is it possible to follow Jesus' teachings but not believe that he was the Son of God or died for our sins? i'm not saying i necessarily believe this, i am just wondering if it is possible. a friend of mine is Christian Scientist and this is basically how i interpret their beliefs.
2007-06-16 01:46:27 · 7 answers · asked by KellyKapowski 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are plenty of people who say that they respect him as a moral teacher, but go no further.
Mahatma Gandhi, for a prominent example.
C S Lewis argued that the position was inconsistent, maintaining that Jesus's statements about himself (inextricably intertwined with his moral teaching and example) meant that he was either much more than a moral guide or, if mistaken or wrong, much less.
The only escape from that conclusion I can see is if we have no reliable record of what Jesus actually said (the sayings we have being largely later exaggerations). That stance has its own problems, not least that the moral teachings themselves would have the same uncertainty thrown upon them.
I think I agree with C S Lewis... Jesus should not be taken as a "teacher" alone. More, or less, but not that.
2007-06-16 02:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christian Science is not a Christian Church, nor do they teach the truth about Christ. It is a cult.
Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) pioneered new ideas about spirituality and health. Inspired by her own experience of healing in 1866, Eddy's spent years in Bible study, prayer, and research into various healing methods. The result was a system of healing she dubbed Christian Science in 1879. Her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, broke new ground in the understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection. She went on to found a college, a church, a publishing enterprise, and the respected newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor.
The faith teaches that God, Father-Mother of all, is completely good and wholly spiritual, and that all God's creation, including the true nature of every person, is the flawless, spiritual likeness of the Divine. Since God’s creation is good, evils such as disease, death, and sin cannot be a part of fundamental reality. Rather, these evils are the result of living apart from God. Prayer is a central way to come closer to God and heal human ills.
Christian Science teaches that these and other spiritual facts undergirded Jesus' healing work - and form the basis on which others can heal physical and spiritual problems today. Jesus’ ministry is their paradigm for healing and demonstrates the centrality of healing to salvation. Christian Scientists pray to realize more of the reality of God and God's love daily, and to experience and help others experience the harmonizing, healing effect of this understanding.
For most Christian Scientists, spiritual healing is an effective first choice and, as a result, they turn to the power of prayer in lieu of medical treatment. Government authorities have occasionally challenged this approach, especially in certain circumstances where they have interpreted this as withholding medical treatment from minors. However, there is no church policy mandating members' health care decisions.
Christian Science has no ministers. Rather, the Bible and Science and Health act as pastor and preacher. Bible lessons are studied daily and read aloud on Sunday by two elected lay members of each local congregation. Churches also hold weekly testimonial meetings, at which congregation members relate experiences of healing and regeneration.
Eddy made Boston the headquarters of the church in 1881. In 1892, the church was named The First Church of Christ, Scientist, or The Mother Church; local churches are considered branches. The Christian Science Board of Directors runs The Mother Church and local branches function on a democratic basis. The Mother Church and its branches operate under the guidance of the Manual of the Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy.
Recommended Resource: The Kingdom of the Cults, revised and updated edition.
2007-06-16 08:57:05 · answer #2 · answered by Freedom 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Unless The Spirit of truth reveals Him to you, you will not understand Jesus or His teachings no matter what you call yourself.
2007-06-16 09:06:58 · answer #3 · answered by single eye 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not really. He taught that he was the Son of God sent her to die for our sins. If they don't believe that then they're not really following his teachings are they?
BD
2007-06-16 08:50:01 · answer #4 · answered by The Brian 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, the letter of the law killeth but the spirit heals
2007-06-16 08:50:53 · answer #5 · answered by answerteam 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Short answer, NO!
2007-06-16 08:50:02 · answer #6 · answered by shovelead 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They are freaks to.
2007-06-16 08:49:22 · answer #7 · answered by #1clone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋