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Originally posted by: Bossk
But by believing everything that organized Christianity claims and what the Bible says, then yes, anyone who is not of Christian faith is burning in hell or sitting in limbo (take your pick).
Speaking as a Christian: Anyone who died after the ministry of Christ is not saved unless they are justified by faith (this doctrine is in conflict with the doctrine of the Catholic church that teaches we are justified by faith and works). That is correct. The bible is unclear about people who have not heard of him or who died before his ministry.
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I don't know that salad bar religion is necessarily bad. I think having everyone buy into all the same belief patterns is inherently more dangerous. One people, one thought, one way of living. Sounds rather robotic and Nazi to me.
If the world were united in practice of the Christian faith, this would be a much better world. However, as a Christian I know that this is not possible because man is inherently evil. My point is that the Christian faith is based upon a finite set of doctrine that has been around for thousands of years. Some people who claim to be believers want to have it both ways. It's kind of like being a member of a fraternal organization: There are those who want all the benefits, but don't want to play by the rules of the club. Should we denounce the officers of the club as being insensitive? Or should we tell the people what the rules are and point out that if they want to be a member, they have to abide by them or face the consequences?
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I think the Salad Bar theory allows for people to pick a belief system that works best for them.
So we're reducing religion to a utilitarian concern? Meaning, whatever allows me to feel good for myself while not imposing any kind of rules or objective standard for my behavior.
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All I think is important is that you believe in God and celebrate him somehow.
Leads to relativism, which teaches us that all beliefs are valid, even when they're in direct contradiction with eachother.
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I know so many people who go to church on a regular basis but somehow think that's all it takes. The other six days of the week are their's to do with as they please and, consequently, they often times come off as some of the most Godless people around. Religion should not be reserved for one day a week.
No argument here. Church attendence is not enough.