More on beliefs

More on beliefs. Early Christianity had many versions. What emerged as “orthodox” is the version that came out of the Roman church. The Roman version was selected as correct because the Emperor Constantine was of that flavor.  All other versions were labeled as heretical. Followers of other versions were converted or killed and their books burned.

Nestorians believed that Jesus had distinct human and divine persons rather than a mix or joining of the two natures.

Arians believed that Jesus was not eternal from the beginning but was created by God and thus not co-eternal. There are groups that still believe this today.

Ebionites believed that Jesus was a man who was adopted to become the Son of God. There were many adoptionist groups and they are still around today.

Docetic Christians believed that Jesus did not have a real body but was more like a phantom. He only appeared to be human.

Montanists believed in new prophetic revelations. [the church’s doctrine was not complete but the Holy Spirit could bring new revelations.]

Marcionites believed that the God of the Old Testament was a different God than the God of the New Testament.

Monophysites believed that Jesus did not have a human nature, only divine.

Gnostics believed in a special secret knowledge that was only revealed to them. You had to have the special knowledge to be “in.”

You can see that some of these outlawed beliefs are alive and well today. My point in writing all of this is that there is no reason to argue or be concerned about methods of baptism, the virgin birth, if Jonah really got swallowed or just about anything that Christians and Pastors insist that you believe. There is no reason for any church to insist that their way is right or “this is what you should believe.”

When all of those trappings are rejected, what is left is the opportunity to follow Jesus into a life of love. What a relief!!! We don’t have to worry anymore about getting it right or believing the right things. We just need to apply ourselves to loving God and loving others.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

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I am leading a River Cruise to Belgium and the Netherlands March 19-27, 2022. If you are interested in reading about the trip or joining in, the link is below.

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/files/uploads/RC22_031922T_TulipTime_002_FINAL-1.pdf

Click here for the brochure