Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Matt: New Terms?

Here's a question. I have always considered Biblical Literalism a sect of Christianity. Are we about to come to the agreement that the religion you practice and and the kind of religion a Chrisitan Biblical Literalist practices can't be called the same thing?
Posted by at

4 comments:

D2 collaboration said...

Regarding Literalists Christians, it is hard for me to say they are practicing a different religion than I am. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has such a strong ecumenical tradition that I really want to say we disagree on non-essentials. What are essentials? Loving God and loving one another as yourself. But, many of them would say that I am going to Hell. That said, I'm not ready to concede they're a different religion yet.

Jim

February 13, 2007 at 9:26 AM
D2 collaboration said...

Literalists believe just exactly that the Bible is the Book of Mormon (in the sense that it is the infallible word of God).

But I don't think we need to get stuck on this point, it is fascinating but we can come back to it at some point.

You're right that Catholic faith specifically rejects Biblical Literalism, and that they are definitely, world-wide, a majority of Christians, but in this country they are not the dominant Christian force (I believe).

Matt

February 13, 2007 at 9:30 AM
Matlatzinca said...

It is still unclear what Jim thinks is the uniting feature of "Christians." Is it the belief in the divinity of Jesus? Is it the belief in Grace?
I don't think that it is trivial to try to define Christianity; well, clearly it is not trivial. But specifically when trying to identify the impact of religion on the country I think it is necessary to have a definition. What I see is that the majority of people, whom I suspect of being capable of reasonable decisions, are having their decisions hijacked by a minority with fervent, irrational beliefs (see stem-cell research, abortion clinics, and the last 6 years of senate/house activity).

February 26, 2007 at 1:26 PM
D2 collaboration said...

Jim to Matlatzinca:

To be A Christian you must

1. love God, with all of your heart and soul and mind.

2. love your neighbor as yourself.

3. be a follower of Jesus.

I think that means different things to different people. Some need to believe in God as a superhuman. I don't. But, I believe in a God that objectively exists and that is cognizant of the world. I believe that I am connected to God.

Okay, so I believe, strongly, that the Christians that are anti-science are wrong. Those who believe the story in Jonah is not a fable are wrong. Those who believe that Bible condones, or even teaches, hatred of people different from them are wrong.

I will not say that they are not Christians, because I don't know what is in their hearts. As for public discussion, I think it is entirely unhelpful to identify a group as being not-really-Christian. Rather, I want to start from our commonality and move forward. I gain nothing by abandoning them either through giving up my status as Christian, or questioning theirs.

And, I'll tell you something else, now this is way off topic, but I think when those concerned with social justice left the church it damaged the church AND the movement for social justice. But that might just be bitterness from somebody who stuck it out and allowed his faith to mature and stay relevant. Maybe just a little.

February 26, 2007 at 2:03 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)