by DThere

Created on: December 18, 2009

The question "Are there essential principles of Christian doctrine to which all Christians can agree?" is inappropriate because of the use of the term "...all Christians". It is impossible to survey every living person who claims to be a Christian. Additionally, what criteria does one use to establish that one is a "Christian"? Some people call themselves "Christian" who do not believe that Christ is Divine - or a member of the Trinity (God manifested as Three Persons in One) or they may not even believe Christ existed.

Perhaps, a clearer question  is "From your experience with people who claim to be Christians, have you found a common Christian doctrine(s) that is believed by most of them?". An answer to this question is that Christ, as a Divine member of the Trinity, sacrificed Himself so that anyone who surrendered to Him in trust, will be saved.

Other common Christian doctrines shared by most people encountered who claim to be Christians are that Christ is the only way to salvation; that Christ is returning one day; that the world will end, there is a heaven and a hell; that Christians should get together to worship Christ and encourage each other frequently; that Christians should obey the Word of God; and that Christians should frequently pray.

Some doctrinal positions that appear to be in dispute by many people who claim to be Christians are whether the gifts of the Spirit still exist; whether there is the separate spiritual experience identified as "The Baptism of (or in) The Holy Spirit"; whether water baptism is essential to salvation; whether infant or adult baptism is the correct form of baptism; whether the Catholic or Protestant church is the True Church; whether priests should be allowed to be married; whether Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints), Jehovah Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Unitarians or members of the Religious Science denomination are true Christians; whether homosexuality is an acceptable life style for Christians; whether Saturday or Sunday is the correct day to conduct a church service; and whether a 10 percent (or more) tithe should be required.

Most of the people whom I met who claim to be Christians believe that Jesus Christ is a manifestation of God. They don't believe He was just a good man. However, I recognize that many people who claim to be Christians within a wide range of religious denominations do not believe that Christ was God. Additionally, many who claim to be Christians who formerly believed in Christ's Divinity, no longer believe that he is (or was) a manifestation of God. Some former believers no longer believe He existed. There appears to be great change occurring in churches where members' beliefs are changing significantly.

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