I have been surprised by the sometimes heated debates between Christians. It got me wondering what is the common ground and what is needed for someone to be called a Christian
The list of beliefs I know of.
I suspect these are needed to be called a Christian.
Original Sin (I would say sin. We need to have a change of heart toward God and sin and acknowledge our sinfulness (to repent). But I don't think we need to know the origin of this sin for salvation).
Trinity (I agree that we need a correct understanding of who Jesus is. We need to know that only God can save us from our sin, and that Jesus, who is God, came and shed his blood for us in our place for our forgiveness. And that by believing in Him, and His sacrifice alone, God has forgiven us). A false understanding of the Trinity gives a false understanding of Jesus (i.e. a false Jesus).
Jesus died for sins (I agree - see above).
Paul is an apostle of Jesus (I don't agree. This is surely beneficial and needed for growth, but I don't see it as being a requirement for salvation. That said, I don't understand how one could know what Paul said, and have come to know Christ, and not believe Paul is an apostle of Christ.
Bible has no errors (I don't agree. Again, I see this as surely beneficial and needed for growth, but not a salvation requirement).
No premarital Sex (I don't agree. We are all sinners when we come to Christ. He will change us, but in His power and time. We come to Him and He changes us, not we change to come to Him).
Same Sex marriage is wrong (I don't agree. We need to understand what sin is, and that we are sinners, so I find it hard to believe someone could come to Jesus knowing they are sinful, without understanding sodomy is wrong. That being said, I don't think it is impossible - the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, in His power and His time).
Additional beliefs a Christian may or may not have
Faith not works is salvation (As above - by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone).
Good works glorify God (Not required for salvation).
Speaking in Tongues (Not required for salvation).
Hell is not forever (A dangerous heresy. That is, what is Jesus saving us from if Hell is not forever? God's righteous judgement should be part of our belief in Christ and sin, and repentance. I don't think it strictly is required for salvation, but I don't really think one can understand the magnitude of their sin if they don't understand this. Is denial of Hell a denial of God's righteous judgement, and a false understanding of Jesus (i.e. belief in a false Jesus)? Can someone help here?)
God hates (Required for salvation - God hates sin. That's why we need salvation.)
Genesis is literal (Earth is less than 10,000 years old) (Not required for salvation).
Future Sins forgiven (Not required for salvation, but why would you come to Jesus for forgiveness if you thought He couldn't forgive your future sins?)
Praying to saints and Mary (Catholics) (A dangerous heresy. I would go so far as to say if you are doing this, you possibly don't believe in the true Jesus, which is a requirement for salvation).
Spiritual healing (Not required for salvation).
Heaven reward is the same for everyone (Not required for salvation).
No blood tranfusions (Not required for salvation).
Smoking is a sin (form of Suicide) (Not required for salvation).
All food clean (Not required for salvation).
What about God had mercy on me and revealed His truth to me. I responded and continue to respond in faith?
