I have started another blog, which will not interfere with this one (though there may be some overlap). It is called Christian Diversity. Here’s the mission statement:
Christianity has been separated into divisions over denominational, cultural, and theological lines, yet the message of Christianity remains the same for all generations: Christ crucified for our sins. We at ‘Christian Diversity’ seek to demonstrate that while Christianity may be divided institutionally, we are of one mind spiritually. We affirm ‘Mere Christianity’, which is the belief that Christianity is ultimately this faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We affirm the Three Ecumenical Creeds (The Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds).
The goal of ‘Christian Diversity’ is to discuss doctrinal differences on matters not essential to the faith. We understand that the goal of total ecumenism–that is, the unity of all churches–may be out of reach, but we strive to come to the understanding that all Christians are saved, and there are no divisions among us when it comes to Christ. Thus, while we may disagree on many of the issues we discuss, we continue to strive towards a better understanding of our fellow Christians and increase unity with them. This will serve to strengthen us as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Our motto comes from St. Paul, who writes in 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
Check it out! Let me know your thoughts!
>This will serve to strengthen us as brothers and sisters in Christ.
This is like “God bless America” or “Allahu Akbar”. We are so accustomed to such phrases we think they are calls to unity. They’re not. They are calls to division.
The Earth is one lifeboat. Nationalism and many religions promote exclusivism that retards our efforts to work together.
“There is no reason to think that we can survive our religious differences indefinitely.” Sam Harris
I often wonder if devout Christians and Muslims know this but don’t care. They just aren’t interested in a stable, sustainable life for humanity as a whole on Earth (unless it’s purely Christian or Muslim). The goal of Christianity is self-salvation. At its core, it is not a good theory of social order. It is more about the next life than this one. And it is more about our relationship with God than with each other.
Posted by Don Severs | September 25, 2010, 1:11 PM“We are so accustomed to such phrases we think they are calls to unity. They’re not. They are calls to division.”
What empirical evidence do you have to support these claims?
“I often wonder if devout Christians and Muslims know this but don’t care. They just aren’t interested in a stable, sustainable life for humanity as a whole on Earth (unless it’s purely Christian or Muslim). The goal of Christianity is self-salvation. At its core, it is not a good theory of social order. It is more about the next life than this one. And it is more about our relationship with God than with each other.”
Again, empirically, can you justify this comment? (Not to mention that I the Christianity to which I adhere is not about self-salvation, but the very opposite… I’m not sure where that random statement came from.)
Posted by J.W. Wartick | September 25, 2010, 10:52 PM