Why do Christian people argue over things that don't really affect salvation?

[JustDucky]

Things like evolution or the age of the earth or what date the second coming is (or "rapture, if that is what you believe.) Isn't it more important to live a Christ-like life and follow his teachings?

 

[DOOMEDtWe'realldoomedt]

Long ago, someone created a theorem. It goes something like, "Earth + Evolution = There is no God". The theorem itself remains unproven, but the controversial implications rattle more than a few feathers.

 

[seekerofHolyGod]

to reveal the truth of god and refute lies

god tells us to rebuke and reprove


KJV: II Timothy 4:2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

[Cthulhu]

By that logic, life itself doesn't affect your salvation either. You have your ticket to heaven, why not just kill yourself?

 

[jpaul]

What part is it that does not affect salvation?
Every part of the Bible affects salvation.

Your statement shows that you do not understand the Bible, or what being Christlike really is.

In The Bible there is just one right answer for everything, and if a person does not have that one right answer, then he/she is wrong.

If the person is wrong in their beliefs, then God does not accept being wrong in ones beliefs no matter how sincere the person is.

And if the person tells someone else his wrong beliefs , then that makes him/her a false teacher and no false teacher will enter into the Kingdom of God.

Therefore: Everything affects your salvation. Believe it or not.

Read the book and find out.

 

[MichelleJoseph]

I do not believe it was meant to be this way, but it is. And the three things you mention are the ones that I see most often at the centre of these fights.

Character development and how to achieve it seems to be the least fought over.
Dogma issues concern general teachings.........lots and lots of fighting.
Prophecy issues concerning fulfilment..........lot and lots and lots of fighting.

But why all the infighting among Christians?

It maybe the teachings that other branches of Christianity are wrong and will be destroyed in some kind of hellish judgement. This ,"you are approved of God" is a deep reason for most of it as they try to convince one another to join their "truth".

Me? Just gave up. Thought very carefully about all that is being said. Picked those things that have a truth to them and isolated myself from everyone. Most of my larger convictions about God seem to have been influenced by one particular religion but I do not belong to it.

I focus more on my relationship with God because I see problems with them all.

A fiercely Independent Irish Christian Eschatologist

 

[Faith_works]

Good point.

But the literalness of Adam and Eve are key, since without that, then the whole idea of Christ as the second "Adam" does fall apart.

The age of the earth is, in many ways, a side bar discussion.

 

[Blueleyedgirl]

Cuz most of 'em are just plain wonkers.

 

[déƒåç†ø]

"Christ-like" has become a subjective (in other words, meaningless) term in Christianity. It's dumb, Christ most likely didn't even live a life remotely similar to how the Bible describes. Ever heard of the telephone game? In the words of Palin's father "Thur ya go baby"

 

[JAMESO]

My goodness. When you're right, you're really right.

 

[AliceInWonderland1]

A dominance seems to pour over people trying to prove they know something over someone else. Hence they argue, when they should really be discussing it.

 

[SpecialK1]

The entire bible is summed up in two verses - Acts 16:30-31.

The rest of the bible explains those verses. Including the rapture, second coming, earth history and the creation of man

 

[Daisy]

Simple really....because if you believe in Evolution and the rapture, you are not following what the Bible states, those two subjects are not found in the Bible, so Jesus would not approve of them, as they are not Gods teachings. In order to follow Gods Laws to the full, and worship Him properly we have to be guided only by the Bible, as that is the only word of God. However having said that to argue or force others to believe what is right, is a total waste of time ! Everything stated in the Bible affects ones salvation

 

[alzo]

Maybe it's pride. It certainly is a waste of time.

Division over side issues is actually addressed in the epistles. It is better to let certain things go and focus on unity then to be divided.

I think that's why there are so many Christian denominations.