A wacko statement by a wacko dude, Spurgeons quite the nut case.
Hmmm...
Personally, I would be reluctant to cast aspersions on a pastor of such accomplishments as Spurgeon, even though I disagree with some things he's said.
It doesn't harm us, or turn us into "compromisers" to respect people with whom we disagree, when that respect is in areas of accomplishment that are truly worthy of respect.
Liberalism may have ruined graciousness
I think perhaps liberal Chrstianity, which believes EVERYTHING should be wholeheartedly embraced regardless of it's disagreement with scripture, has caused a strange backlash.
I think maybe we've had such a backlash against liberal Christianity which embraces EVERYTHING, that more orthodox believers feel a need to DRAW LINES IN THE SAND EVERYWHERE... over every little thing.
I think this need to "draw lines in the sand" to prove our orthodoxy, to prove our distance from liberalism, has caused us to make uncrossable chasms of absolutely everything. And this is to the degree we actually feel like we've compromised our faith JUST BY BEING POLITE AND GRACIOUS.
If we're gracious toward those with different views, we must be compromising our faith!
That's what many churches teach, though they may not say the words.
I think it's shown more in demeanor, and action.
But I think this is what many churches teach.
* Well it certainly is NOT a compromise of our faith to be polite, and gracious, toward those with whom we disagree.
* In fact, I'm pretty sure we're supposed to STAND OUR GROUND, while STILL BEING LOVING.
* I agree it's difficult... but God never promised things down here would be easy, lol.
Oh, and before I sign off...
John Calvin was ugly and his momma dressed him funny.