----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 8:25
AM
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Mormon Related
#2
DAVEH: Like most words, there is more than one definition of
Christian. Some (such as myself) are quite happy thinking of it as
encompassing a lot of people who have a faith in Christ or attempt to follow
his teachings. This is also typical of most dictionary
definitions. On the other hand, some tend to want to take a very narrow
view in an effort to exclude others from their club, so to speak. I am
rather amused that most of those wishing to adopt a very strict definition are
usually unwilling to share that definition.
I do not know that I have articulated a
"definition of Christian," but I do know that it would be difficult for anyone
who has read me for long to accuse me of taking a "very narrow view," with an
intent to exclude others from the club. I think my postions are quite open,
and I am sure that there will be many more "Christians" in heaven than a lot
of Christians are able to consider.
<SNIP> I suppose another possibility is that they are simply
unable to write a precise definition that doesn't seem ridiculous to anybody
who thinks logically. Can you think of any other ideas, Bill?
I think they have probably never been put on the
spot like that before. At the bare minimum I have always considered a
"Christian" to be one who affirms the classic doctrines of the Trinity and the
Incarnation, and who has placed his or her faith in the Christ of those
doctrines. I grew up also believing that there were some other "essentials" of
the faith, but have since let go of most of those ideas.
I am certainly able to say now that if
those classic doctrines of Trinity and Incarnation are not essential
beliefs within the pale of orthodoxy, then there needs to be some really good
reasons why you should not be included in our camp.
Bill
Bill Taylor wrote:
I have been contemplating lately
whether I need to broaden my own definition of "Christian" -- you know with
the Trinity debate and all. I'm pretty sure of this much, DaveH: you're not
alone :>)
Bill
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dave Hansen
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http://www.langlitz.com
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