Open Theism Discussion Board

Open Theism Discussion Board > Public Forums > Questions about Christianity > Which hand should I use?

Forum Quick Jump

67 posts in this thread.
Viewing Page : 1 2 3

[ << Previous Thread | Next Thread >> | Show Newest Post First ]

BBBCanada
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 2763

Posted 7/29/2003 12:57 PM (GMT -6)

Tigress,

Right. You are also dealing with a hermeutical issue. If it is the case that we should use our right hand, then should women wear veils, veels, vales, (ok, whatevuuuur)?

Traditionally, it may be fine, so long as you recognize it as such. Nut'n wrong with a little tradition is there?

Brandon

shell
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 280

Posted 7/29/2003 1:28 PM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by Tigress

Well, I asked Pastor Schmidt about this and he said that he usually just asks the congregation to extend their right hands toward the people on stage because he's often holding the microphone in his left hand and he just asks everyone else to do the same. He told me to ask Tyler DeArmond whether or not there's any Church tradition behind doing this, though so I sent Tyler an e-mail about it. We'll see what he says. I asked Tyler to let me know if the Bible specifically commands the exclusive use of the right hand in blessing and praying over someone, because to be honest, I don't care about the tradition of the Church. I care about what the Bible says that the Church must do. Just because the Church practiced something for a long time, doesn't mean that it's a rule for all time. Only if the Bible tells us to do something should we do it.

Tigress

Don't forget the small things. The kite flies because of its tail.
-Hawaiian Proverb

I'm glad you asked Steve Schmidt... nice guy isn't he? Anyway...please let us know what Tyler's response is!!

Shell

DLW
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 2457

Posted 7/29/2003 3:53 PM (GMT -6)

Ultimately, you got to play the hand God deals you.

dlw

I-uh-scream-uh,
You-uh-scream-uh,
We-all-uh-sceam-uh for
Ice-uh-cream-uh!!!

Roberto Bernigni in
Down by Law.

I wish we didn't live in a world where buying and selling things (especially selling) seems to have become almost more important than either producing or using them.

C.S. Lewis

John Earp
Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2002
Total Posts : 1715

Posted 7/29/2003 6:56 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Tigress,

I was definitely not meaning to imply that the Bible specifies any one particular hand that must be used to bless, etc. I only intended to give what I thought was a plausible explanation for the practice, based on the pervasive use of the right hand for blessing in the Old Testament. Also, if I haven't made myself clear, I want to reemphasize that it is the heart that matters. What if someone with no arms wants to bless someone in prayer?

"The Discovery of new truth will modify old views and opinions, and there is perhaps no end to this process with finite minds in any world." Charles G. Finney, Systematic Theology.

revivaltheology.net

Laika
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 2433

Posted 7/30/2003 1:27 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by John Earp
What if someone with no arms wants to bless someone in prayer?

Or churches where arms are banned from the premises?

Laika
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 2433

Posted 7/30/2003 2:52 AM (GMT -6)

This is rapidly becoming my FAVORITE THREAD OF ALL TIME.

Tigress
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2003
Total Posts : 1252

Posted 7/30/2003 4:58 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by Laika

This is rapidly becoming my FAVORITE THREAD OF ALL TIME.

Wow, I'm honored...I think.

Tigress

Don't forget the small things. The kite flies because of its tail.
-Hawaiian Proverb

Laika
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 2433

Posted 7/30/2003 5:17 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by Tigress

quote:
Originally posted by Laika

This is rapidly becoming my FAVORITE THREAD OF ALL TIME.

Wow, I'm honored...I think.

You should be honored. Your threads are the most fun.

DLW
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 2457

Posted 7/30/2003 5:51 AM (GMT -6)

Tigress, you do know that many of the posters in this link have been joking somewhat over your perplexity regarding what hand you should use to pray over the person with?

dlw Question

I-uh-scream-uh,
You-uh-scream-uh,
We-all-uh-sceam-uh for
Ice-uh-cream-uh!!!

Roberto Bernigni in
Down by Law.

I wish we didn't live in a world where buying and selling things (especially selling) seems to have become almost more important than either producing or using them.

C.S. Lewis

shell
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 280

Posted 7/30/2003 7:04 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by Laika

This is rapidly becoming my FAVORITE THREAD OF ALL TIME.

Now I'm really confused Laika, I thought for sure it would have been her other thread Big Smile

Laika
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 2433

Posted 7/30/2003 7:12 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by shell

quote:
Originally posted by Laika

This is rapidly becoming my FAVORITE THREAD OF ALL TIME.

Now I'm really confused Laika, I thought for sure it would have been her other thread.

To be honest, that thread ran while I was out of town, I really haven't waded through it. Yet. I'm saving it, kind of like how people set dessert aside when they start eating.

And then there's the thread that dare not speak it's name Eight Ball

DLW
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 2457

Posted 7/30/2003 7:22 AM (GMT -6)

The "portrayals of sex in MR is bad" link or "did Cain date his sisters" link?
dlw

I-uh-scream-uh,
You-uh-scream-uh,
We-all-uh-sceam-uh for
Ice-uh-cream-uh!!!

Roberto Bernigni in
Down by Law.

I wish we didn't live in a world where buying and selling things (especially selling) seems to have become almost more important than either producing or using them.

C.S. Lewis

might-be-don
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 830

Posted 7/30/2003 7:23 AM (GMT -6)

Tigress,

Just so that you know where I stand on this hand issue...

I think the whole idea of asking folks to raise their hands like it's either some kind of sign of agreement, or maybe has some kind of magic, is totally unnecessary. God is looking at hearts, not hands.

You also see the same kind of stuff going on when folks raise their voice to "command" Satan to flee. I can see it now, Jesus jumping around, screaming and yelling, to cast out devils.

peace, don

---
"You cannot step twice into the same river; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you." Heraclitus

shell
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 280

Posted 7/30/2003 7:39 AM (GMT -6)

I can just hear Laika now...Are you doing a "Hand-Stand" Don? Just kidding...my humor is no where near his Big Smile

Laika
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 2433

Posted 7/30/2003 7:43 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by might-be-don

Tigress,
You also see the same kind of stuff going on when folks raise their voice to "command" Satan to flee.

m-b-d, I like how people, when confronted with a non-English speaker, will raise their voice in speaking English. Yes, the LOUDER you are, the more understandable English is. RIGHT?!?

shell
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 280

Posted 7/30/2003 7:45 AM (GMT -6)

DON:
Just so that you know where I stand on this hand issue...

I think the whole idea of asking folks to raise their hands like it's either some kind of sign of agreement, or maybe has some kind of magic, is totally unnecessary. God is looking at hearts, not hands.

SHELL:
So what do you think of people who raise their hands towards the Lord? And what about laying hands on the sick?

DON:
You also see the same kind of stuff going on when folks raise their voice to "command" Satan to flee. I can see it now, Jesus jumping around, screaming and yelling, to cast out devils.

SHELL:
Yeah, I have seen some really weird stuff along those lines, but I also don't think Jesus told Satan to flee in a wimpy, "could you please" voice either. When you feel empowered or using God-given authority don't you just naturally speak strongly...not loud but just strong?

---

Tigress
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2003
Total Posts : 1252

Posted 7/30/2003 8:07 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by DLW

Tigress, you do know that many of the posters in this link have been joking somewhat over your perplexity regarding what hand you should use to pray over the person with?

dlw

I-uh-scream-uh,
You-uh-scream-uh,
We-all-uh-sceam-uh for
Ice-uh-cream-uh!!!

Roberto Bernigni in
Down by Law.

I wish we didn't live in a world where buying and selling things (especially selling) seems to have become almost more important than either producing or using them.

C.S. Lewis

Yes, ya big goof-brain, I'm aware of that! Smile

But, honestly this issue has made me somewhat concerned because I don't want to curse someone during a prayer by using my left hand, if indeed that's possible. I highly doubt that it is, but since I've seen Pastor Schmidt tell the congregation to do this on a number of occasions, I thought that maybe he knew something about using hands in prayer that I didn't. So, I figured I might as well ask somebody.

Tigress

Don't forget the small things. The kite flies because of its tail.
-Hawaiian Proverb

Tigress
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2003
Total Posts : 1252

Posted 7/30/2003 8:09 AM (GMT -6)

Hey! This will be my 200th post. Maybe it will change the weird name for me on the left side![:0]

Tigress

Don't forget the small things. The kite flies because of its tail.
-Hawaiian Proverb

DLW
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 2457

Posted 7/30/2003 8:11 AM (GMT -6)

Oh Huzzah, 200 posts of Tigress. Dance the dance of joy. Clown

I remember asking in Dr. Boyd's apologetics class(we were discussing miracles and whether they existed), whether or not Jesus' feet got wet when he walked on the water.

He gave a goofy answer about some toe getting wet but not the other.

My point at the time was whether or not the physical properties of water were being altered or Jesus was hovering above the water or were there angels beneath him providing support to keep him from sinking.

So don't feel alone.

dlw

I-uh-scream-uh,
You-uh-scream-uh,
We-all-uh-sceam-uh for
Ice-uh-cream-uh!!!

Roberto Bernigni in
Down by Law.

I wish we didn't live in a world where buying and selling things (especially selling) seems to have become almost more important than either producing or using them.

C.S. Lewis

might-be-don
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 830

Posted 7/30/2003 9:01 AM (GMT -6)

SHELL: So what do you think of people who raise their hands towards the Lord? And what about laying hands on the sick?

None of the hand stuff is a problem, only not necessary. As always, only my opinion.

SHELL: Yeah, I have seen some really weird stuff along those lines, but I also don't think Jesus told Satan to flee in a wimpy, "could you please" voice either. When you feel empowered or using God-given authority don't you just naturally speak strongly...not loud but just strong?

The only thing important is what you 'command' coming to pass. It has been said, "Speak softly, and carry a big stick" .

peace, don

---
"You cannot step twice into the same river; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you." Heraclitus

DLW
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 2457

Posted 7/30/2003 9:23 AM (GMT -6)

Okay, now I'm doing the Bernigni-esque Schopenauer thing(with the hands towards my computer)...

End the link,
End the link,
End the link,

Other topics are more important IMHO,
End the link,
End the link,
dlw Clown

honorman
Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2002
Total Posts : 1137

Posted 7/30/2003 7:32 PM (GMT -6)

which hand should you use...which ever works for you...

shell
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 280

Posted 7/31/2003 3:48 AM (GMT -6)

Might-Be-Don,

I agree that there isn't significance in those things such as how loud we command the enemy to leave or which hand we pray with, it's the heart that God is looking at, but the bible says to lay hands on the sick. When I am praying with someone, there is something important about laying hands on them that I don't think is just symbolic. I know it's not about us/me at all, but it seems that God works through the laying on of hands, and I think it has something to do with the agreement of people praying together and laying on hands...unity. Just like where it says in the bible that where two or three are gathered in my name...

Thanks Smile

Shell

DLW
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 2457

Posted 7/31/2003 6:12 AM (GMT -6)

Our religious institutions, habits, do encapsulate meaningful religious experiences. As such, even if a greater since they are not essential, those that are accustomed to them should be allowed to continue their practices so long as they are meaningful.

(A little Durkheim, I picked up from Tony Campolo.)
dlw

Niebuhr thought that sustained moral energy in politics depended on religion's power to mobilize reason along with self-transcending love. The prophetic tradition, meanwhile, gave Jews and Christians some protection against the temptation to identify their social causes with God's will. Lincoln's second inaugural address expressed the prophetic insight, "The almighty has His own purposes."

might-be-don
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 830

Posted 7/31/2003 7:18 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Originally posted by shell

I know it's not about us/me at all, but it seems that God works through the laying on of hands, and I think it has something to do with the agreement of people praying together and laying on hands...unity.

I'll admit that I can't provide an answer to this question myself, but are you/we sure it's not just a cultural issue?

Maybe the real norm should be passing the sick person in the shadow of the person praying.

I like the fact that Jesus didn't always use the same procedure to heal folks. Spit & mud, that's the best way, yeah.

peace, don

"Life is a gift from God, but the years have weight in them."
Terry Scott Taylor

67 posts in this thread.
Viewing Page : 1 2 3

Forum Information

Currently it is Monday, November 09, 2026 1:41 PM (GMT -6)
There are a total of 97,718 posts in 6,040 threads.
In the last 3 days there were 0 new threads and 0 reply posts. View Active Threads

Need Support? | Forum Help Manual