Is “infestation” Biblical language?

[ken_sylvania]

(I guess this means you can biblically call your pastor a “whitewashed headstone.”)

Maybe you have such a pastor at your church. If so, that's unfortunate.

To me it seems that you are highly invested in this metaphor. I understand that you feel the word encompasses the systemic nature of sin. I think there’s plenty of systematic, prophetic language in the Bible that you don’t have to use that particular metaphor.

Wait what? You started a thread to specifically talk about this metaphor. Maybe the problem is that your arguments aren't convincing rather than that JohnH is highly invested in the metaphor.

Jesus did call people to repentance, but it also matters how he called people to repentance. He did call the religious elite “a brood of vipers.” That’s language directed to those who already have faith. This is language directed to people who already considered themselves righteous and faithful.

The usage of "infestation" that JohnH is defending is using the word to describe people in government positions and church leadership who are pretending to be righteous while living in deliberate sin.

I don't think it's accurate to describe the Pharisees as having faith. Paul said that the things he did before his conversion he did in unbelief.

[barnhart]

My mother has a conviction against arguing because it only drives your opponent deeper into their position. I have more latitude for it than she exhibits but I see her point.

[justme]

So since it seems to be the consensus that infestation is an ok word to use to describe a group of people, i guess i am allowed to say this:

MennoNet is infested with JohnH and his supporters.

[justme]

So since it seems to be the consensus that infestation is an ok word to use to describe a group of people, i guess i am allowed to say this:

MennoNet is infested with JohnH and his supporters.

How do you feel when you read that sentence?

[Valerie]

So since it seems to be the consensus that infestation is an ok word to use to describe a group of people, i guess i am allowed to say this:

MennoNet is infested with JohnH and his supporters.

Lord have mercy Justme, why don’t you say how you really feel?

Seems lately your main contributions are insults. Why?

[justme]

So the use of the word infestation or a version of that word is an insult?

[Valerie]

So the use of the word infestation or a version of that word is an insult?

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (or fingers types) it seems you meant it as an insult, yes. Because you recently conveyed a similar attitude.

[temporal1]

So many pages.

It reminds me of discussions of the word, “trinity”, which isn’t in the Bible, yet, many apply it.
Before this forum, i didn’t realize trinity didn’t appear in the Bible. Some are seriously opposed to its use.
https://forum.mennonet.com/viewtopic.php?t=173

It’s a word i can readily accept, to me, it represents the spirit of what is found in scriptures.
2Cor3:6
https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/3-6.htm

i’m not sure scriptures can be beat when it comes to harsh language used to convey serious matters.
It’s all in there for everyone’s ultimate benefit.

[temporal1]

My mother has a conviction against arguing because it only drives your opponent deeper into their position. I have more latitude for it than she exhibits but I see her point.

Certainly, questioning or accusing encourages one to think more about their words, including defense.
So, yes, questioning can inadvertantly stimulate deeper convictions. Sometimes it reveals mistakes and it’s agreed. Not always.

The word, arguing, can have different meanings. It’s not always a caustic debate.
In the legal world, it’s just presenting one’s case. Not emotional. Just, present the facts. Weigh it out.

[Judas Maccabeus]

So since it seems to be the consensus that infestation is an ok word to use to describe a group of people, i guess i am allowed to say this:

MennoNet is infested with JohnH and his supporters.

I don't see a consensus that it is OK, and if so I am not part of it.