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Feel free to read through the thread again. I have already accepted that "Christians" was equated with "disciples." Do you have evidence that any of these other terms was accepted in the Bible as having the same meaning? In addition, I don't recall you using any supporting scripture that attempted to compare "Christians" to "brethren" or any of the other terms you posted above. Which makes it ludicrous to throw that out as a reason for not being able to have a discussion about the definition of a Christian. No one is being stopped from posting such evidence other than a lack of effort on their part. Trot it on out and we'll see how it holds up. As it stands right now, you have not presented any scripture which supports a definition for what or who is a Christian.
Then who on planet earth decides who can be called "Christian" and who can't?
Who has the right to tell me that I am not Christian?
I can't have a discussion with someone whose sole defense is simply to deny evidence that is presented. You gotta do better than that....So, Christians are not people who follow Christ as pupils and adherents? Interesting.
I'm going to try this again. Thanks go to serious for helping phrase the OP so it will fit within the forum guidelines.
Many denominations use a statement of faith or some sort of creed to determine who is and who is not a Christian. One of the most common of these is the Nicene Creed, but it is far from the only one. While each aspect of the creed can be shown to have been drawn from an interpretation of a section of scripture, what seems to be missing is specific scriptural support for the concepts that are presented as an essential aspect of Christianity. Is there any scriptural support for a specific selection of core beliefs, or specific interpretations of these verses, which define what is necessary for salvation as opposed to simply ancillary beliefs which are left open for the individual and various denominations to interpret?
This OP is not about defining Christian....please stay on topic.....It seems like there are two approaches to the definition of Christian
(1) what qualifies or causes a person to be a Christian?
(2) what are the implications of being a Christian?
For qualifications, here are some possibilities:
(a) baptism
(b) conversion experience
(c) you understand and profess some creed
(d) theosis/sanctification
...
Looking at implications, here are some possibilities:
(w) you go to heaven instead of hell
(x) you can receive communion in "the Church"
(y) you receive charismatic gifts
(z) you grow fruits of the spirit
...
It's confusing.
Thought Jesus was doing that.Do you accept the Christian Covenant as presented by Paul as sufficient? I think Smith says he will be overseeing the entrance of folks into Heaven. I think he calls into question the biblical account.
Why don't you give me a list of the terms that you will accept as being equated with "Christians" (in addition to the term "disciples").
This thread is not about whether you are or are not a Christian. We've all been told numerous times that this thread is not about Mormonism.
You need to actually specify the "specific core beliefs" so some can answer your question.I'm going to try this again. Thanks go to serious for helping phrase the OP so it will fit within the forum guidelines.
Many denominations use a statement of faith or some sort of creed to determine who is and who is not a Christian. One of the most common of these is the Nicene Creed, but it is far from the only one. While each aspect of the creed can be shown to have been drawn from an interpretation of a section of scripture, what seems to be missing is specific scriptural support for the concepts that are presented as an essential aspect of Christianity. Is there any scriptural support for a specific selection of core beliefs, or specific interpretations of these verses, which define what is necessary for salvation as opposed to simply ancillary beliefs which are left open for the individual and various denominations to interpret?
I can't have a discussion with someone whose sole defense is simply to deny evidence that is presented. You gotta do better than that....
Is there any scriptural support for a specific selection of core beliefs, or specific interpretations of these verses, which define what is necessary for salvation as opposed to simply ancillary beliefs which are left open for the individual and various denominations to interpret?The thread is about defining what and who is a Christian. Nothing in the post you quoted made it about Mormonism. Where in the Bible does it define who can be called a Christian and who can not. The topic is also about what doctrines are essential to being a Christian. I feel she has made a valid point within the scope of the topic. If she asked why Mormon's are not Christians then you'd be correct in your statement. I'm looking for the parameters of Christianity that applies to everyone.
Afraid to answer the question?
It seems like there are two approaches to the definition of Christian
(1) what qualifies or causes a person to be a Christian?
(2) what are the implications of being a Christian?
For qualifications, here are some possibilities:
(a) baptism
(b) conversion experience
(c) you understand and profess some creed
(d) theosis/sanctification
...
Looking at implications, here are some possibilities:
(w) you go to heaven instead of hell
(x) you can receive communion in "the Church"
(y) you receive charismatic gifts
(z) you grow fruits of the spirit
...
It's confusing.
This thread has nothing to do with defining Christianity per your own OP......Whether I am or am not afraid to answer has nothing to do with the topic. If you have something to say about defining Christianity feel free to offer it, but I suggest you leave observations about me as a person out of the discussion.
Is there any scriptural support for a specific selection of core beliefs, or specific interpretations of these verses, which define what is necessary for salvation as opposed to simply ancillary beliefs which are left open for the individual and various denominations to interpret?
Ran77
You are right, but you demanded scripture and that is what you got.
Christians are those who believe in Christ: 7. a person who believes in Jesus Christ; adherent of Christianity....which you consent to.
Only Christians will see the Kingdom of God: Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
So in order to see the Kingdom of God you must be a Christian and be born again:
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Joh 3:4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Joh 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
Is there any part of the bolded just above that you do not accept and why?
Afraid to answer the question?
This OP is not about defining Christian....please stay on topic.....
You need to actually specify the "specific core beliefs" so some can answer your question.
But that is not what you are asking.....You are consistently incorrect about this. This is the first sentence of the OP topic.
"Many denominations use a statement of faith or some sort of creed to determine who is and who is not a Christian."
The first sentence in a paragraph is usually the topic sentence. It summarizes the main idea of the paragraph. The sentences which follow it are used to further explore the topic sentence and give a greater scope of definition. Ignoring the topic sentence to continually tell people to stay on topic isn't productive or accurate.
It has nothing to do with this:Is there any scriptural support for a specific selection of core beliefs, or specific interpretations of these verses, which define what is necessary for salvation as opposed to simply ancillary beliefs which are left open for the individual and various denominations to interpret?
So, stay on topic......"Many denominations use a statement of faith or some sort of creed to determine who is and who is not a Christian."
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