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The definition of Christianity...

Discussion in 'Free-For-All Archives' started by tragic_pizza, Feb 14, 2005.

  1. av1611jim

    av1611jim New Member

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    TP;
    Please do not misunderstand. I DO think a Catholic, (RCC) can be christian as that only requires faith in the finished work of Christ. My reservation is in the wording which allows a Catholic to prove theirs is the only true church. I can't go that far. I hope that clarifies my objection a bit better.

    In HIS service;
    Jim
     
  2. Bro Tony

    Bro Tony New Member

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    I think the creed in and of itself declares orthodox Christian beliefs. The problem is not found in the creed, but in the interpretation by the different denominations within what is accepted as Christendom. That being said that also seems to be the problem with the Bible, that is there is nothing wrong with the Scripture, just some peoples interpretation of it.

    Bro Tony
     
  3. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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    edit.

    Thanks for clarifying.
     
  4. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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    Well, since most of us agree that the Apostle's Creed is consistent in general with an orthodox view of Christianity, I need to make an observation.

    MEE, a Oneness Pentecostal, agrees that the statements about God are true. I have a dear friend who is Roman Catholic who also agrees that the statements in this Creed are true. Matt Black, a Baptist, appears to agree. av1611jim, an independent Baptist, agrees with those parts of the Cred which could not be interpreted as applying directly to the Roman Catholic Church, and disagrees with the accidental reference to Calvin. billwald, who appears to be a member of a fellow Reformed-theology denomination, appears to agree in general. Pete, a Baptist, seems to both agree and disagree. terriloo and Doubting Thomas, a Baptist and a Christian (no denomination offered) respectively, both agree as well. Bro Tony, a Southern Baptist, agrees.

    With all of us agreeing upon the basic God-centric points of the Apostle's Creed, why is it OK to post the derisive jokes and cruel comments found here?

    I continue to contend that, according to John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:20, the originating post and the thread I am linking to is sin, pure and simple.

    Think of this as a call to repentance.
     
  5. av1611jim

    av1611jim New Member

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    Thank you TP.
    I will prayerfully consider it.
    [​IMG]
    In HIS service;
    Jim
     
  6. Bro Tony

    Bro Tony New Member

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    While I agree with you TP that we need to be careful of falling into mockery and making ill advised jokes about others. It must also be said that the church must deal with clearly unbiblical teachings within the professing Body of Christ. Paul did, Peter did, Jude did, John did and we should also.

    Blessings,
    Bro Tony
     
  7. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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    Agreed, but to mock is not to deal with something.
     
  8. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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    Thank you, Jim.
     
  9. Eladar

    Eladar New Member

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    I believe that the term "Christian" is meaningless. Any self proclaimed title is meaningless. I choose to describe what most of would normally call Christians as "those who know God". The Bible is quite clear about what this means. If anyone asks me to clarify it, I simply quote John. It does away with all heretics, but does bring up the children of Satan, a category that many people find offensive.
     
  10. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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  11. MEE

    MEE <img src=/me3.jpg>

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    Eladar, what do you mean by quoting John? Also, why would that do away with all heretics and bring up the children of Satan? :confused:

    Would you mind explaining?

    Thanks,
    MEE [​IMG]
     
  12. Bro. James

    Bro. James Well-Known Member
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    Those who claim to "know God" would include followers of:

    Constantine the Great, Mohammed, Buddah, Confucious, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Glover Patterson Eddy, Ellen G. White, GAOTU, etc, etc, ad infinitum.

    Jesus said " I am The Way, The Truth and The Life, no on comes to the Father except by Me."
    That makes things sort of "straight and narrow".

    The disciples were called "Christian" first at Antioch. Any resemblance to such a group(followers) today is extremely difficult to find. However, Jesus' promise to never leave her nor forsake her(His Bride) is still in effect. The true assembly is still alive and well--you probably will not find her in the Religion Section of your local newspaper--never will.

    Selalh,

    Bro. James
     
  13. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    The ecumenical confessions define Christianity. A person who denies that the ecumenical creeds are substantially correct is not a Christian.
     
  14. Eladar

    Eladar New Member

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    MEE,

    According to John, those who know God follow His commands. Those who claim to know God, but do not are liars. It is this way that we can tell the difference between the children of God and the children of the Devil.
     
  15. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    I would affirm both the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed ... and the formulation of Chalcedon.
     
  16. Matt Black

    Matt Black Well-Known Member
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    Ditto. They are for me the touchstone of Christian orthodoxy

    Yours in Christ

    Matt
     
  17. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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    What has this to do with the question at hand?
     
  18. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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  19. Bro. James

    Bro. James Well-Known Member
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    The question at hand?

    What is a Christian? Have I missed something?

    My input was to the statement: "I choose to describe what most of(us) would normally call Christians as 'those who know God';" which was posted on page two above by "Eladar", 2/15/05,@ 6:02pm.

    There are millions who claim to be "Christian", i.e. Latter Day Saints, Salt Lake version(also those in Missouri). How would we discuss "Christianity" in an open forum in Salt Lake City?

    My basic point: there are millions of "Christians", so-called; but precious few who are really true "followers" of Christ.

    Is it possible to "know God" and not "know Christ"?
    I do not think so. The Word of God defines Christianity--not the creeds of men.

    Selah,

    Bro. James
     
  20. tragic_pizza

    tragic_pizza New Member

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    OK, hitting the "quote" button would help sort out the confusion. "The question at hand" refers to the OP and the Apostle's Creed.
     
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