Doctrinal Statement/Mission Statement

[Digital_Angel_316]

The topic of Doctrinal Statements came up in Christian Chat Lounge recently. I assert that a Doctrinal Statement should show a set of precepts of belief from scripture and touch upon the main Doctrinal issues from scripture. It should be a set of precepts that are the foundational beliefs of the Faith, a sort of (without being legalistic) By-Laws of the Organization. It should include references to 'proof verses'.

A Mission Statement is Different from a Doctrinal Statement, in that it might simply assert something similar to the following:

Our Mission is to Edify and Encourage Believers and bring the Gospel to non-believers. This might include mechanisms of so doing, such as Missions, Visitation, Revival Meetings, and various other outreach approaches. But mechanism without policy is nothing.

A Doctrinal Statement would usually include such things as:

* Claim Biblical Authority, and describe how the church interprets the Bible
* The Godhead/Diety of Jesus
* Trinity
* Salvation
* The Sacraments
* Other foundational Doctrinal beliefs

along with proof verses. This sets the basis for what a visitor to the church would expect as the foundation of any preaching they might hear (be subjected to) as a guest to the church, or as a potential new member/seeker.

Does your church have a Doctrinal Statement? Please share them here for discussion and comparison.

 

[VW]

Since I don't have a church, I would have to say no to your question.

I would add that the way to preach the gospel is in the power of the Holy Spirit, if we want to see people saved.

 

[Scotth1960]

The topic of Doctrinal Statements came up in Christian

Chat Lounge recently. I assert that a Doctrinal Statement should show a set of precepts

of belief from scripture and touch upon the main Doctrinal issues from scripture. It should

be a set of precepts that are the foundational beliefs of the Faith, a sort of (without being

legalistic) By-Laws of the Organization. It should include references to 'proof verses'.

A Mission Statement is Different from a Doctrinal Statement, in that it might simply

assert something similar to the following:

Our Mission is to Edify and Encourage Believers and bring the Gospel to non-believers. This

might include mechanisms of so doing, such as Missions, Visitation, Revival Meetings, and

various other outreach approaches. But mechanism without policy is nothing.

A Doctrinal Statement would usually include such things as:

* Claim Biblical Authority, and describe how the church interprets the Bible

* The Godhead/Deity of Jesus

* Trinity

* Salvation

* The Sacraments

* Other foundational Doctrinal beliefs

along with proof verses. This sets the basis for what a visitor to the church would expect

as the foundation of any preaching they might hear (be subjected to) as a guest to the

church, or as a potential new member/seeker.

Does your church have a Doctrinal Statement? Please share them here for discussion and

comparison.

Dear friends, For me, this statement below is the only acceptable Statement of Faith for

all Christians. Of all ages, places, and times, and nations, and men, women, and children:

"The Confession of the Orthodox Faith:

"Of the First Council. (325 A.D.).

"I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things

visible and invisible.

"And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father

before all ages; Light of Light, true of God and true God, begotten, not made,

consubstantial with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for

our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the

Virgin Mary, and became man; He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered

and was buried, and arose on the third day, according to the scriptures; And ascended

into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with

glory to judge the living and the dead, of Whose Kingdom there is no end.

"Of the Second Council. (381 A.D.):

"And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord true and life-giving, Who proceedeth from the Father,

Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the

prophets.

"And in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

I wait for the resurrection of the dead,

And the life of the age to come. Amen."

(pages 126-127: OLD ORTHODOX PRAYER BOOK. 1st edition. Copyright 1986, Russian

Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ (Old Rite), translated and edited by Archpriest

Fr. Pimen Simon, Hieromonk Fr. German Ciuba, and Fr. Theodore Jurewicz. Liberty, TN: St.

John of Kronstadt Press/ Erie, PA: Russian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of Christ (Old

Rite).).

God bless us, all of us in Christ Jesus; Amen and Amen. Lord have mercy: Amen. In Erie

PA USA June 2011 AD Scott R. Harrington

 

[AnandaHya]

Church mission statement:

GrOw, Praise, Serve

Trinity's Primary Tasks:

To Grow in the Christian faith and love for God,

To Go into the world and make Disciples of Christ

To Praise God

To Serve in God’s Kingdom

We believe that God calls us to our highest desires to serve Him by…



Winning seekers and the unchurched to Christ
Preparing believers for Christian discipleship by providing vibrant and diverse educational and ministry opportunities
Sending compassionate, caring disciples into our community and world to minister to spiritual, emotional and physical needs
Preparing Christians for leadership roles in the community
Glorifying God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, in the way we live our lives



it is a Methodist church, so the doctrines would be in line with that.

 

[SantoSubito]

We've had the same doctrinal statement since 325 AD

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Yes Scott we know about Filioque vs non-filioque versions.

 

[marius64]

Northwoods Community Church then click on the tab new to northwoods and then click on beliefs

 

[Digital_Angel_316]

"Redeeming Creation -- The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship"

"For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the
one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to
decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the
whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present
time." - Romans 8:20-22 - note (1) (see commentary below)

Some conservative [Christian] groups, represented by influential figures like the
late Jerry Falwell and James Dobson, have argued that environmentalism has an
inescapably leftwing political agenda and should not distract the church from carrying out
its mandate to save souls. Others, like the Evangelical Climate Initiative, argue that care
for the environment is a part of our God-given mandate to be His representatives on
earth.

No fewer than eight of the largest Protestant traditions reference the idea of
environmental Stewardship in their official denominational statements:

* 1) UMC, “Environmental Stewardship;”
* 2) American Baptist Churches, USA, “Policy Statement on Ecology;”
* 3) ELCA, “Caring for Creation;”
* 4) RCA, “Care for the Earth;”
* 5) Episcopal Church, “Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation,” Report to the 1997
General Convention, from the Executive Council, in Acton Institute for the Study of
Religion and Liberty,
http://www.acton.org/ppolicy/environment/theology/episcopal.html
(accessed October 10, 2003);

* 6) Wesleyan Church, “The Environment,” in Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and
Liberty, http://www.acton.org/ppolicy/environment/theology/wesleyan.html
(accessed October 10, 2003);

* 7) Presbyterian Church, USA, “Call to Restore the Creation,” 202nd General Assembly
(1990), in Social Justice PC(USA), Environmental Ministries — Mission and Ministry — GAMC
(accessed February 24, 2006); ... and ...

* 8) Evangelical Climate Initiative, “Climate Change: an Evangelical Call to Action,”
http://www.christiansandclimate.org/statement (accessed March 15, 2006).


One of the unfortunate implications of industrialization and the rapid expansion
of global commerce is the magnification of the impact that humans have on their
environment. Exponential population growth, along with growing technological
capabilities, has allowed human societies to alter their terrain in unprecedented and
destructive ways. The cumulative effect has been significant to the point that the blame
for widespread environmental degradation must be pinned squarely on human shoulders.
Because of our dependence on these systems for survival, the threat to the environment
is a threat to human life.

The root of the ecological crisis is found in human attitudes and behaviors. In the
late 1960’s it was suggested that Christianity was a key source of the problem because it
promoted the idea of human “dominion” over creation. This spurred a variety of
responses designed to show that Christian faith was compatible with environmental care.

http://epublications.marquette.edu/...eation environmental stewardship ethic quote%22

**************************************************************
And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:12

Excerpts from: "Redeeming Creation -- The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship" *(1)

In order to recommend a response to the environmental ills of our age, the authors first
described the problems at issue. They organized these into three main categories:

* 1) Population,
* 2) Consumption vs. sustainability and
* 3) Pollution and waste — the second two being aggravated by the growth of the first.

They explore the Biblical record, the historic record, and the evidence we can see today,
all of which point toward mankind being behind many of the ills under which the earth
currently groans. And we also suffer, along with the rest of creation, as a result of these
ills. The consequences are ecological, medical, economic, cultural, and aesthetic.

Redeeming Creation: The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship:

Theologians distinguish between two types of evil -- personal and structural *(2).

Personal evil, the problem of individual sin and moral choice, is the subject of many
sermons. The Christian's response to personal evil is a change in personal behavior. It
requires repentance, restitution and subsequent consecration to God. As Paul told the
church at Ephesus,

"Let him who steals steal no longer, but rather let him labor, performing with his own
hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has
need" (Ephesians 4:28 NASB).

But evil in a fallen world can reach beyond personal levels and demand more than
personal responses. Evil can come to be incorporated, and even rewarded, in the
operation of a system or organization. Evil at the structural level cannot be effectively
thwarted by remedies at the personal level. It is the system itself that must be changed.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Revelation 3:19

Reform is needed in the structures of management and the structures of law. But by
themselves the reforms generated in these areas would still be incomplete, A further and
greater, need is the development and provision of an environmental ethic by which both
individuals and agencies are judged. And until that ethic is well formulated and well
articulated, neither personal nor structural evil in natural resource management can be
effectively attacked.

Aldo Leopold foresaw the dangers of an inadequate basis of environmental ethics and
warned what would happen to those who tried to build a comprehensive program of
conservation upon them.

"No important change in ethics was ever accomplished without and internal change in our
intellectual emphasis, loyalties, affections, and convictions. The proof that conservation
has not yet touched these foundations of conduct lies in the fact that philosophy and
religion have not yet heard of it. In our attempt to make conservation easy we have
made it trivial. When the logic of history hungers for bread and we hand out a stone, we
are at pains to explain how much the stone resembles bread." *(3)

Because of this neglect of ethical foundations, the present environmental movement
races toward a crisis of irresolvable value conflicts, a crisis that can only result in further
degradation of God's good creation. It is to this internal crisis of environmental ethics,
even more than the external crisis of environmental degradation, that the Christian
community, the church, must respond. the church has the most resources to offer for
meeting this great need. But it is this need that will demand the greatest and most costly
sacrifice.

The Christian Church and the Prophetic Witness

Theologian Carl F. H. Henry said, "It is only as each Christian generation permeates its
environment with biblical moral sensitivities that unregenerate society is restrained from
acting on its deep-seated prejudices and is encouraged to judge itself by Christian ideals
-- even when it is unwilling to embrace those ideals as an explicit intellectual
commitment." *(4)

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is
like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this
ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 17:29-30

Notes:
(1) Fred Van Dyke, David C. Mahan, Joseph K. Sheldon, Raymond H. Brand "Redeeming
Creation -- The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship"
(Downers Grove, IL InterVarsity Press 1996) pp. 155-159
(2) Steven V. Monsma, "Pursuing Justice in a Sinful World",
(Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1984).
(3) Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac: With Essays on Conservation from Round River
(New York: Sierra Club/Ballentine Books, 1974), p246.
(4) James R. Newby and Elizabeth S. Newby, Between Peril and Promise
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson 1984), pp. 84-85

**************************************************************

Biblical-Environmental Commentary on Romans 8:18-23

While it is in the climactic movement of the final chapters of Revelation that the hope of
Christian environmentalism finds its most poetic and perhaps most eloquent expression,
it is in Paul's letter to the Romans that the theological context for that hope is most
clearly set forth. The primary contribution of Rom 8:18-23 can be summarized as follows:

* 1. Nonhuman creation was cursed by God as a consequence of man's sin. This curse has
profoundly affected all of creation by keeping it from realizing God's original intention for
it.

* 2. However, the condition in which creation presently exists is temporary, for at some
point in the future, in connection with the glorification of the children of God, all of
creation will be set free from the curse and the ongoing effects of man's sinfulness and
will enjoy a glorious renewal of its ability to be as it was created to be.

The controlling reference point for Rom 8:18-23 is, without question, the fall of man into
sin as recorded in Genesis 3. It is this that provides both the historical and theological
context for our passage. When Paul tells us that "creation was subjected to frustration,
not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it" (v. 20), he is making a
somewhat veiled but no less certain reference to God's chilling judgment on Adam
recorded in Gen 3:17: "Cursed is the ground because of you." Though Paul simply refers to
"the creation" in his first three references to it (vv. 19, 20, 21), in his fourth reference he
speaks of "the whole creation" (v. 22) and by so doing communicates that no part of
creation has been left unaffected by man's sin.

By "creation" Paul refers to all of sub-human nature, both animate and inanimate. For an
overview of the history of exegesis on this point and a defense of the conclusion here
stated see C. E. B. Cranfield, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the
Romans (2 vols.; Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1975, 1978) 411-2.

"My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no
understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good." I looked at
the earth, and it was formless and empty; and at the heavens and their light was gone. I
looked at the mountains and they were quaking; all the hills were swaying. I looked and
there were no people; every bird in the sky had flown away. I looked and the fruitful land
was a desert; all its towns lay in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger.
(Jer 4:22-26)

God. http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted.../Articles-Books/Bullmore-Environment-Trin.pdf

The contribution of Psalm 104 might be summarized as follows:

* 1. God created the earth and all things in it, and he continues to sustain the earth and all
things in it by the loving exercise of his sovereign power.

* 2. The earth and all things in it belong to God by virtue of his creative work, and all
things find their reason for being fundamentally in relation to him.

* 3. The earth and all things in it were created perfectly-- each creature in itself and the
entire creation in its interrelatedness.

* 4. Even after the entrance of sin into the created order this perfection still shines
through so as to be perceivable by man. Thus, creation continually bears witness to the
perfections of God and promotes in man praise toward

There is no question that creation exists, at least in part, for the
purpose of nourishing mankind. "He makes. . . plants for man to
cultivate-bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the
heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his
heart" (vv. 14-15).


Martin Luther
God... is present everywhere in and through the whole creation in all its parts and in all
places, and so the world is full of God and God fills it all, yet God is not limited to or
circumscribed by it, but is at the same time beyond and above the whole creation. (1)

John Calvin
Let all regard themselves as the stewards of God in all things which they possess. Then
they will neither conduct themselves dissolutely, nor corrupt by abuse those things which
God requires to be preserved. (2)

References
1. From Martin Luther, "That These Words of Christ -- This is my Body, etc., Still Stand Firm
against the Fanatics," Luther's Works (Philadelphia: Muhlenberg, 1961).
2. John Calvin, 1554, Commentary on Genesis, from the English translation of 1847. As
reprinted by Banner of Truth Publishers, 1965.

 

[Digital_Angel_316]

DA...much of what you say confuses me so I was looking for your doctrinal
statement to get a better idea of where you are coming from. Have you posted one on CC?

Doctrinal Statements, or Statements of Faith, are supposed to be summary statements
of what an organization or individual believes the Scriptures teach about specific
subjects. In order to be effective, a doctrinal statement should address each area of
theology that an organization holds specific beliefs about, and should summarize
everything that the Scriptures have to say about that subject, particularly if the
organization requires its members or adherents to subscribe to that doctrinal statement
as a condition of fellowship.

It should be noted as a practical matter, however, that very few organizations write
Doctrinal Statements that accurately reflect what they actually teach. Therefore, when
reading an organization’s doctrinal statement one should be careful not to accept it as
actually authoritative for the organization that produced it.

We hold that there are three principles that each Believer should follow concerning their
belief system:

** Know what you believe.
** Know why you believe it (be able to accurately cite Scripture to back up your stated
beliefs).
** Know how to teach your beliefs to others.

Writing your own personal doctrinal statement will prepare you do follow those three
principles.

Sample statements are provided here for comparison (you decide which of these you feel
adequately tells you what the organization believes): (LINKS Below)

Doctrinal Statements
Rambam’s Thirteen Principles
Statement of Faith: B'nei HaMelech
Statement of Faith: CTOMC
Statement of Faith: MBI
Statement of Faith: Metroplex
Statement of Faith: MJAA
Statement of Faith: Typical Messianic SoF
Statement of Faith: UMJA
Statement of Faith: UMJC
Thirteen Principles - Messianic
UMJC: About Yeshua
Witnessing to Cults

Found online at: Reference (Link): Doctrinal Statements

 

[AnandaHya]

hey DA what is your doctrinal statement?

 

[Scotth1960]

The topic of Doctrinal Statements came up in Christian Chat Lounge recently. I assert that a Doctrinal Statement should show a set of precepts of belief from scripture and touch upon the main Doctrinal issues from scripture. It should be a set of precepts that are the foundational beliefs of the Faith, a sort of (without being legalistic) By-Laws of the Organization. It should include references to 'proof verses'.

A Mission Statement is Different from a Doctrinal Statement, in that it might simply assert something similar to the following:

Our Mission is to Edify and Encourage Believers and bring the Gospel to non-believers. This might include mechanisms of so doing, such as Missions, Visitation, Revival Meetings, and various other outreach approaches. But mechanism without policy is nothing.

A Doctrinal Statement would usually include such things as:

* Claim Biblical Authority, and describe how the church interprets the Bible
* The Godhead/Diety of Jesus
* Trinity
* Salvation
* The Sacraments
* Other foundational Doctrinal beliefs

along with proof verses. This sets the basis for what a visitor to the church would expect as the foundation of any preaching they might hear (be subjected to) as a guest to the church, or as a potential new member/seeker.

Does your church have a Doctrinal Statement? Please share them here for discussion and comparison.

The Only Statement of Faith all Christians everywhere always and for everyone who is Christian should subscribe to is the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed of 381 AD of 318 Church Fathers, in its original form, without the word "Filioque" ("And the Son"), added on in 589 AD.
In Erie Scott Harrington

 

[Digital_Angel_316]

it is a Methodist church, so the doctrines would be in line with that.

FROM THE UMC WEB SITE:

The United Methodist Church is an 11-million-strong global church that opens hearts,
opens doors and opens minds through active engagement with our world.

John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on
putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical
divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.

The Articles of Religion

Just as creeds such as the Apostles' Creed summarize the belief of all Christians, the
Articles of Religion of The Methodist Church and the Confessions of Faith of The
Evangelical United Brethren Church form a foundation of doctrine for United Methodists.
They, along with Wesley's Sermons on Several Occasions and Explanatory Notes Upon the
New Testament, are "standards" of doctrine for United Methodists.

When the Methodist movement in America became a church in 1784, John Wesley
provided the American Methodists with a liturgy and a doctrinal statement, which
contained twenty-four "Articles of Religion" or basic statements of belief. These Articles
of Religion were taken from the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England—the church
out of which the Methodism movement began—and had been the standards for preaching
within the Methodist movement. When these articles were voted on by the American
conference, an additional article was added regarding the American context, bringing the
total number of articles to 25.

These articles became the basic standards for Christian belief in the Methodist church in
North America. First published in the church's Book of Discipline in 1790, the Articles of
Religion have continued to be part of the church's official statement of belief.

The Confession of Faith

The Confession of Faith is the statement of belief from The Evangelical United Brethren
Church. Consisting of 16 articles, the current form of this statement of faith was
presented and adopted by the 1962 General Conference.

When The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968 from the union of several
branches of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, both The
Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith were adopted as basic statements of the
Christian faith.

Wesley's Sermons and Notes on the New Testament

Wesley's sermons contain his basic understanding of the Christian faith and his thinking
about how we are to live out this faith both personally and corporately. His written
sermons were intended to teach the basic beliefs of the faith as well as nurture and
encourage his followers in their discipleship.

Wesley's Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament provided his followers with tools for
interpreting the Bible. These notes contained both Wesley's own ideas as well as insights
borrowed from other interpreters and commentaries.

REFERENCE (LINK): Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. - UMC.org

 

[Megatron]

The Only Statement of Faith all Christians everywhere always and for everyone who is Christian should subscribe to is the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed of 381 AD of 318 Church Fathers, in its original form, without the word "Filioque" ("And the Son"), added on in 589 AD.
In Erie Scott Harrington

Says you anyways. But then im sure by now youve realized that the majority of us dont hold your EOC up as the only good holy and infalliable church that you claim it to be. Rather its just another notch on a very very long line of denominations.

 

[SantoSubito]

Says you anyways. But then im sure by now youve realized that the majority of us dont hold your EOC up as the only good holy and infalliable church that you claim it to be. Rather its just another notch on a very very long line of denominations.

But, In all honesty is there anything affirmed in the Creed that you would disagree with?

 

[Digital_Angel_316]

hey DA what is your doctrinal statement?

See: "Redeeming Creation -- The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship" Posted earlier
in this forum.



Also see the attached file (Adobe file format, Landscape view, 1-page pamphlet to be printed
two sides and folded in half).

 

[Scotth1960]

Says you anyways. But then im sure by now youve realized that the majority of us dont hold your EOC up as the only good holy and infalliable church that you claim it to be. Rather its just another notch on a very very long line of denominations.

Dear Megatron, The majority of Christians say so. The majority of Christians do agree with 99 percent of the Nicene Creed. The only difference is over the Filioque clause. The minority of Christians are Protestant. And it is the Protestants only that are a very very long line of denomations. The EOC is the Church Christ founded, not a man-made denomination.
Megatron is an inane name from mere entertainment. I watched the Transformers movie, but I don't use it as a source of identification nor part of my belief. It's just a pastime. I understand many people want to remain anonymous, but I think since this is a Christian forum, one should either use one's own name or a name based on Christian theology. Not something from secular culture. There is nothing wrong with being like a child again, and watching cartoons. But as adults, we don't take them seriously. If you expect people to take you seriously, you should use your own given birth name, or Christian name, and not use something so strange as "Megatron". Christians aren't robots! In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington

 

[Digital_Angel_316]

hey DA what is your doctrinal statement?

* See also the discussion thread on this forum on BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS
Reference (link): -->> http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/26690-biblical-hermeneutics.html

* See also the discussion thread on this forum on SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
Reference (link): -->> http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/27584-systematic-theology.html

 

[AnandaHya]

Dear Megatron,
Megatron is an inane name from mere entertainment. I watched the Transformers movie, but I don't use it as a source of identification nor part of my belief. It's just a pastime. I understand many people want to remain anonymous, but I think since this is a Christian forum, one should either use one's own name or a name based on Christian theology. Not something from secular culture. There is nothing wrong with being like a child again, and watching cartoons. But as adults, we don't take them seriously. If you expect people to take you seriously, you should use your own given birth name, or Christian name, and not use something so strange as "Megatron". Christians aren't robots! In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington

I like Megatron's name and mine's based off of Sanskrit and has nothing to do with my given name and definitely isn't found in the Bible.

anyway Megatron I think some people are robots until God gives them a new heart and spirit, they have stone ones enslaved and controlled by sin.

I take people's words seriously even if they are spoken out of the mouth of a 2 year old.

 

[Scotth1960]

I like Megatron's name and mine's based off of Sanskrit and has nothing to do with my given name and definitely isn't found in the Bible.

anyway Megatron I think some people are robots until God gives them a new heart and spirit, they have stone ones enslaved and controlled by sin.

I take people's words seriously even if they are spoken out of the mouth of a 2 year old.

People are not robots. They have free will. There is hope for the worst of sinner, no matter how bad their sins get. May God save us as we seek Him in repentance and trusting in Him. In Erie Scott

 

[Digital_Angel_316]

The Only Statement of Faith all Christians everywhere always and for everyone who is
Christian should subscribe to is the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed of 381 AD of 318
Church Fathers, in its original form, without the word "Filioque" ("And the Son"), added on
in 589 AD. -- In Erie Scott Harrington

A statement such as a 'creed' is a summary. Sadly this statement does not refer to the
Scriptures, an error of Omission. The Creed becomes an ICON or symbol of a religion.

Like any Icon or Symbol, such a summary can be misleading or confusing. What about the
Pledge of Allegiance, or waving a Flag? -- Mere Symbols or ICONS of "Something". The
dangers of omission and of icons is that other doctrines or laws or customs or practices
are then added to such a thing, so as to distort, corrupt or veil the truth that is
purported to be shown by the Icon. The Flag of the US for example certainly does not
represent the same nation of just 100 years ago. Likewise, corruption, deception and
distortion have crept in to all these churches that use this ICONIC representation. Abuse
in the church, homosexuality, divorce, remarriage, and such other corruptions are
examples of the practices of the modern church.

But, In all honesty is there anything affirmed in the Creed that you would disagree with?

See above response to Scott in Erie:

Also, one might contend with:

"We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins" (and it's variants).

What is "Baptism" (you left out the Greek??)? Does infant "baptism" forgive sins, is any
"Baptism" salvific? What if one were not "Baptized"?

Iconography: The visual images, symbols, or modes of representation collectively
associated with a person, cult, or movement: "the iconography of pop culture".

errors and omissions n. short-hand for malpractice insurance which gives physicians,
attorneys, architects, accountants and other professionals coverage for claims by
patients and clients for alleged professional errors and omissions which amount to
negligence.
Reference (Link): -->> errors and omissions legal definition of errors and omissions

Error of Omission - In accounting, an error of omission is when a transaction is completely
omitted from the accounting records. As the debits and credits for the transaction would
balance, omitting it would still leave the totals balanced
Reference (Link): -->>Trial balance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Digital_Angel_316]

But, In all honesty is there anything affirmed in the Creed that you would
disagree with?

The Only Statement of Faith all Christians everywhere always and for everyone who is Christian should
subscribe to is the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed of 381 AD of 318 Church Fathers, in its original form,
without the word "Filioque" ("And the Son"), added on in 589 AD. In Erie Scott Harrington

Vagueness doctrine

Definition
1) A constitutional rule that requires criminal laws to state explicitly and definitely what
conduct is punishable. Criminal laws that violate this requirement are said to be void
forvagueness. Vagueness doctrine rests on the due process clauses of the Fifth and
Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. By requiring fair notice of what is
punishable and what is not, vagueness doctrine also helps prevent arbitrary enforcement
of the laws.

2) Under vagueness doctrine, a statute is also void for vagueness if a legislature's
delegation of authority to judges and/or administrators is so extensive that it would lead
to arbitrary prosecutions.
Reference (Link): -->> Vagueness doctrine | LII / Legal Information Institute

Vagueness Doctrine
If a person of ordinary intelligence cannot determine what persons are regulated, what
conduct is prohibited, or what punishment may be imposed under a particular law, then
the law will be deemed unconstitutionally vague. The U.S. Supreme Court has said that no
one may be required at peril of life, liberty, or property to speculate as to the meaning of
a penal law. Everyone is entitled to know what the government commands or forbids.

The void for vagueness doctrine advances four underlying policies:

First, the doctrine encourages the government to clearly distinguish conduct that is lawful
from that which is unlawful. Under the Due Process Clauses, individuals must be given
adequate notice of their legal obligations so they can govern their behavior accordingly.
When individuals are left uncertain by the wording of an imprecise statute, the law
becomes a standardless trap for the unwary.

Second, the void for vagueness doctrine curbs the Arbitrary and discriminatory
enforcement of criminal statutes. Penal laws must be understood not only by those
persons who are required to obey them but by those persons who are charged with the
duty of enforcing them. Statutes that do not carefully outline detailed procedures by
which police officers may perform an investigation, conduct a search, or make an arrest
confer wide discretion upon each officer to act as he or she sees fit. Precisely worded
statutes are intended to confine an officer's activities to the letter of the law.

Third, the void for vagueness doctrine discourages judges from attempting to apply
sloppily worded laws. Like the rest of society, judges often labor without success when
interpreting poorly worded legislation. In particular cases, courts may attempt to
narrowly construe a vague statute so that it applies only to a finite set of circumstances.
For example, some courts will permit prosecution under a vague law if the government
can demonstrate that the defendant acted with a Specific Intent to commit an offense,
which means that the defendant must have acted wilfully, knowingly, or deliberately. By
reading a specific intent requirement into a vaguely worded law, courts attempt to
insulate innocent behavior from criminal sanction.

Fourth, a reason for the void for vagueness doctrine is to avoid encroachment on First
Amendment freedoms, such as Freedom of Speech and religion. Because vague laws
cause uncertainty in the minds of average citizens, some citizens will inevitably decline to
take risky behavior that might land them in jail. When the vague provisions of a state or
federal statute deter citizens from engaging in certain political or religious discourse,
courts will apply heightened scrutiny to ensure that protected expression is not
suppressed. For example, a law that prohibits "sacrilegious" speech would simultaneously
chill the freedoms of expression and religion in violation of the void for vagueness
doctrine (Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson, 343 U.S. 495, 72 S. Ct. 777, 96 L. Ed. 1098 [1952]).

Reference (Link): -->> Void for Vagueness Doctrine legal definition of Void for Vagueness Doctrine. Void for Vagueness Doctrine synonyms by the Free Online Law Dictionary.