Non-core beliefs

Making up terms like "core beliefs" is probably alright for some, but it smacks of confusing the plain talk availed in the Word.

It also reminds me of Scientology when they make up their own vocabulary. Understand when this is done it is not really something inovative other than it is replacing another known and practical word in our vocabulary.

Instead of a possession, the Scientologist would say "a havingness."

Instead of a deed or chore, a scientologisst would say, "a doingness."

People who have conceived of denominational separations oftime add new vocabulary or useage of known vocabulary in order to impress others.

The Bible and its word usage in all languages and translations has enough mystery and good usage of vocabulary for most folks.

Wait, whut? Now you are the victim "grappling" with something? Your OP language was exacting and specific was it not? Didn't see any mention of "grappling" there...........sounded rather mater of fact and specific.

As I said, I am especially disturbed your dismissal of people being healed through faith/prayer.......

I've commented about this in other threads but thought it worthy of a thread of its very own.

One of the things I find fascinating is how, for some people, non-core beliefs become inextricably linked to their faith.

For example, some people claim that a mathematical derivation of the age of the Earth purely using the Bible yields a result of 6,000 years or so.
Some people accept this as the actual age of the Earth.

Other people also feel that they've discovered something else numerical in the Bible.
Examples:
1. 144,000 people will go to heaven.
2. The date/year that Jesus will return.

Such derivations are of course completely fallacious.

Without even looking at external physical evidence, a simple application of rational thought should set alarm bells ringing...

If you calculate the age of the Earth NOW to be 6,000 years, then in 10 years time your calculation should yield 16,000 years.
But it doesn't!
How do I know?
Because the information you're using to make the calculation hasn't changed, if only the Bible is used.
You'd still get the same result of you calculate the age of the Earth (purely using the Bible) in 10,000 years in the future or 5,000 years in the past.

In other words, this calculation produces a number that doesn't alter with time, as one would expect when calculating age.

But such beliefs are, firstly, non-core and, secondly, beyond the scope of the information and story that the Bible is meant to convey.

The Bible also tells us to keep our wits about us.

So why is it that such blatant untruths become inextricably linked to some people's faith, to the extent that additional stories are created to support the beliefs (e.g. Satan planted fossils to trick us).

It isn't just numeric beliefs either.

In more happy clappy churches you tend to get a lot of 'faith healers' on the speaking ring, for example.
In these types of churches, the more wild the story you're willing to accept without question, the stronger your faith - or so the culture leads you to believe.

A more general view of this leads to the generalised question of when is a belief part of the core religion or part of the culture of the people?

OK, you've asserted this as confusing and caste a negative light on it.

What examples do you have to substantiate your claim, and how in your example can you show it does this against the "plain talk availed in the Word?"



Not sure I'd pretend to know the hearts of others or their motives as in the above. What new vocabulary have these denominations added? (Scientology and other cults aside)

I've been asked this before when I've asked a pertinent question.

Yes, I'm a Christian.

You played the victim card, not me........just so we are exacting and specific. And, as you did not mention issues you may be having in your OP, then it is clear that the language you used in it was not exacting and specific either was it?

I also see you did not address my concern about your dismissal of faith healing...........hmm..........I KNOW my language was exacting and specific because I used Scripture!

Personally, I believe you owe an apology to any member here who may be part of a Congregation that believes in the Gifts of the Spirit, and the Scriptures I provided. Your dismissal of them as being "happy, clappy churches" is not exactly Christian is it?

That's great.
I'd love to hear about your conversion experience.

...

This is a total misrepresentation of what I'm saying.

Firstly, many Church websites have their 'core beliefs' listed on them.
Core beliefs such as Jesus being lord and saviour.

Non-core beliefs are then beliefs that are not core.
This isn't a new word, it's simply using the English language in the correct way.

Secondly, and this isn't aimed at you personally, but I must say that I'm getting a little fed up with the culture in some Churches as well as on here.

By Church culture I mean anover emphasis on monetary giving (debate occured in another thread, and from that many people agree with me).

But I'm starting to see a pattern on here too...

...ask a pertinent of challenging question about something you're grappling with, and if it challenges others there are two things that will happen (that I've seen so far):

1. You'll be asked to confirm that you're actually a Christian.
Your very faith is called into question because you've asked something.

2. If you present an something that is clearly wrong Biblically, other users will quite rightly help you to see why you're wrong.
An example is that I was wrong about sex before marriage.

However, present your thoughts about something pertinent in a way that is logical, both Biblically and scientifically, but which challenges people, and you'll be called 'prideful' and accused of 'trying to impress people'.

I'm genuinely fed up with this.

I'm am a Christian and I'm asking sincere questions.
I just won't have somebody try to tell me that's it's a bad thing to exercise rational thought, indeed Jesus tells us to do just that.

I'm not having a good at you or anybody else really, but I am starting to consider if becoming involved in the wider Christian community is a good thing for me, or if for me it would be better to build my relationship with God on a 1-1 basis.

RCC has added the Sunday misile to its library for readrs who are RCC.

Mary Baker Eddy has added a book to the Bible.

Brigham Young another bonanza of teachigns, not to mention the magic glasses Joseph Smith once possessed in order to be able to read teh mysterious writings on the tablets he found in a basement.

The word, trinity, has caused all kinds of upheaval amongst believers......

This alone is from memory.

If you insist on generating an inquisition agains me, at leaqst know womething abut the subject.

You cannot say "It is not," when you have not a clue as to what it is.

Now enough of the nonsense of attmpting to trap others in their words and study your Bible.

Cults...then an accusation of an inquisition against you? And the rest.

Defensive much?

Wow. Never mind.

Question anything and you'll be hounded:

1. You'll be asked to confirm that you're actually a Christian.
Your very faith will be called into question because you've asked something.

2. If you present a case for something that is wrong Biblically, other users will quite rightly help you to see why you're wrong.
An example is that I was wrong about sex before marriage.

However, present your thoughts about something pertinent in a way that is logical, both Biblically and scientifically, but which challenges people, and you'll be called 'prideful' and accused of 'trying to impress people'.

3. You'll be accused of saying something you haven't, and even the most clear description of your thoughts will be purposely derailed and mocked.

I've said it already but I say it again, I swear to God that I will never step foot inside a Church again to worship.
I'm done with people like this.