[SoothingDave]

What I cannot get my mind around is the orthodox conception of Jesus being one in being with the Father, the second person of a trinitarian God. Instead of trinitarianism, what makes more sense to me is the alternative doctrine of dynamic monarchianism, which holds that Jesus was a man, and that he was "adopted" as God's Son at his baptism.

Then, believe that. I don't think anyone here is saying that you need to understand or accept orthodox Trinitarian Christology in order to be "saved." Sure, it would be ideal, but if this is presenting itself as a stumbling block to accepting the atonement provided by Jesus, then let it go.

Bottom line is, why should I believe that these accounts are literally true?

Why should you accept the accounts of the Old Testament? The veracity of the accounts of the Resurrection are attested to by the Church, which authored and protected the accounts. While this is not definitive, a whole lot of people have done great wonders, even unto death, to preserve the absolute reality of these accounts. The passing on of the truth of the Resurrection is the raison d'etre of the Christian Church. Without this Truth to carry on, it becomes Bishop Spong giving sex advice and little more.

If I need faith in Jesus in order to be saved, and I can only have this faith through God's grace, then I guess the Calvinists are right about predestination. If I need something that only God can give me, and if He chooses not to give it to me, then I am SOL.

This is the exact "dark side" of the Calvinist distortion of reality. Forget about it. God gives you what you need.

SD

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

to accepting the atonement provided by Jesus, then let it go.

How can a christian let this point go? What is he to believe in for the atonement for sin and actually get atonement?

Becky

[nate4one]

This is the exact "dark side" of the Calvinist distortion of reality. Forget about it. God gives you what you need.

Dave
"God gives you what you need" proves predestination (not necessarily Calvinism).
I do concur with your other statement though. Trinitarian doctrine was not always accepted in the Churh. If knowledge of the entire, complete truth of God is required, we are all damned because no one has it ALL right all the time.

Oh, except the Pope, right ? :o)