06 Jan '06 17:13>
Originally posted by lukemcmullanLuke, it seems you are missing the point.
Would it not make more sense to say that Christian beliefs vary from Christian to Christian? Very few Christians share the exact same belief system, and there are many variations. For instance, with regards to free will, or non-Christians going to hell, or whatever.
Summing up Christian dogma "in a nutshell" is being very silly. It can't be done, ...[text shortened]... gthy.
There are no exact set beliefs for Christians. Christianity is what you make of it.
Here is No1's statement:
You don't understand; all people are total scum but Jesus gives this undeserving trash the "gift of grace". We all suck and are dirtbags, but those few who sufficiently grovel before God's greatness will be rewarded and the rest will get what their evil nature has earned.
Here is a more palatable version:
Man is sinned and through the death of Christ he now has a chance at eternal life. To get that reward however, he needs Belief, baptism, faith, and good works. Evil doers will be punnished inthe day of judgment.
The 2 statements are virtually identical in meaning and form the core of all Christian sects.