[thechat] Mythology was comics

[Ben Dyer]

At 02:31 PM 5/23/2001, you wrote:
>On 23 May 2001, at 9:04, Ben Dyer posted a message which said:
>
> > Well, it's interesting because there is a strong non-denominational
> > movement within Christianity because of this very reason (especially in 
> the
> > younger generation - we're tired of it).
>
>When I was young, I was impressed by the Methodist church
>philosophy that on the essentials, Methodists agree, and on
>everything else, Methodists hold a wide variety of opinions. When
>I got older, I learned that *all* denominations have *exactly* that
>same position - it's just that they disagree on what is essential.
>
> > The basis for a vast majority of Christianity is the same:
>
> > The Trinity,
>
>Very much denied by Unitarians.

> > the inerrancy of the Scriptures,
>
>Denied by virtually every major denomination in Christianity,
>including all the United Council of Churches.

 From the Southern Baptist Convention "Baptist Faith & Message" 
(http://www.sbc.net)

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation 
of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has 
God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture 
of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and 
trustworthy.

 From the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (http://www.lcms.org)

The Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His 
Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and 
norm for Christian doctrine.

 From the Presbyterian Church of America (http://www.pcanet.org)

The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, the only infallible 
rule of faith and practice.

 From the Church of the Nazerene (http://www.nazarene.org)

We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we 
understand the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine 
inspiration, inerrantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all 
things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained 
therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith.

However, yes, these are only Protestant denominations.  Catholics, Mormons, 
Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. believe beyond just the Bible, but even within 
many Christian denominations, this is a common belief.

> > Christ's death on the cross,
>
>You may have agreement on this one. You won't get agreement
>on the idea that Jesus was born of a virgin, though, nor any
>agreement about whether he had biological brothers and sisters.
>
> > subsequent resurrection and ultimate return,
>
>Where did he return *to*, though?  The Mormons believe that
>when he disappeared from the middle east, he appeared in
>upstate New York.

True, but for the record, I disagree with the Mormons belief in the Book of 
Mormon and the other texts given to John Smith:

Revelation 22:18
And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this 
book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that 
person the plagues described in this book.

And, while technically not adding to the Bible itself, I believe that the 
Book of Mormon falls into this category by saying it is the Word of God.

>When someone says "nondenominational Christianity", they are
>saying "We DEFINE Christianity", and if you don't believe what
>they believe, you aren't a Christian".  That kind of unchristian
>attitude towards fellow travellers inspired the bumper sticker that
>says "God, please save us from your followers"

You are half right.  It should be "We define Christianity for 
ourselves."  Yes, I believe that my way is correct, and I will explain what 
I believe, but it is absolutely your perrogative to believe as you wish.

--Ben


<!-----------------------
Ben Dyer
Senior Internet Developer
Imaginuity Interactive
http://www.imaginuity.com
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