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The Truth
09-28-2005, 06:16 AM
As a Christian do you:

A) believe in a literal interpretation of the bible?

B) believe only some parts are true and others are just parable?

c) believe that the apocryphal writings could also be the word of god?

d) believe most people are going to hell?


Which are the beliefs that are clearly defined by calling oneself a "Christian"? In other words, what is the actual set of beliefs of Christianity that are integral to calling yourself a Christian?


-blake
craig r
09-28-2005, 06:35 AM
I am not even a Christian, but I am pretty sure that none of your 4 multiple choice questions are "required" to be a Christian.

craig
MaxPowerPoker
09-28-2005, 08:05 AM
[ QUOTE ]
Which are the beliefs that are clearly defined by calling oneself a "Christian"?

[/ QUOTE ]

None of the 4 are "clearly defined by calling oneself a Christian." None of them even mention Jesus Christ
The Truth
09-28-2005, 09:09 AM
Sorry about that, I messed up when I edited the last sentence.


It should read:
"In addition, what is the actual set of beliefs of Christianity that are integral to calling yourself a Christian?"

and have no reference to the first 4 questions.


thanks
Georgia Avenue
09-28-2005, 11:02 AM
Results may vary.

Here's (http://www.quakerinfo.com/one_test.shtml) one that's close to mine.
NotReady
09-28-2005, 12:21 PM
A) is not well defined. I believe in the literal truth of the Bible but I believe it contains figurative language. Jesus is the Lamb of God, literally as Lamb pertains to sacrifice, figuratively in that He was not a four footed animal that goes baa.

B) is similarly vague because a parable is used to illustrate or teach a truth. Of course the Bible contains parable because Jesus says some of His teaching is in parables.

C) I haven't read it though I plan to. My understanding is that most scholars, theologians and church leaders do not regard them as inspired.

D) This isn't specified in the Bible. What is specified is that we are not to inquire who is going to heaven and who isn't.

As stated, one can be a Christian and have differing views on all four points.

Basic Christianity is contained in the Gospel (good news):

All people are sinners and guilty before God. God became incarnate in the Person of Jesus Christ. He lived a sinless life and thus qualified as "The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world", He was crucified in order to make atonement for the sins of mankind, and was resurrected in a new body. People can receive the offered gift of forgiveness by repenting of their sins and trusting in Jesus for salvation.

The above has been stated many different ways, perhaps the one most accepted is the Apostle's Creed.
MaxPowerPoker
09-28-2005, 01:06 PM
[ QUOTE ]
D) This isn't specified in the Bible. What is specified is that we are not to inquire who is going to heaven and who isn't.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would simply add that the picture of the number of people in heaven given in Revelation 7 describes a great multitude that no one can number.
deepdowntruth
09-28-2005, 02:09 PM
Your last two posts have said that the number in question is incalculable.

One trick pony?
MaxPowerPoker
09-28-2005, 02:41 PM
[ QUOTE ]
Your last two posts have said that the number in question is incalculable.

One trick pony?

[/ QUOTE ]

I was entertaining myself. How often do you get the opportunity to give a single answer two entirely different questions?
spaminator101
09-28-2005, 04:58 PM
I beleive that a and d are true and i haven't read the apocriphal books yet so i don't know about c but definately not b
RJT
09-28-2005, 09:26 PM
I sure hope that SDM reads this thread. He and I were having a conversation (well, I was talking and he was arguing - lol - I'm joking SDM) on another thread. Turns out I was right about the point we were talking about.

SDM, if you read this - I am probably right about you being a pup, too, ‘fesh up.

Ciao, ( SDM, I know you understand my Italian, even though Spanish seems to be more of your familiarity.)

RJT

p.s. sorry for the brief hijack.
sexdrugsmoney
09-28-2005, 09:36 PM
[ QUOTE ]
I sure hope that SDM reads this thread. He and I were having a conversation (well, I was talking and he was arguing - lol - I'm joking SDM) on another thread. Turns out I was right about the point we were talking about.

SDM, if you read this - I am probably right about you being a pup, too, ‘fesh up.

Ciao, ( SDM, I know you understand my Italian, even though Spanish seems to be more of your familiarity.)

RJT

p.s. sorry for the brief hijack.

[/ QUOTE ]

link (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=3507408&page=&view=&s b=5&o=&vc=1)