Christian/Muslim ThreadsOpen to Ideas from All Faiths :: Re: Truth Seeker-JoshuaRe: Truth Seeker-Joshua You are not understanding what I am saying here, nor do you understand the significance of the issues involved here. Lutheranism, as does any other denomination or sect, has its own doctrinal beliefs apart from others, as in Presbyterianism, Methodism, and Baptist. The following is a generalized list of differences between denominations: a) Lutheranism believes in Infant Baptism, where one's child or children can be saved as babies by Baptism. Most mainline denominations generally believe in this type of Baptism except Baptists, who only practice "Believer's Baptism." Who is doctrinally correct? b) Lutheranism, along with Methodists and Presbyterians, only adheres to two sacraments, Baptism and Communion, which channel grace and are deemed necessary for one's salvation. However, Catholics believe in seven sacraments, while Baptists believe there are no sacraments. Who is doctrinally correct? d) Lutheranism teaches "real presence," in which the bread and wine of the Eucharist or "Lord's Supper" represents the body and blood of Christ. However, Lutheranism does not specify exactly how this takes place. In contrast, Catholics believe in Eucharistic "transubstantiation," Anglicans, Methodists, and Presbyterians believe in Eucharistic spiritual representation, and other denominations, like Baptist, believe in simple symbolism or "memoralism." Who is doctrinally correct? c) Lutheranism does not believe that speaking in tongues is a necessary sign of salvation, while Pentecostalism does require it. Who is doctrinally correct? e) Lutheranism only believes in "one-way predestination," where only the saved are predestined for certain events. However, Calvinist congregations believe in "total predestination," in accordance with "Five Point Calvinism," where God predestines absolutely everything. Who is doctrinally correct? f) Lutheranism believes that Christ is God incarnate, as does most other mainstream denominations. However, groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientists, and Pentecostals say that he was divinely inspired or inhabited while not actually being God. And Mormons believe that Christ is a god, who is completely separate from God the Father. Who is doctrinally correct? e) Lutheranism believes in the 66 book canon of the Bible, while Catholicism adds the Apocrypha and Mormons add the Book of Mormon. Who is doctrinally correct? This list is far from complete, but the point is made. All of the issues listed above surround the issue of spiritual salvation in some manner. They are not the typical garden variety of doctrinal disagreements that one finds "on the streets." Thus, this goes back to the original issue I brought up: How can you say that all denominations share the same faith in Jesus Christ when they define essential doctrines so differently?
With all due respect, you are actually making my point for me. You are not aware of the critical distinctions between denominations, so you simply assume they are all basically the same. Yes, Jesus Christ is the same, regardless of denomination. But that does not mean that every denomination adheres to the same Jesus, the same Gospel, or same type of Salvation. As a result, there can be true believers within unBiblical denominations. There is a difference between arguing one's preferred English translation of the Bible and critical doctrines associated with the Gospel. The former is petty, while the latter presents real life confusion that splits Christianity at its core. You are putting words in my mouth. I never said this, nor did I make any personal judgments about you. To the contrary, I am speaking within the context of general doctrines and group affiliations. |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame