Force-Fed Faith

Wherever we go to church we may find God at work, but also a number of human beings coercing, nudging or downright forcing others to believe the Bible just like them. Sometimes churches attempt to pressurize others into tongues, avoiding alcohol, tithing, enthusiastically singing music they don't like, wearing a particular style of clothing, calling everyone brother this or sister that, or believing in denominationally "approved" teachings and dogmas of our faith. I dream of a church where Christians of different points of view fellowship in mutual respect and treat each other as equals. I believe that was what Paul was trying to accomplish among the diverse opinions regarding days in Romans 14:1-6. I also like the way Matthew Henry describes the philsophy behind the verse: "Compelled assent to any doctrine, or conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would be hypocritical and of no avail." (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary)