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Originally Posted by Morpheus
Some who participate here equate doctrine with "dogma", in the negative sense.
Just as they may assert that, "all religions are cults". This, involving simple-mindedness, and a reactive mindset.
However, in fact, there is the reality of sound doctrine as a necessity to the Christian faith, as well as there are existing various peculiar beliefs which St. Paul addresses as,
"wind of doctrine".
One example, in modern times, might be "snake handling" Christian believers.
There is also the denomination that believes that all believers must speak in tongues.
And, there are the "cults", both Christian and non Christian.
One seen as a Christian cult emphasizes worshipping on a certain calendar day as essential to salvation, but because they hold to the essential tenets of the faith, they are not considered to be non Christian.
Through history there have been short lived "fads", also.
In Ephesians 4:14 Paul writes about, however, not being tossed about by every wind of doctrine in an immature mindset.
So, the issue then is about the essential tenets of the Christian faith. Which do equate with "dogma", and not in a negative sense. But, important, and positive.
This is something which should be considered by the believer.
What are the tenets that are essential in Christianity? Which identify a belief, or an organization, as genuinely Christian, or as errant and awry?
"Amiss"?
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