I think Christians might start considering me a heretic?

Question

1) Having read a sermon by Biblical Unitarian William Ellery Channing I was persuaded by some of his teachings, and believe that Christ is the Son of God and the Savior, but that the Trinity is not really a concrete scriptural teaching (but like Ben Franklin, I see no harm in it being believed)

2) I detest the religious right, consider them merely social outward Christians

3) Having studied it for three years, I do not think America has a "born-again Christian Heritage"

4) I am not a firm believer in Creationism, not a dedicated enemy to Evolution. I want to first learn Hebrew, to see what the Mosaic account says word for word, then I want to take a college class to see if there is any convincing evidence for Evolution besides, "Scientists say so". After studying the Old Testament more in its original tongue, I may be compelled to reject much of it as legend. If the account was done by Adam or Eve, it may have more weight, but Moses not reliable.

Am I a heretic

Answer 1

why in the world will Christians consider you as heretic?? you are looking for answers just like everybody else, and there is nothing wrong with that, and if the christians do think of u as a heretic they must just be religous and nothing more, real Christianity is based on Jesus Christ and only throuhg him we could go to heaven, thats his own words. your dedicated in finding the truth and i believe all Christians should do the same, learn Hebrew and learn even more about Christ, if all christians even tried that this will be a big step forward of knowing how and why Jesus died for us, and what the sacrafice really meant and much much more.... i would say go for it man, it says in the Bible "seek and you shall find", it all depends on waht you are seeking thou. we have a very capable mind of finding things that we are really looking for, i just hope you are looking for the truth. not the other way where your seeking to find you beliefs right but anyway may God bless you with you search!!!

Answer 2

Lots of good answers! I'll just say this.
1) It is true that the word "Trinity" does not appear in the Bible, but I think you can find evidence of God being The Father, The Son, (the word who became flesh) And the Holy Spirit. The mystery is how they are all actually one. I have a feeling that is hard for us to grasp now, but when we see God face to face we will understand.

2) and 3) I agree completely and I think most would.

4) I believe there is definitely proof of evolution. I also believe without a doubt that we are created by God. The interesting thing is that God doesn't give us much detail on HOW He created all things. He just says that He did. I have often struggled over what parts of the Old Testament to take literally. I know Satan is a Spirit Being, not an animal. But was there really a tree or is that just symbolic too? I don't know if I will ever have the answers but I don't let it bother me. My faith in God is too strong and it means too much to me to worry about those things. I think it is great that you want to learn more. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. I am another one of many who have written so far who does not think you are a heretic at all.

Answer 3

Why would you be considered a heretic? Everything you just described is an accurate characterization of the majority opinion in Christianity. Why, why, why on earth do people define "Christian" by the 5% of Evangelical/Fundamentalists? I suppose that is typical of American isolationsim - we tend to define the entire earth in terms of what we see in our own home town.

The Trinity was not adopted because it was "Biblical." When the Trinity was defined, there was no such thing as a "Bible," let alone "Biblical" vs. "Unbiblical" doctrines. But you might want to investigate Trinitarian Unitariansim - it is the view held by the second largest denomination on the planet, and maintains that all human beings will be saved in the next age.

The religious right is not conservative in either politics or religion. On the contrary, they represent the far-left in Christian doctrine, and maintain almost no vestage of historic Christianity. They also make up an extremely small minority among Christians world-wide.

America has no "born-again" heritage. "Born-again" Christianity is just over 100 years old, and didn't even exist at the founding of our nation.

Evolution and the "old earth" were first suggested by Christian theologians in the early Church. Theistic evolution is officially sanctioned by the world's largest Christian denomination.

So I wonder, why would you be considered a heretic? You just need to get out of that heretical denomination that you were raised in. Visit some other denominations - it won't take long for you to see how far out in left-field your original denomination really was.

Answer 4

No, I don't think you are a heretic, but there will be some people that will say that you are. Those people will more than likely be the conservative, evangelical, fundamentatlist Christians. However, I don't think that way at all because I agree with much of what you have to say.

1) I believe that the Trinity is a biblical concept, even though the word isn't in scripture at all. I follow the connection found in the first chapter of John the gospel to get to that conclusion.

2) I cannot say that I detest the religious right because I'm not going to waste my energy loathing someone that is really not worth my time. I do not agree with their social agenda. I think that they aren't representative of Christianity at all.

3) I KNOW that America isn't some Christian nation. That is seen by history. It's not a part of my faith to live in a nation that was started in Christian principles. I do not think that I'm more blessed than someone else just because I happen to live in America.

4) I believe that God can very well use the process of evolution to create the world. I believe that God indeed did create us; however, I think the process isn't as clean cut as people want to say that it is. In fact, there are two creation stories written in the book of Genesis with differing details. It isn't the process behind creation that is important, in my opinion, it is the creative being that is behind that process that is important.

Answer 5

1) Don't be persuaded by one sermon. I've heard thousands of times that I'm wrong for believing what I do, and if I focus on what they're saying, I'll believe them. If you want to find truth about Christianity, study Christianity. Go talk to a professor of Western religion about it, and talk to a Christian pastor/minister. It'll be worth your time. No offense, but I wouldn't talk to a Catholic priest...Catholics try to reason through things to the point that, sometimes, it can get to be borderline heresy. Theologians study this stuff for decades, and they still don't know everything.

2) The "religious right" is political BS. Pray continuously for understanding and wisdom, and believe what your conscience tells you. Forget all that other crap.

3) America, I'm sorry, is about as Christian as all the nations that its citizens come from. I'm from the U.S., and I agree. That doesn't matter. Live your life the right way.

4) Books of the bible were written in different contexts. Some are historical, and some are "stories." They're true --don't get me wrong -- but they may be true in a representative way. The Gospel is the truth, literally. The Old Testament does not have to be interpreted literally. God always was and always will be, and he created the physical universe in which we live. Whether it was formed in 7 of our days, or whether Genesis is a kind of "story" that gives a metaphorical account of the beginning of Time, God doesn't lose anything. He still created it. Physicists and others come up with incredible ideas about this, and they're believable. But if they don't come down to "God created it," they're wrong. Look up "scientific creation." It's not heresy. God gave us powerful minds. We can use them, but we had better not trade our faith for intelligence. Science and religion can work together.

I've considered this many times, and have studied a lot. Some advice from somebody who's spent a lot of time with this subject, specifically: Don't think you'll find clarity in learning Hebrew or Greek and studying the original texts. You won't. Study the materials you have. If you have questions, ask an ordained minister. An understanding of the original languages can help, but I will bet my life that they will not clarify your faith. The modern texts are accurate enough. Look for your answers there, and be faithful that you'll find them. Believe me: there are convincing arguments for evolution. But they can never explain everything, although they sound like it. God created it in the beginning...Period. I'm sorry I can't help you any more. I've struggled with this extensively as well. Remember this: your relationship with God is your own, and your conscience will guide you. Do what you are certain is right. They're not feelings. Learn, study. Education is not the devil, but learning and studying in denial of faith is like digging your own grave. I hope you understand that.

Answer 6

I think if you study the OT in the original language you will come to a better understanding of the difference between Creationism and Evolution. Be sure to read about "ex nilo" creation, or creation out of nothing. It's a key concept.

As for the Trinity, I do believe in it, as did the early Church. The JW's are one of the first groups of heretics who denounced that teaching. Be careful and mindful of the ultimate goal and agenda for believing or not believing in the Trinity, therein will you find the cause and justification.

I would encourage you read and study and then study so more. No one should stop learning about their history and religion.
Here's a good website to start with: http://www.monergism.com/

God bless!

Answer 7

There is no such thing as heresy these days. So many people believe so many different things. There are so many different groups that call themselves Christians, yet so many of them have totally different doctrines. What is a sin in one church is not in another. The Bible has been translated from one language to another so many times. Its a wonder that anything remains. The first protestants discarded several books from the Catholic version of the Bible.

What really matters most is that we try to live a good life within the confines of our consciences. If you believe in God and Jesus Christ and try to adhere to the Ten Commandments and to the Golden Rule, you should come out all right.

I personally believe that God created the world in His own time using the evolutionary process. A day to God is not the same thing as a day to man. I think they are calling this intelligent design now, but I've always believed that way. My son-in-law believes that the Bible is literal word for word. I know better than to discuss religion with him.

I admire your desire to know and your willingness to investigate the things that you question. Don't forget in the mean time to be kind and supportive of your fellow man. To me, that is the most important thing. So many "Christians" believe it is okay to shun others who do not believe as they do. I don't think that's what God intended. Christ said, "Love your enemy". We all need to love each other more. Didn't mean to get so long winded, but yours was a very good question.

Answer 8

I would not think so, you are merely interested in learning all that you can about your relgion from a scource that you believe to be reliable. You can have whatever view you wish to have about christianity as long as you accept christ as your saviour and live life as a good person, then you are a christian. All the seperation of Baptist and Church of God and the like is trivia as long as your foundation in the faith is secure.

Course what do i know, I am considered a heretic by most for being an agnostic.

Answer 9

Study Orthodox Christianity.

Answer 10

Funny, I just refered to myself as a liberal christian heretic.

If God is truth and the creator he must be reflected throughout his creation. I've let science help me interpret the scripture, and refine my view of God.

Man may change nuances and subtle meanings of the scripture through time, but man cannot reorganize the natural order of things. Physics speaks louder than words.