Pilgrim,<br><br>you ask: <blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>After reading your list of "Favorite Authors" and your replies to some of the messages posted in the Open Forum, I am very curious about a few things. If you are willing, I would appreciate it if you would answer a few of the many questions I have about what you embrace theologically. <br><br>Can you please tell me, according to your belief, who Jesus Christ was/is?<br><br>Similarly, do you hold to the historic doctrine of the Trinity as set forth in the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds?<br><br>What is your view of Scripture? e.g., do you accept its self-attestation of divine inspiration?<br><br>Would you affirm the historicity of the creation and that of Adam and Eve, the virgin birth, etc.?<br><br>I guess that would be a good start. <br><br><br>In His Grace, <p><hr></blockquote><p><br><br>Pilgrim let me quote from website of my church, Community of Christ.<br><br><blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>Our Faith and Beliefs <br><br>Recognizing that the perception of truth is always qualified by human nature and experience, there is no official church creed that must be accepted by all members. <br><br>However, through the years various statements, such as those listed below, have been developed to present the generally accepted beliefs of the church. All people are encouraged to study the scriptures, to participate in the life and mission of the church, and to examine their own experiences as they grow in understanding and response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. <br><br><br>God <br><br>The one eternal, living God is triune: one God in three persons. The God who meets us in the testimony of Israel is the same God who meets us in Jesus Christ, and who indwells creation as the Holy Spirit. God is the Eternal Creator, the source of love, life, and truth. God actively loves and cares for each person. All things that exist owe their being to God. God alone is worthy of our worship. <br><br>Jesus Christ <br><br>Jesus Christ is "God with us," the Son of God, and the living expression of God in the flesh. Jesus Christ lived, was crucified, died, and rose again. The nature, love, and purpose of God are most clearly seen in Jesus Christ, our Savior. <br><br>Spirit <br><br>The Holy Spirit is the continuing presence of God in the world. The Spirit works in our minds and hearts through intelligence, comfort, guidance, love, and power to sustain, inspire, and remake us. <p><hr></blockquote><p><br><br>I believe the Bible to be the words of God written by human hands. That is I do not affirm its inerrancy. I believe that much in the Bible is of inestimable value & shows clearly God's Spirit at work but I also see much in the Bible which fosters racism, the enslavement of peoples, parochial Hebrew viewpoints & values, etc.<br><br>Quote from www.cofchrist.org <blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>Scripture <br><br>The scriptures provide divine guidance and inspired insight for life when responsibly interpreted and faithfully applied. With other Christians, we affirm the Bible as scripture for the church. In our tradition, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are additional scriptural witnesses of God’s love and Christ’s ministry. <p><hr></blockquote><p><br><br><br>I do not believe that the world was created in six literal days & I note that the Hebrew in Genesis is more supportive of my POV than of the literalist one. As for Adam & Eve, I simply don't know.<br><br>As for the virgin birth, I recognise the very late provenance of that doctrine & also that the early church makes no mention of it as a dogma. Personally I believe that it is more of a miracle for God to use the ordinary procreative process than for (against all nature) a virgin to conceive & give birth.<br><br>Now you can excoriate me![Linked Image]