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Religion

Major Nikon

(36,915 posts) Tue Mar 26, 2019, 11:40 AM Mar 2019

Is biblical literalism a requirement to be a real Christian? [View all]

Obviously some biblical literalists think so, but most would agree this is a silly idea.

Still it's strange why so many Christians who insist on such broad interpretations of Christianity would also insist on the narrowest definition of atheism as the disbelief in gods. I suppose the reason is it makes it much easier to argue with a straw person than a real one.

35 replies

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Is biblical literalism a requirement to be a real Christian? [View all] Major Nikon Mar 2019 OP

Seems to depend on sect, translation and safeinOhio Mar 2019 #1

It's really just an indicator of how narrow the mind is Major Nikon Mar 2019 #3

It varies, but some literalism is certainly necessary for belief. MineralMan Mar 2019 #2

Most dictionary definitions of christian is just one who follows the teachings of Christ Major Nikon Mar 2019 #4

Well, I always accept someone's own status if they say they are a Christian. MineralMan Mar 2019 #6

That's the safest approach Major Nikon Mar 2019 #7

Out of curiosity, of course, I often ask for details of what one believes. MineralMan Mar 2019 #9

An overly broad question. guillaumeb Mar 2019 #12

No, it is not. It is just a question. MineralMan Mar 2019 #15

I have in fact answered some specific questions about specific verses or stories. guillaumeb Mar 2019 #17

Whatever, Monsieur B. Whatever. MineralMan Mar 2019 #19

It is an answer. guillaumeb Mar 2019 #23

Near as I can tell, he believes in an original quantum fluctuation marylandblue Mar 2019 #26

Only for the Non-Metaphorical parts of the text. (NT) NeoGreen Mar 2019 #5

No handmade34 Mar 2019 #8

Well, that's true. I have met working Christian ministers who admit they are atheists. MineralMan Mar 2019 #10

Many, if not most churches require some sort of seminary education for their ministers Major Nikon Mar 2019 #11

I'm sure I've told this story before in this group: MineralMan Mar 2019 #18

My dad was a Unitarian minister Major Nikon Mar 2019 #20

Well, I was just filling in for my friend. MineralMan Mar 2019 #22

I've heard this before Lordquinton Mar 2019 #24

Good question. It's a job, I guess. MineralMan Mar 2019 #25

Kinda takes the mystique out of the whole thing Lordquinton Mar 2019 #28

It probably depends on the individual. MineralMan Mar 2019 #32

The Clergy Project... NeoGreen Mar 2019 #31

That's a very interesting website - particularly the individual stories. MineralMan Mar 2019 #33

My pleasure... NeoGreen Mar 2019 #35

Yeah, kind of funny the person who insists no one can define someone else's religion or beliefs... trotsky Mar 2019 #13

He's not the only one Major Nikon Mar 2019 #21

"a theist" or "atheist"-what a difference a space makes n/t delisen Mar 2019 #14

"real Christian" edhopper Mar 2019 #16

In classical Christian hermeneutics Loki Liesmith Mar 2019 #27

If you are going there, 'literalism' Voltaire2 Mar 2019 #30

Not even people studying theology are biblical literalists. DetlefK Mar 2019 #29

I think it depends on what kind of theologian they are Major Nikon Mar 2019 #34