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then how does anyone know if someone who has been outside mainstream christianity is trying / claiming to now be christian?
so yes, i see this as a my church is the only correct church and y'all are wrong treads..
I see it somewhat differently. I see it as people arbitrarily drawing a line, which separates the "acceptable" differences in doctrine from the "unacceptable" differences in doctrine. BaptistFundie has said that his church is "a good fit" for him. Why that is, we can only surmise. Presumably, he would say that other churches are okay, too, though, even if not his cup of tea. That's what really bugs me: Who is he or anyone else to claim the right to draw that line?
And why does he even care what label other people want to put on themselves? How is he hurt in any way but what I, or anyone else, call ourselves? Does it make him any less of a Christian if someone with a different perspective on certain Christian doctrines also uses that designator? It just boggles the mind.
Because I hold to orthodox Christian teaching as has been taught for 2000 years.
So it comes down to having the right beliefs? That sounds very familiar to me and was one of the motivating factors for me escaping. I can't go along with that. What about people who are genuinely devoted but are in error in their beliefs(according to you)? In the religious training I received those that failed to become JWs did so because of some wickedness on their part. How does that sound to you? Sounds to me like your brand of Christian to me.
Because I hold to orthodox Christian teaching as has been taught for 2000 years.
Do you accept Catholic doctrines as "orthodox Christian teachings"? What about the Marian Doctrines, for instance? Catholics would say that these have been taught for 2000 years. Do you believe that Jesus Christ taught some of the things about His mother that Catholic believe today?
(Note to any Catholics reading this: It's not my intent to bash Catholicism. I merely brought up the Marian Doctrines as an example of something Protestants do not typically accept as true.)
I have to admit that I'm a little uncomfortable with the very idea of this thread. This subject would probably be more appropriate on one of the Christian-only forums.
On City-Data, we welcome all people who choose to identify themselves as Christians to be referred to as Christians.
That is because there are literally thousands and thousands of denominations calling themselves Christians, with numerous variations in their theologies.
Some of these differences are:
Is belief in the Trinity necessary for salvation?
Is the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday?
Is baptism by immersion or by sprinkling?
Are babies baptized?
Must a profession of faith precede baptism?
Is a baptism from another denomination valid?
Is a confirmation a part of the ritual?
Are the sacraments available to non-members?
Is tithing a requirement?
Is confession a prerequisite to communion?
Is music used in worship services?
Can that music include instruments?
Does your church ordain women as ministers?
There are a variety of opinions about each of these items, and many more. It probably would not be difficult to double the size of that list. Discussing these issues is fine. Implying that any of them are sufficient to disqualify a congregation, organization, or denomination from being a valid Christian organization is what won't be happening in this inclusive rather than exclusive forum.
I'm not sure if this thread should be closed, moved to the Christianity, or left for discussion until it gets our of hand. Your thoughts are welcome.
You have stated CD policy. The thread is an attempt to justify going counter to CD policy. It should be closed.
Even though my hometown is Palmyra, NY, I'm not a Mormon. But here's my guess. If Christ walked into this forum today, I think he would welcome Mormons and minister to them just as he would welcome and minister to Baptist fundamentalists.
Even though my hometown is Palmyra, NY, I'm not a Mormon. But here's my guess. If Christ walked into this forum today, I think he would welcome Mormons and minister to them just as he would welcome and minister to Baptist fundamentalists.
I think you're quite right. I think He would welcome all who came to Him -- with open arms. I can't help but be reminded of an incident that is recounted in Mark 9:36-41:
"And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward."
Christ's Apostles were being so self-righteous and discriminatory. In essence they were saying, "Those whose beliefs about you are different from ours aren't 'real Christians'." And what did Jesus do? He rebuked them. He told them quite firmly that He recognizes all who serve their fellow men in His name. How this simple example continues to elude so many is beyond me.
I guess I'll just stop responding to you then, because no matter what I say, you'll say I'm lying.
I don't see how Zman called you a liar. Are you doing that thing where if someone disagrees with your opinion you take it as a personal attack on your character?
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Your thoughts are welcome.
I can't help but be reminded of an incident that is recounted in Mark 9:36-41:
