This is wrong historically, theoligically, and factually. No two Christians believe the same thing. Even within one sect, like Roman Catholicism, doctrine evolves over time and is interpreted by individuals in different ways. Most are simply ignorant or confused as to what it all means anyway.
Religion is individual. If your personal religion is based on the teachings of Christ, you are a Christian. No human has the wisdom to say otherwise.
Schisms have occured over the recipe for the communion wafer. Raised as a Baptist, I asked a priest friend of my wife how he reconciled crucifixes with the commandment prohibiting graven images. He dismissed the question saying that to be a Catholic, you only had to believe in those things contained in The Apostles' Creed. He said I could be a good Catholic even if I thought crucifixes were blasphemous,or if I thought the Rosary was a joke.
I told him if that was the case I would stay Baptist since perpetual virginity bothered me and it's in the creed.
I told him if that was the case I would stay Baptist since perpetual virginity bothered me and it’s in the creed.
You need to take a second look at the Creeds. There is NOTHING in the Apostles, Nicene or even Athanasian Creeds about perpetual virginity.
I wonder if I can get that on a bumper sticker?
Or at least find for continuous reposting...This is profound in it's simplicity. So are the words of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.
I have a book, wonderfully illustrated with old-type "Illuminations" that is JUST and ONLY Jesus' words. I believe He spoke plainly and wonderfully and does not need all the layers or interpretations that twist and turn His words inside out...the better to fit man-made dogma.
I believe Him when He says: “No one approaches the Father but through me”
I believe Him over man.
I am also a Mormon.
It is not up to any one of you "omnipotent" frothers-at-the-mouth out there to decide if on not I, or any other child of God is, or is not, a Christian.
As Soliton said:
Religion is individual. If your personal religion is based on the teachings of Christ, you are a Christian. No human has the wisdom to say otherwise.
On that basis, all Muslims are Christians.