I would also like to point out that my Texan Southern Baptist professor did not tell us to believe or not believe in Original Sin. He actually said it was a hard case to prove in Hebraic thinking using Psalm 51:5, and had some very good reasons. Sadly I cannot remember them all, and my notes are put away. I still have the actual transcriptions from Hebrew, but not the notes.
His big reason for telling us this, was so that we would "think" and also search the scriptures. That is one of the purposes of Seminary - to make you think and search. I know that thinking through all my doctrine really helped reinforce my faith. It is also the reason I enjoy this forum so much.
Some people come in here with pure garbage, such as Mary worship, and because I know it is not in the Bible at all, I can throw it out. Others come in here with doctrines I have not heard about, and I can learn, and make a decision based not just on what I read here, but what the Word of God says. Preferably not Scripture torn out of context or mistranslated.
Finally, there are people coming here who directly contradict the Word of God, on things that to me are a necessity (such as the divinity of Christ). It sharpens me to read and to enter into the discussion. Whether these heretics are convinced is another issue. But maybe some people who did not know or understand have learned from the discussion from the many people who have very strong doctrine and who have really searched the Scriptures.
Which is really what this post is about. What is essential to believe as a Christian, and what is unnecessary? Maybe a post for each item, except the ones that already have over 100 threads on them?
And no, Jimmie, not rustled at all! Just enjoying thinking out loud and wondering what others have learned on the topic of Original Sin, from their reading of the Bible.
