Theology: The essentials

Question 1

Concentric circles of importance

Answer 1

1. Essential for salvation
2. Essential for orthodoxy
3. Important, but not essential
4. Not important
5. Pure speculation

Question 2

Essentials for salvation

Answer 2

1. Believe in God
2. Christ’s Deity
3. Faith alone
4. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection (Gospel)
5. The atonement (Christ died for our sins)

Question 3

Essentials: Christ’s Deity

Answer 3

Christ is a person of the Trinity who is also fully God, however, this is an understanding that we mature into as believers, for new believers, however, it is not essential whether they understand the doctrine of the trinity, but it is essential that they understand that Jesus is the son of God, meaning that he is more than a mere man.

Question 4

solo fida

Answer 4

faith alone

Question 5

Essentials: Trinity

Answer 5

The trinity is a theological statement about the relationship between the persons of God and the essence of God

It is a model that represents the best articulation of what scripture teaches about God, that theologians can come up with. It is in no way a complete understanding of God but represents our best current undertanding.

Even though it is important to understand God, we need to acknowledge that even our best interpretation or attempts to understand Him to falls short, and so making this Understanding essential for salvation, would condemn us all.

However, just because a complete understanding of the trinity and God might not be essential for our salvation, does not mean that it is not important for orthodoxy

Believe in the Trinity is not essential for salvation, but it is essential for orthodoxy, as it falls in the category of the ‘tradition of the church’

Question 6

What is the problem with homosexuals christians?

Answer 6

homosexuals who confess their faith in Christ might well be saved. But even if homosexuality, as a lifestyle, does not determine whether they are saved or not, it is still ‘unorthodox’, meaning it is a lifestyle outside of the faith and the church.

Question 7

What is the problem with “homosexual Christians”?

Answer 7

homosexuals who confess their faith in Christ might well be saved. But even if homosexuality, as a lifestyle, does not determine whether they are saved or not, it is still ‘unorthodox’, meaning it is a lifestyle outside of the faith and the tradition of the church. The bible is clear that our faith needs to be orthodox.

Question 8

What should our attitude be towards Christian beliefs?

Answer 8

“In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, but in all things charity” -Rupertes Meldinius

Question 9

Why is it important for Christians to be able to discern between essentials and non-essentials?

Answer 9

So that we understand what exactly it is that unifies us in Christ, and what things not to divide over.

Question 10

Is it possible to have 100% certainty about everything, and If not should that hinder our faith?

Answer 10

No, we can never be 100% certain in everything, but we needed 100% certainty in everything before we acted on anything, we would never act. Only insane people require 100% certainty

You can get in your car and speed down the highway, without being 100% certain that the breaks won’t fail, because it would be reasonable to believe that it won’t

In the same way, even though we can’t be 100% certain of absolutely everything, as Christian, we can still live the Christian life as it is reasonable to do so.

Just by looking at nature, we cannot be 100% sure that God exists, but It is much more reasonable to believe that there is a God (Creator), than to believe that there isn’t

Question 11

Is it possible to have 100% certainty about everything, and If not should that hinder our faith?

Answer 11

No, we can never be 100% certain in everything, but if we needed 100% certainty in everything before we acted on anything, we would never act.

Only insane people require 100% certainty, in fact, it is now widely accepted in psychology that the ‘intolerance of uncertainty” plays is a huge role in the psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and more.

You can get into your car and speed down the highway, without being 100% certain that the breaks won’t fail, because it would be reasonable to believe that it won’t

In the same way, even though we can’t be 100% certain of absolutely everything, as Christian, we can still live the Christian life as we have reason to believe that God exists and that He is trustworthy and faithful to his word.

Just by looking at nature, we cannot be 100% sure that God exists, but It is much more reasonable to believe that there is a God (Creator), than to believe that there isn’t

Question 12

Different kinds of certainty

Answer 12

.1. Emotional Certainty

2. Absolute Certainty
   
   • Mathematical certainty (scientific method)
   • Analytical certainty (true by analysis)
3. Intellectual Certainty
   
   • Empirical certainty (weight of evidences)
   • Logical certainty (what is reasonable)
4. Moral certainty (what is demanded)