Oh, I know that the classification thing is not about questioning those things, and it's not that I'm even overly concerned about it (being separate is not necessarily a bad thing). I just find it interesting that the underlying similarities do not overcome the differences. Christian is defined as a person who believes in and follows Jesus, not as one who believes that he is also God.
Well, of course, the casual use of the word applies to almost anyone, regardless of belief or whether the faith is practiced in any way, just so long as he identifies as a "Christian" rather than some other religion (or atheism) and for any reason. The "rub" comes in when Christian people and churches apply the term and do so with more attention to whether what's professed lines up with the essentials of the religion or not.
Well, in my belief, Christianity is Judaism fulfilled, so they do indeed have deep similarities.
And certainly each religious denomination has its free will to determine what their essentials will be. But they all profess to be followers of Christ, therefore they are all Christian by definition. Thankfully God will sort out the details at his appointed time, and I'm sure we all look forward to that day.
I don't think that answer will fly, frankly. What we feel the right age for Baptism is, or how the saints should be honored, if at all, probably aren't essentials, but who the God we serve IS...now, that has to be just about the most basic and non-negotiable doctrine of all.
Nothing to fly. I absolutely do not believe Jesus is God, and I believe that it is disrespectful for me to refer to him as such. But I do believe in and revere God, and I do believe in and follow the teachings of his Son, Jesus Christ. It is non-negotiable to ME to ever refer to Jehovah as Jesus when their differentiation is made so clear throughout the bible. But I do not call you a non-Christian because you do not believe the exact same as me. I guess that is where we are just going to have to agree to disagree.
I believed you the first time, but how anything else could be MORE an essential of the faith than who God is, I can't imagine.
I didn't call you a non-Christian either, but I was trying to explain (because you raised the point) why those who do make that judgment say what they do. Apparently, you don't want to hear it, so we should drop the subject.
Thanks for believing the first time. Again, God will sort out the details.I believed you the first time, but how anything else could be MORE an essential of the faith than who God is, I can't imagine.
Didn't say you personally did, and I understand why you feel they do so. I heard you too, and remain unswayed by the position.
I don't think you can be on this thread. You have to stick with your faith designation. This is a kind of safehouse for JW believers.
Jehovah Witness based thread designation. There is one for LDS/Mormons and I think Islaam. Although I may be wrong. I know LDS and JW have them.
The Bible says iron sharpens iron. To get people about why they believe what they believe is not a bad thing. Most of us believe the same basic tenants. Most discussions are based around a few concepts. It is more like a debate and discussion over theology. It is not questioning ones faith.
I hear that, and I appreciate the response.
Others probably abused some privledges in the past and it became necessary. That's speculation but i think it makes sense.
Well, being that the LDS threads dominate, I am glad to have had some interaction on this thread in my short time here. I don't prefer the political/random stuff, and do prefer to engage in some more meaningful dialogue. Thank you for the feedback, I can see that that has probably been the case in the past. Perhaps it is something they will revisit in the future. Not everyone wants to engage in conversion. Some of us just like to chat and enjoy our similarities.
