do you belive in the church's doctrine?
By Jorden91
@Jorden91 (53)
United States
5 responses
@mermaid911 (798)
• Philippines
9 Dec 07
Well, its great that you get to know all your options on the doctrines so you can take your pick. I think the important thing is that once you find one that you're comfortable with, stick with it and support it. You can even help them by researching or whatever to improve on the flaws that you see. It doesn't really help if we keep on attacking the doctrines without giving any suggestion as to what can be done to improve it. As for me, I do support the doctrines my church has and when there are things I'm not so convinced with, I ask questions so my curiosity can be quenched.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
9 Dec 07
You ask about eternal damnation.When something is burned it only burns until it is consumed and nothing is left. So I don't believe in eternal damnation as going on forever and ever. The church that I belong to doesn't teach it ether. If the church doctrine is from the bible and the whole bible not just a verse here and there then that is the church I want to belong to. The church that I belong to has 27 fundamental beliefs that are found in the bible.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
9 Dec 07
I'm sorry but I guess that I didn't make my self very clear. I don't believe that the judgment is temperary but is eternal. God is a loving God and so he would not keep the damed burning forever. They would be burned until there is nothing left so they would not be going to heaven. They cease to be altogether. They would be very uncomfortabe in heaven.
@lemaytke (12)
• United States
9 Dec 07
As harsh as eternal damnation sounds, and as hard as it may be to contemplate, we need to look at the whole bible to learn what God's - not denominational - teaching is on the subject. God makes it very clear that:
1-There is eternal judgement (an alternate definition of the Greek word for judgement is damnation). The verses that reference it are too many to list here, but look at Matthew 25:31-46. In verse 46 Jesus states "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal". Also, Jesus states in Mark 3:29 "But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation". Paul states in Romans 13:2, "Whosoever therefore resists the authority, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
2-The scriptures teach nothing about temporary judgement or damnation. If judgement were only temporary, then someone could die in their sins, and still be redeemed and enter into Heaven without having believed in Christ. Therefore Christ's atonement for our sins would be pointless if you could gain eternal life without having believed on Him.
3-And lastly, why would God through the prophets, Christ, and the apostles give us all the warnings about judgement, and all the promises of blessing & eternal life if there is no eternal judgement?God wants us to know Him and His will, that is the reason He gave us the bible. If we don't study His Word diligently, we are in danger of being deceived, and passing that deception along in our witness. That is why we need to heed Christ's warning in Matthew 7:21-23.
I don't doubt that you are seeking the Lord, I just ask that you don't discount an uncomfortable doctrine without testing that doctrine in the light of scripture.
2Timothy 2:13 - Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
@paul8675 (750)
• Australia
11 Dec 07
This is interesting is it not. You are so right. The same bible, but a different interpretation and emphasis from one church to another, even within the same denomination. I think that a large reason for this is that church leaders decide what is important to their own personal beliefs and then try to make the bible fit that rather than just seeking a balance based on what the bible actually says in context through a number of different passages. We therefore find unhealthy emphasis placed on certain doctrines. Examples are which day a service should be held, tithing and baptism. I'm sure I could name many more. For instance, good works is important but if church programs revolve entirely around this without giving due relevence to evangelism for instance, an unhealthy imbalance results and the church becomes a glorified charity. On the other hand, a church high on evangelism without doing good within the community is then uncaring and unable to meet physical needs. Churches who emphasise tithes far more than they should can be a stumbling block. Is it that important since Jesus himself did not actually speak about tithing? Balance in all things is good for the church, just as it is for any organisation.
@lizzyt2007 (1312)
• Craig, Alaska
24 Jan 08
when I was younger I used to go to several different churches. I figured out why their doctrines were all different. It was because and still is today that they all have a different opinion on what the bible says. The problem with churches is they think their teaching what the bible teaches by guessing. But when Men that were inspired from God to write the bible, they did this so that people could teach people what God wanted us all to know and live by. So People shouldn't be teaching about the bible if they don't know what it means. I am a Jehovah wittiness and in my religion we don't guess what the scriptures say we have publications, books and videos that teach us what the scriptures mean. These objects are created by people who are taught from God and are going to heaven. so we know what their are teaching us is true and not just a guess. have you checked out this religion? i have found its the only one that teaches truths about God and God loves all people and didn't create Damnation. Only Saten wants people to believe this. God is love in the beginning of the earth being created and today he is and all eternatity.
@ustin_pants (32)
• United States
10 Dec 07
i would have to agree with mermaid here. Listen to them all and decide which one makes the most sense. But most of all Christianity is a relationship not a religion. cliché i know but its the truth.
