Subject: Divisions in the church |
Bible Note: Issues -- Essential or Peripheral? Jman: "When we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring to the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and which, of course, separate it from other beliefs" (www.equip.org). PERIPHERAL ISSUES "There is a fundamental core of beliefs and teachings that identify any particular denomination as being Christian. That is why we call them Christian denominations. It may be that these denominations differ in regards to the finer points--points that may be moot or debatable. ( . . . ) "Most of the differences in denominations are similar to this kind of thing. Do you worship on Saturday or on Sunday? In the morning or the evening? Do you use instruments or no instruments? Should you have a choir? Should you teach topically or verse by verse? How do you baptize? What are your particular views about the way salvation is mediated by God? How about the Holy Spirit? Do you speak in tongues or not? These are more peripheral issues to the fundamental superstructure of what C. S. Lewis called 'mere Christianity'" (http://www.str.org/free/commentaries/theology/whatis.htm) (See also ID# 85744). ESSENTIAL ISSUES The essentials of Christianity include: "the plenary inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures; the triune Godhead composed of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the virgin birth and Deity of Christ; the necessity and efficacy of His atoning work; Christ's bodily resurrection and ascension;...the everlasting felicity of the redeemed; and the everlasting punishment of the lost." (New Scofield Reference Bible, Oxford, 1967) Radioman2 |