someone reads someone else's blog and then attacks them for their own opinion. It is YOUR blog! You can say whatever you want. If someone wants to correct you on a fact-- why can't they be nice about it?
I'm hoping for a miracle for Abby. My daughter struggled with selective mutism until two years ago. She just performed in public for the first time Monday, in our church's youth revival. The next night, she gave her testimony. Read more about her on my blog www.penny-mytwocentsworth.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-believe-in-miracles.html
You are saying great things. Too bad if people don't like it. I have been praying for Abby and you and your wife, I will continue to do so. I love your blog, great job.
I'm terribly sorry that you're having to deal with this right now. I hope that it isn't affecting Michelle or Abby negatively! Keeping you all in my prayers!!!!
Thank you Brent for your honesty as well as your well thought out, well spoken and true words.
God is glorified through your family. May you be richly blessed for your faith and your unwavering conviction no matter what.
I am blessed by your desire to reach out to the world even when in the midst of your own family struggle.
Praying for Abby and for all of your family to be blessed beyond measure.
OH NO! You deleted my last comment...which means you thought I was being mean and I SO SO was not. I love what you write. I'm sorry you took it wrong...
Oh, Brent, there is just plain ignorance out there waiting to "kick a horse when it's down". For every negative, you have a hundrend positives, though. Many continue to keep you in their thoughts and prayers, and are here to support you every step of the way.
In fact, just today, I was at my son's morning bowling league, experiencing the usual excitement of strikes, spares, high-fiving, happy conversations, etc. Thoughts of Abby suddenly overwhelmed me. It was then that I snuck away to a quiet place to pray for all of you ... the bathroom. Puts a whole new spin on "when duty calls", doesn't it??? ;o)
My point is, Abby is NEVER far from my thoughts, and always in my prayers. You ALL are.
Love from ~Michelle in Cincinnati, Ohio
Brent,
My husband and I THANK YOU for speaking the truth no matter how hard it is for a lot of people to swallow. You hit the nail on the head, my friend. My hubby, who never reads blogs, sat down to read it at my request, and said, "Wow, that is how I've always wanted to say it, but never been able to put it into words!"
We are praying fervently for Abby!
In Him, Jen
I had to stop reading at the 4th comment because, honestly, it was raising my blood pressure. I knew that people would disagree, it's just inevitable, but there is a right way and a wrong way to respond in my opinion.
I didn't have a problem understanding your point in the last post. I'm sorry that others didn't "get" it and resorted to flaming. I was better off not commenting at the time, but know that I respect your time and your words whether I comment or not.
On a happier note, do we have a purple tongue slideshow to view? I know many of us sent pics yesterday. :D
Brent,
Thank you for speaking the Truth. Isn't it funny, how simple Christianity really is, yet so many folks get so insulted and try to make it so complicated? The Bible says it, we believe it, you know?
Stay strong. Know you have many friends who are lifting you and your family up in prayer.
I'm sorry to hear the you are getting so much flak from people. I look forward to and read all of your posts; I feel like they help me grow as a Christian. God bless you and your family. All of you are in my prayers.
Rachel Clendenin
Greensburg, PA
Amen,amen, AMEN! to what Holly in OKC said. Well put. VERY well put.
That was what I meant to say. (Hee.) However, instead of being able to intelligently form a thought, I went into a little "see red" mini rant. I really hope Michelle and Abby haven't been harmed by any hurtful comments. The thought of that really makes me sad.
Thank you for deepening my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I have never prayed as much as I have these past nine months, since first coming across your blog. For every negative comment you receive, please KNOW how many thousands of others you are leading to the Lord through your example and testimony.
Isn't it great being the salt & the light. Praying for you guys!!
Wow, really? People gave you a hard time about that? I haven't read the comments, and I probably will not, but I thought the answer was so perfect, that I can't even imagine how anyone could have been offended. I might just read a few to see what they said. I have found in my own life that I have been misunderstood and called judgmental when nothing could have been farther from the truth! I was shocked then, and I am shocked now. I guess I should stop being shocked. You are an inspiration to so many and a real light for the Lord in these dark times. Shine on!
Hey Brent, no insults. I think you are wonderful to believe wholeheartedly in and stand up for your religion. I pray for your family daily and will continue to do so. A respectful clarification though-us Mormons study the bible too. Keep spreading the good word of God and give my love to sweet Abby.
Brent - love, hugs, thoughts and prayers to you and ALL your family. Keep your eye on the ball, none of the rest matters - not even a little.
Hi Brent, I haven't asked any questions or commented recently, but have been following your open season answers with great interest. Your "Truth" answer was particularly interesting to me, because I have heard myself spreading this notion, that all good intentions lead to Heaven. My way of being inclusive, I guessm but you're right, by doing this I deny my God and patronize other religions. Your answer lets me see this, and I am always open to learning even when it means I need to rewire my thoughts... I thought your answer to that notion was excellent, I have thought about it so much. Please don't stop speaking the truth, you always do it kindly and you (more than!) back up your answers. I would hate to lose your guidance on matters important to me.
I hope Abby is feeling better, we continue to pray for her physical comfort and healing,
Nilia Palhinha
Brent, Abby, Michelle, and the Riggs Family,
My son, daughter and I continue to pray for you all and Abby. Every night when they go to bed Tasha and Isaac spontaneously pray for Abby. "Abby sleep" "Abby get well" "Abby no more sick", says my three year old son every night spontaneously with the heart and faith of a child.
I have experienced Leukemia and the rigors of chemo twice in my family- my uncle when he was 5 years old and my own father...it is brutal..
With faith and God's love, I continue to lift you up in prayer. As others tear you down, God and the Body of Christ will hold you up. We are one Body and we are continually praying and lifting you up....We hurt with you and pray for you...you are not alone in any of this....
Give a Hug to Michelle and Abby (and Yourself) :) from Tasha, Isaac, and Dianne.
In God's Loving Hands,
Dianne, Tasha, and Isaac
Brent,
Back in 2000 when I first became a born again Christian, one of the first "difficult" people I came across said to me" All good people go to heaven" I barely knew enough to have a conversation about it, but I told this person that I disagreed and then I gave her my limited knowledge at that time. To see you put the TRUTH so simply and so eloquently and so strongly all at the same time-is quite frankly amazing. I wish I had had the same information WAY back then and also the boldness to ALWAYS speak the TRUTH-even if it offends. We as Christians should be able to have our opinions without being attacked or insulted. I know you know that you are touching the lives of many as is Abby.
On a lighter note-my 7 year old has been burdened for Michelle lately-she is always praying for her.
And like one of the other comments sometimes in the middle of something I will feel the need to go pray for you guys-it is my belief that is the Holy Spirt and I am so blessed to be able to obey!
Michelle Mann
Alaska
I'm not exactly sure WHAT went on but I know one thing is FACT... this is RIGGS FAMILY BLOG! If anyone does not like it Perhaps keep an open mind? Take what you want & leave the rest for us that do! Otherwise SEE YA ADIOS AMIGOS!
Brent ~ you ROCK dude!!! I very much appreciate your TRUTH (NOT candycoating anything). Joyce Meyer Ministry once said those that get OFFENDED are those that are INSECURE or Feel they Need to be in CONTROL (again insecure) so Keep doing what you're doing :) I LOVE READING what You & Michelle write! Ppl like me are LEARNING from ppl like you! :)
I so hope Abby is Improving!!! What can we do to help? (besides pray)... Ana What Are Your(s)Favorites? ;) You can email me if you'd like but I need to know :D
Blessings my friend,
~Joni Sweet
I haven't seen any of the negative responses, so I don't know exactly what was being said. It's certainly sad if people cannot disagree without getting nasty.
I do think if you answer the "controversial" questions, you are well aware that not everyone agrees and people will want to respond. But it should always be kept RESPECTFUL.
If you disagree with Brent, I'm sure he's man enough to accept that but there's a right and wrong way to say your piece. We don't need to resort to name calling or personal attacks.
Marie.
if any one thing makes your post worth while, please know that I opened my Bible this morning with an absence of doubt. I know Truth and felt confident, that I didn't have to continue straddling the fence. I dove in and ate it up. And I was satiated. Thank you, please keep up the good work.
Praying for Abbys healing and for the entire Righs family.
I loved your post on "intolerance". I thought you hit the nail right on the head!
I'm praying for Abby and your family, and I've told my three older kids (they're 6, 4, and 2) about her too, and we pray for her quite often at lunch and breakfast. Hearing you both share stories of Abby, and the videos! OH! They're amazing! She's touched my heart so deeply and I'm so thankful to have found your blog and be a (albeit small!) part of your difficult journey. Thank you for being REAL, and for being such a bright light in this dark world.
I don't have much to add ... but AMEN to the previous comments!
God does not call us to be "inclusive" when it comes to our faith. God calls us to TRUTH.
I just wrote a post yesterday, about a conversation I had with my 7 year old this week. He asked, "Are there two ways to get to heaven?", and went on to explain that he had basically been taught a false doctrine in our church' children's ministry. Oh dear. I explained God's TRUTH, and apologized that our children's pastor had, in trying to be creative with the children, actually misled them into thinking there were two ways to get to heaven. My little guy was crushed, but I was not about to sugar coat anything for him.
Check out my post on: Please Don't Simplify the Gospel.
Laurel :)
mama of 13
Hi , I just wanted to know if you could clarify something for me. You stated once before that you feel that being a Christian is the only route to Heaven. Do you feel that people that are either Jews or other religons do not go to Heaven too?
We continue to pray for Abby's healing.
Oh my my tears are falling. I am so sorry for all that you are going through. There are no words good enough for all that you are going through.
Our son Noah had leukemia also in 2002-2003. He fought so hard. We lived like you in the hosptial for most of the year. It was very painful as a parent to watch so much suffering. Noah is with Jesus now. I pray that Abby is healed here on earth.
We have also adopted two kids, one from Guatemala-ESther Lily Rose and SAmuel from China. He brings good out of bad. Many kids that were with cancer are cancer free today so hold on to that hope! God loves you all and I pray that you can feel Him holding you all up. It's the hardest journey ever. My heart is breaking with yours today! Abby is a honey!!!
Heidi Schafbuch
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