My Christian Beliefs

[banana republican]

Poll question: My Christian Beliefs

I have been at DU since 2003 and as a Christian (note the capital C) and I do not take offense at many of the comments that are posted on DU.

I feel that it is important to understand what it means to be a Christian, at least from my Lutheran point of view. Having been to seminary during the Viet Nam war I find that many of my of my beliefs are colored by that conflict.

1)I believe that Baptism is a sacrament. In Baptism a covenant is made between man and “God” in which we Christians agree to daily “drown” ourselves. In other words to daily examine ourselves, our motives, our beliefs, our perspective on the world. In a more philosophical language, we examine our presuppositions about ourselves and the world in which we live. If you want to know more please read Kierkegaard's “Concept of Irony”. This is non-negotiable item of my faith.

2) I believe that we are all in this together. In the Sacrament of Communion we participate in a community; we are all one. As Luther stated in his works; just as the grapes are crushed and made into one wine; and the wheat is crushed and made into
one loaf of bread; so also we are all crushed and made into one people. This is also non-negotiable.

3)I suppose that I should include the fact that I believe in God; although I do not know what the word “God” means. By definition I do not know what the word “God” means or who/what/he/she/it is . All I know is that I don't understand his/her/its nature or motives. I beleive in Christ because of items 1 and 2 above; they are true irregardless of whether or not you are a "Christian".

4)As an aside, I personally think that the war on Christmas is a fraud. The questions that Christ will ask at our judgment will be a) I was hungry; did you feed me? b) I was sick; did you heal me? c) I was thirsty; did you give me a drink? d) I was in prison did you visit me?

I am posting this because I feel it is important to understand what I believe & why I am a Christian.