How much is "too much"? At what point do you draw the line and say, "Ok, you're so far off you're not even a Christian!" If the person believes that Jesus has died for their sins, and they believe in Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit, but differ from you in other doctrines, is it still possible that they are not even Christians? Or do you say as long as they believe in Jesus and have accepted him into their life, they are Christians?
Can people be Christians and disagree on the following issues?
- infant baptism vs. adult baptism
- communion as a symbol vs. communion as the actual body and blood of Christ
- once saved always saved vs. backsliding
- inerrancy of Scripture vs. belief that Scripture may have been corrupted somewhat by man
- differences in the order of End-Time events
- etc.
If someone differs from you on these types of issues, do you say they are not a Christian?
2007-05-02 14:17:56 · 11 answers · asked by Sorrow & Bliss 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Nope. I associate with any geniuine Christian.
Description:
Must believe in the Trinity
Must believe in the divinity of Jesus
Must believe in a virgin Birth
Must believe in the power of the death and Resurrection of Christ.
2007-05-02 15:03:30 · answer #1 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well when I run into someone far off, I usually leave them alone. Some people are to far gone. But those that have a little truth in what they speak I tell them to go back and search the scriptures and history let them know where there false doctrine came from.
Infant baptism vs. adult baptism: I'm for baptism when a person is old enough to understand the covenant that they are about to enter with God
Todays christian are so far off that I am starting to hate that word because there is nothing Christ-like in them.
2007-05-02 21:34:54 · answer #2 · answered by neal8mile 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Young Lady,
It is certainly not important whether I think they are Christian or not. It is VERY IMPORTANT that GOD knows they are Christians. That is why I continually read, study, and obey GOD's WORD from HIS HOLY BIBLE. I do not take anyone else's word about the scriptures. I read and study it. I suggest that you continually do the same. Infant Baptism is NOT found in the Bible, Once Saved/always saved is NOT in the Bible, The scriptures are said to be inerrant by GOD in the BIBLE. Most of the people who believe in the "End-time events are basing those claims on the Book of Revelation and know nothing about it because they are attempting to read it as if it is a fairy tale. It was written in this manner because John was on the Isle of Patmos held captive by the Roman armies and could not get it to the Churches of Christ without writing it in Apocalyptic Language. It describes the fall of Rome and the saints there. These things have already happened. Have a great evening and a wonderful week.
Thank you,
Eds, Non-Denominational Christian
PS... I believe that a person who understands sin must be baptized for the remission of sins according to the scriptures.
EDIT:
Billy,
Creeds are written by men and are for men not for Christians in GOD's WORSHIP. We follow only HIS WORD the BIBLE.
Atticus,
Give a reference for the first two. I think that you are absolutely wrong on both of them.
.
2007-05-02 21:28:53 · answer #3 · answered by Eds 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
-infant baptism vs. adult baptism-----Personally, I think you should baptize your children ASAP. Actually, it's a sin not to.
- communion as a symbol vs. communion as the actual body and blood of Christ-----Communion is DEFINITELY the Body of Christ. It even says so in the Bible for all you Protestants out there.
- once saved always saved vs. backsliding-----This is part of predestination which is false. You are not saved forever once you've been saved once. You must continue working towards the goal by doing good works.
- inerrancy of Scripture vs. belief that Scripture may have been corrupted somewhat by man-----God told us, through the authors of Scripture, everything and only those things that He wanted us to know.
- differences in the order of End-Time events-----At the end of time (you do mean Jesus's coming, right?) Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead. (not just 144,000.)
2007-05-02 21:27:18 · answer #4 · answered by Atticus Finch 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A person can have a great deal of wrong doctrine and still be saved (views regarding baptism, communion, end-time events) - The main proof of their salvation is that they are teachable regarding the fundamentals of the faith (faith, repentance, grace, the Bible).
I would say that if any rejects the Trinity or believes Jesus Christ is not God, then they are *unsaved*.
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
2007-05-02 21:41:51 · answer #5 · answered by Brian 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a question that I struggle with. One the one hand, Jesus calls for unity between His followers. On the other hand he commands us to reject heresies and their teachers. Where is the line? I do not know.
My personal opinion is this: The Bible is the word of God. This is not a debatable issue. The rest of the issues, I believe, are based more on doctrines and people's writings. If they were really that important to our faith God would have been more explicit. Thus I think it is sad that these ideas split is apart.
2007-05-02 22:05:51 · answer #6 · answered by Laura H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone believes differently. Methodists do things different than Baptists...etc... being a Christian ( in my opinion) has more to do with the way you treat others, rather than how much you pray...or what doctrines you follow. A true Christian loves their neighbor, helps others, tries to do the right thing, makes mistakes, and everything else that is human:)
2007-05-02 21:28:56 · answer #7 · answered by omorris1978 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can they disagree and still be Christians? Yes, of course.
If the "essentials" of the Nicene/Constantinopolitan Creed can be confessed, then there is no problem. Those are the essentials. Period.
Our "Christianity" is not so much based on dogma - but rather what God has done for us in the one, pure, sufficient sacrifice on Calvary for the sins of the whole world.
The rest - well, that's just "majoring in the minors".
I agree with St. Augustine:
"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity (caritas, agape, love)"
2007-05-02 21:22:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, we can legitimately have different opinions about all those things you mentioned and lots of others. There is a statement of faith known as the Nicene Creed which was adopted by the entire community of Christians in about 300 AD that defines the basic elements of the faith. The things included in it are non-negotiable; everything else is open for disagreement.
2007-05-02 21:29:25 · answer #9 · answered by Billy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christianity should be defined just like any other category. There is no reason whatsoever to extend the title of "Christian" to anyone and everyone who wants to call themselves such.
Christianity should be defined by its origins, by qualities found among the majority of Christians, and by the historical definitions of the term.
But when it comes to tolerance, I will tolerate any belief whatsoever as long as it doesn't restrict my own liberty.
2007-05-02 21:27:09 · answer #10 · answered by NONAME 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋