- Jan 27, 2013
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If you have followed me on the Unorthodox Theology forum, you can probably guess that I am not the typical Protestant or Catholic based Christian. I am too much of a free thinker to accept several of the doctrines that other denominations adhere to. I have been asked to explain my faith, so here goes...
I am a Christian Deist.
To understand that, you need to know the foundation behind Christian Deism. It is more of a philosophy than an actual religion or denomination. The best way I can describe it is on a point by point basis.
1. God is the supreme being, the creator, the Father.
2. The Holy Spirit is an essence/manifestation of God.
3. Jesus is God's son, although some other deists don't accept this. Some think he was merely the greatest of all of God's teachers/prophets, but a man none-the-less.
The Trinity, as this is called, is not really all that important in the grand scheme of things. You won't find the Trinity mentioned anywhere in the Bible. It is a Christian belief that developed some time later. It's origins are actually somewhat of a mystery. Yes, the different parts of the Trinity are talked about in various verses, but none come out and make the claim.
4. I firmly belive in free will. God gave us that gift, and with it the freedom to choose salvation. It is not demanded of us. God does not want automatons. We will be judged before the throne of God one day, based on our actions. That is in the Book of Revelation.
5. God created the universe and the laws governing nature. The events that happen in nature are not a result of evil, God punishing a region, or anything mystical. It is merely "mother nature" doing what she does.
6. Faith plus works is a must. Along with this is also the need for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Never stop asking questions, seeking knowledge, or gaining understanding.
7. Mainstream denominations have the concept of Hell all wrong. Gehenna will become the Lake of Fire after the judgments. When you die, you go to the grave, and your soul awaits the resurrections and judgment. That is also in Revelation.
8. I do not take the Christian Bible literally, word for word. There are far too many metaphors, allegories, parables and etiologies. There are also far too many contradictions and discrepancies.
9. I embrace scientific understanding and reasoning.
10. My faith and belief does not hinge on a single verse, concept or doctrine. If archaeology uncovers something that disproves part of the Bible, so be it. The Bible was written by men, and is subject to error.
The following is a list of other deists (Christian or otherwise) based on their beliefs:
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Benjamin Franklin
James Madison
Abraham Lincoln
Isaac Newton
Leonardo da Vinci
Mark Twain
Matthew Tindal
Max Born
Neil Armstrong
Thomas Edison
Wernher von Braun
The list goes on and on. It would seem that I am in good company with my beliefs!
I am a Christian Deist.
To understand that, you need to know the foundation behind Christian Deism. It is more of a philosophy than an actual religion or denomination. The best way I can describe it is on a point by point basis.
1. God is the supreme being, the creator, the Father.
2. The Holy Spirit is an essence/manifestation of God.
3. Jesus is God's son, although some other deists don't accept this. Some think he was merely the greatest of all of God's teachers/prophets, but a man none-the-less.
The Trinity, as this is called, is not really all that important in the grand scheme of things. You won't find the Trinity mentioned anywhere in the Bible. It is a Christian belief that developed some time later. It's origins are actually somewhat of a mystery. Yes, the different parts of the Trinity are talked about in various verses, but none come out and make the claim.
4. I firmly belive in free will. God gave us that gift, and with it the freedom to choose salvation. It is not demanded of us. God does not want automatons. We will be judged before the throne of God one day, based on our actions. That is in the Book of Revelation.
5. God created the universe and the laws governing nature. The events that happen in nature are not a result of evil, God punishing a region, or anything mystical. It is merely "mother nature" doing what she does.
6. Faith plus works is a must. Along with this is also the need for spiritual growth and enlightenment. Never stop asking questions, seeking knowledge, or gaining understanding.
7. Mainstream denominations have the concept of Hell all wrong. Gehenna will become the Lake of Fire after the judgments. When you die, you go to the grave, and your soul awaits the resurrections and judgment. That is also in Revelation.
8. I do not take the Christian Bible literally, word for word. There are far too many metaphors, allegories, parables and etiologies. There are also far too many contradictions and discrepancies.
9. I embrace scientific understanding and reasoning.
10. My faith and belief does not hinge on a single verse, concept or doctrine. If archaeology uncovers something that disproves part of the Bible, so be it. The Bible was written by men, and is subject to error.
The following is a list of other deists (Christian or otherwise) based on their beliefs:
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Benjamin Franklin
James Madison
Abraham Lincoln
Isaac Newton
Leonardo da Vinci
Mark Twain
Matthew Tindal
Max Born
Neil Armstrong
Thomas Edison
Wernher von Braun
The list goes on and on. It would seem that I am in good company with my beliefs!